On Meet the Press today, Trump gleefully defended his reference to Mussolini’s quote “It is better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep.”
I understand the GOP’s reluctance to compare Trump to the European Fascists of the 30’s. But, the already long list of comparisons continues to get longer every day. And, just as the list gets longer everyday, it is becoming harder, with every new example, for reasonable people to deny the simple conclusion that Trump is a Fascist in the same mold as pre World War European Fascists.
Fortunately for us today, European Fascist believed they were on the “Right” side of history they left a huge paper trail of their facts, conclusions, and actions. They made use the new technologies of the 20th century, including cinema and live recordings. In particular the German propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels was a great fan of film and believed strongly in the power of film to connect to the people through instinctually and emotionally.
And Trump’s appeal is not dissimilar to European Fascists in his appeal on the cult of personality of strength and an outright appeal to white supremacists. Just look at how Trump intentionally fosters a violent atmosphere. At his rallies his supporters enthusiastically cheer the physical abuse of protesters and anyone who is different. Trump even says he would love to punch these people in the face.
Again similar to European Fascists it’s frightening how much power the leader should have. The best example is his fundamental promise – to make Mexico pay for the wall – is based on some misconceived belief that as President he can unilaterally control how private companies spend and make money.
As another example of Trump’s embrace of Fascism is comments last week about the 1st Amendment.
“One of the things I’m going to do, and I’ve never said this before,” Trump said at a rally in Fort Worth, Texas, “but one of the things I’m going to do is — if I win — is I’m going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposefully negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.”
This is more than scary. For Trump to believe that he has the executive authority to either rewrite the Federal constitution or change the libel law of any of the 50 states, speaks more about his view the executive power than his lack of understanding of basic Constitutional law.
Barack Obama is constantly attacked by the GOP for his perceived “anti-constutional” actions. Even if Obama’s actions are what the GOP says, Trump’s well documented world view is far far worse.