How is Fascism different than Authoritarianism?

[FoghornLeghorn]

I appreciate your take on this topic, and many of your conclusions match my research and understanding.

The one thing I have a problem with is this use of the terms "Left" and "Right". An earlier poster commented that they thought fascism was associated with the far right. You assert that fascism is something from the far left.

In other words, the terms "right" and "left" do not align with reality. In fact, it seems like they flip-flop in meaning from one era to the next. I will even assert that the terms 'right' and 'left' mean totally different things between one region of the world and another in current politics.

The only difference lies in the local (geographic) political marketing strategies employed.

To me the extreme of leftist ideology is communism. The extreme of right-wing ideology would be anarchy wherein there is very little government or protection of people's rights.

Fascism is first and foremost a political and economic ideology that many leftists enthusiastically support as long as it's not called "fascism".

I think it can be said that America's founding fathers would be defined as far-right by today's standards. They absolutely supported individual rights and liberties and wanted a limited federal government.

In simple terms, the mainstream left wants government programs for everything. Conversely, the right wants less of those things.

 

[Samofvt]

In this discussion, we have heard the terms Fascism, Authoritarianism, Communism (Marxism by inference).

But what is the term for what the people of the United States of America have had such GREAT success with? What is the term for the system that incorporates Democratic Free Elections, a Constitutional Republic, Rule of Law, and Individual Liberties which made the USA the shining light of hope for the world?

The term is Americanism

This is the experiment that our forefathers established and which has endured for almost 250 years.

Please support the Convention of States movement in order that we can demonstrate to the world that our Constitution is valid and that it works: We the people need to call an Article 5 meeting in order to rein in a Federal Government that has all appearances of turning into an Authoritarian regime. Our 'left' calls it Fascist, our 'right' calls it Communist, and some fear Dictatorship. No matter if you are Left or Right, I think we can all agree we would like to return to prosperity and opportunity for all of our citizens.

 

[Samofvt]

In simple terms, the mainstream left wants government programs for everything. Conversely, the right wants less of those things.

I think this is a correct observation.

However, the "left" (Democrat/Progressive) are rejecting the current POTUS's idea for a federal government program to end crime and homelessness in Washington D.C. (and talk of other cities, if their mayors will invite it). Is it just because of TDS that the "left" opposes the clean up efforts? The "left" seem to be in favor of allowing the anarchy of homelessness and crime.

Also, during the riots in 2020 that caused billions of dollars in damage and more than a few lives lost (George Floyd / BLM protests), the "Left" supported, even endorsed, the activities. Those activities are associated with anarchy, which you described as a far-right goal.

So...The roles appear to have reversed in some ways. I am suggesting that the answer is that the marketing is opportunistic.

 

[FoghornLeghorn]

Also, during the riots in 2020 that caused billions of dollars in damage and more than a few lives lost (George Floyd / BLM protests), the "Left" supported, even endorsed, the activities. Those activities are associated with anarchy, which you described as a far-right goal.

Borrowed from Google AI.

Anarchism is a political philosophy advocating for a society without hierarchical authority, such as a state or capitalism, favoring voluntary associations and direct action instead. The word "anarchism" comes from the Greek for "no rulers," and while it means the absence of government, it does not necessarily mean the absence of all order or rules. Anarchist principles often include values like personal freedom and egalitarianism, and they seek to replace existing social structures with decentralized, autonomous communities.

 

[Samofvt]

Borrowed from Google AI.

Anarchism is a political philosophy advocating for a society without hierarchical authority, such as a state or capitalism, favoring voluntary associations and direct action instead. The word "anarchism" comes from the Greek for "no rulers," and while it means the absence of government, it does not necessarily mean the absence of all order or rules. Anarchist principles often include values like personal freedom and egalitarianism, and they seek to replace existing social structures with decentralized, autonomous communities.

So you admit the left (Democrat/Progressive minority) are actively seeking Anarchism by promoting no rule of law during their protests and the acceptance of illegal activity and homeless vagrancy?

This is contrary to your statement that the left wants government programs to control everything and that the right wants anarchy.

I am suggesting there is a balance between the extremes, but people are too wrapped up in the marketing they are consuming. The marketing intends to divide us, whereas we should be united. Our division is what our enemies would like, so that we can be conquered.

In order to unite, we need to abandon the notions of "left" vs "right" and talk to each other about our common goals as a society: Americanism

 

[jc456]

Know this, demofks call conservatives fascist because we don’t agree with them validating they have no fking idea what the word means