Fascism, socialism two sides of political spectrum
ROBERT LEBZELTER column for May 31, 2009
Star Beacon
Barack Obama and his followers couldn’t be socialists and fascists at the same time.
It’s like being right-handed and left-handed.
The Library of Economics and Liberty calls fascism socialism with a capitalist veneer. The word derives from “fasces,” the Roman symbol of collectivism and power, a tied bundle of rods with a protruding ax.
After the socialistic Marxism took over in Russia, fascism was seen as an alternative to capitalism and socialism. Adolph Hitler was the ultimate fascist.
Way back during college days, we learned socialism is the absence of government. It is the people who are important. In fascism, the government becomes more important than people.
Now before I continue, let me tell you I am not implying anyone is a socialist or a fascist. The vast majority of people are somewhere in the center of the two extremes.
But the fact these terms are thrown about so much, I finally decided it was time to educate the various extreme factions.
Marxism or socialism is “classical liberalism,” states the Library of Economics and Liberty, while fascism emphasizes nationalism and racialism.
Socialism would control a society’s economic processes through direct state operation. Fascism seeks control indirectly, through domination of nominally private owners. Fascist say people have private property, but then must use it for what is best for the state.
So let us get our derogatory terms correct for people who write anonymous letters and post to message boards. If you are conservative and oppose the president, rattle the saber of socialism.
If you are more liberal and can’t stand Rush Limbaugh or Dick Cheney, call them fascists.
As for me, I will take a chapter from another great thinker of our time, Beacon sports writer Karl Pearson. He says you can call him anything. Just not late for dinner.
Lebzelter is special sections editor. E-mail him at bobleb@starbeacon.com.
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