10 Steps to Fascism

From Hitler to Pinochet and beyond, history shows there are certain steps that any would-be dictator must take to destroy constitutional freedoms. And, argues Naomi Wolf, George Bush and his administration seem to be taking them all

Are we on our way to a fascist state? According to this article there are ten simple steps to turn a democracy into fascism. Let's take a look...

1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy

Check...

2. Create a gulag

Check...

3. Develop a thug caste

Not quite but moving in that direction...

4. Set up an internal surveillance system

Oh yeah...

5. Harass citizens' groups

Yup...

6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release

Sure...

7. Target key individuals

Happens all the time...

8. Control the press

Yes. Or at least be in bed with them...

9. Dissent equals treason

Hearing this rhetoric quite a bit lately...

10. Suspend the rule of law

Just ask Bush...

So, it looks to me like many of these steps have been going on for quite some time but only recently, since 9/11 and under the Bush administration have the other 'difficult' steps been taken. Does that mean we're headed toward fascism?

Are we still a democracy, a democracy headed toward fascism, or are we already there?

Love your analysis, and yes we are already fascism and have been one for the last 4 years.

You are we us or against us

The damage to our republic is already irreversible, because our politicians do not care about it, and to many people in this nation trust the politicians with a blind eye.

Ironically, the exact same thing could be put into place with Socialist (liberals) ... happened before, it will happen again.

I find it funny people fear conservatives so much.

Aside from that, Bush is the most incompetent president since Carter (Cause Carter was worse.. ) and you think he can implement this .. master plan? Especially since most likely a democrat will win the next election.. maybe THEY will implement this master plan??

Originally posted by Rockpuck
Ironically, the exact same thing could be put into place with Socialist (liberals) ... happened before, it will happen again.

Examples?

Aside from that, Bush is the most incompetent president since Carter (Cause Carter was worse..

) and you think he can implement this .. master plan? Especially since most likely a democrat will win the next election.. maybe THEY will implement this master plan??

Not just Bush but the Bush regime including Wolfowitz, Cheney, & Co.

Here's a similar article including news links to support the claims....
14 Points of fascism

I don't doubt these steps have taken place under Bush. My question is whether they are deliberate steps to change our democracy into a fascist state or are these steps just a 'natural' progression since 9/11 (assuming you believe the official story).

Originally posted by Rockpuck
Ironically, the exact same thing could be put into place with Socialist (liberals) ... happened before, it will happen again.

I find it funny people fear conservatives so much.

Conservatism isn't the problem (The Bush administration isn't even Conservative, they're neoconservative, which, for the most part, takes the bad of both sides and unites them together in a vast display of overall crappiness.) but rather extremism. There are good people on both sides—though not many on either—and there are extremists on both sides.

Whatever the motive, the Bush administration has taken a number of steps that, if allowed to continue, could lead to a tyrannical state. We're not quite there yet, and there's somewhat of a balance now with the opposing party having the majority in Congress, but those steps have been taken.

Whether it's incompetence and lack of understanding of the Constitution, laziness in not wanting to come up with ways to accomplish goals without violating people's rights, or actual evil intent to gain greater control over the people, I don't know. Personally, I'd go with a mix of incompetent and evil, but that's me.

Examples?

*sigh*

Mao?
Lennin
Stalin
(most leaders of the USSR)
Most leaders of the Soviet Bloc, including Romania, Lithuania, ect.

Socialism. Good?

Logancal - could you please explain "neoconservatism" for me please? Honestly, I have heard so many different explanations, what is the "real" definition?

[edit on 4/24/2007 by Rockpuck]

PS. Every President since Washington has worked to turn America into a tyrant state. It is the fate of all democracies, they will all eventually turn to dictatorships.

[edit on 4/24/2007 by Rockpuck]

Originally posted by Rockpuck
Examples?

*sigh*

Mao?
Lennin
Stalin
(most leaders of the USSR)
Most leaders of the Soviet Bloc, including Romania, Lithuania, ect.

But they are to socialism what fundamentalist terror groups are to Islam. Just a vessel for their corrupt agendas, not socialism/islam in its true sense.

It's not that the US Government is saying, "Hey lets start a fachist state"...
They, like all governments, want power, control.

In the past it's been a battle between the Government and the People, the government wants control, the people want freedom. Through the election process, a balance was always found.

Now however, it seems that either the People have become so complacant toward their own freedoms, or the two parties have joined as one behind the curtain, and the election process can't give the people what they want.

Either way, the current administration is getting what every government desires, control over the people.

If the people do nothing to maintain freedom, freedom is lost... good luck getting it back.

Originally posted by johnskyIf the people do nothing to maintain freedom, freedom is lost... good luck getting it back.

If you're that concerned, take a good, long look here. Proof positive that not everybody's gone complacent. But you're quoted statement here is 100% dead-on accurate.
"The people...are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."--Thomas Jefferson
The source of the problems facing the USA now is that the People have relaxed their vigilance against tyranny and see where it's led so far?

facism is when the state works for the benift of corporations
b. mussolini.

may be time for the second ammendment?

Not just yet...People are still using the Rights granted in the First Amendment at this time...