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- kazamx, on 12/30/2007, -12/+212You just have to look at how easily Americans have abandoned their traditional views of the world to see how easy it is for a good country to do evil things.
In the Cold war your fathers saw how evil the Russian secret police were. They saw how dangerous it was to give the Government the power to monitor everyones movements for any reason. Today Americans have no problem
In WW2 your grandfathers argued against torture. While facing the most powerful war Machine ever they held themselves above the evil that torture represents Today America tortures.
In WW1 Your great great grandfathers argued against big business being in control of Government. Today thats how politics works in the US.
Everything those who came before you died for you have given up. What did it take for you to give it all up? a few men in 4 planes. The entire USSR with 40,000 nukes couldn't break your fathers. Nazi Germany who had taken control of almost all of Europe and had almost beaten the Mighty British Empire could not make your grandfathers sink to their level. But today, in your fear, you gave it all away. - Evermin7, on 12/30/2007, -45/+217To anyone who thinks that I am crazy for believing that this is happening: F*CK YOU!
- MBX1, on 12/30/2007, -4/+111"Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, IT IS THE LEADERS of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is TELL THEM THEY ARE BEING ATTACKED, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN ANY COUNTRY."
-- Herman Goering (Nuremburg Trials) - PSWTyrant, on 12/30/2007, -11/+95It's clearly in progress in my opinion.
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -8/+64Well put. I believe it goes a bit deeper than just 9/11. Most people are simply apathetic. As long as there is cold beer in the fridge and their favorite show is on, nothing else matters. The few of us who do care and see what is happening constantly hear "well, there's nothing we can do about it". Thank God the FF didn't have that attitude. I figure many eyes will be opened when the next big 'event' hits and Bush or whomever declares martial law. I wouldn't want to live in a large city. The riots/chaos will be ugly.
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -3/+55Lol, post 911.
Like it's something new. Remember Vietnam? I do. I read the same article back in the day, except 911 was called Vietnam.
Alcohol was made illegal in 1913 and you think American fascism is something new. That's laughable. Remember the McCarthy trials? When it was illegal to think that communism was maybe not so bad?
Remember when the cops killed students for protesting? Remember Attica?
Fascism isn't new, you just have a very short memory. - jmpeagle, on 12/30/2007, -26/+70WTF is this article going on about? Democracy is probably the number one reason for this. Hitler was the result of democracy. Democracy is simply majority rule, which leads to the suppression of those who think and act differently than the majority or some other large powerful ineterest group.
All democracies will inevitably lead to the loss of rights. This is true not only of democracies but of all governments. It's human nature. Even pure anarchy would inevitably lead to a strongman tyrant localized at a tribal level but eventually wars will lead to power consolidation and the formation of governments.
Some good material covering this is a book by Mancur Olson's "The Rise and Decline of Nations". The idea is that small distributional coalitions tend to form over time in countries. Groups like cotton-farmers, steel-producers, and labor unions will have the incentives to form political lobbies and influence policies in their favor. These policies will tend to be protectionist and anti-technology, and will therefore hurt economic growth; but since the benefits of these policies are selective incentives concentrated amongst the few coalitions members, while the costs are diffused throughout the whole population, the "Logic" dictates that there will be little public resistance to them. Hence as time goes on, and these distributional coalitions accumulate in greater and greater numbers, the nation burdened by them will fall into economic decline. - bjornski, on 12/30/2007, -8/+44Actually, denying it shows a lack of understanding history also.
There are many parallels. Don't discount them all because a few things about it are different. - brstilson, on 12/30/2007, -6/+41Those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
In other words, covering your ears and going "LA LA LA LA IM NOT LISTENING LA LA LA LA AMERICA CAN'T EVER BE LIKE NAZI GERMANY LA LA LA LA LA" doesn't mean that this country can never fall to fascism. - kilofox, on 12/30/2007, -3/+32Democracy is 5 Foxes and 4 Hens voting on what's for dinner.
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -2/+30That's why we are sup posed to be a CONSTITUTIONAL democracy.
The Constitution is there to limit the powers of the Democracy - to that majority rule does not trump individual rights. - jerryterhorst, on 12/30/2007, -2/+28this article is right about most things, but there are some major differences that need to be pointed out. a majority of americans do not agree with bush's policies anymore. germans, in general, were "propagandized" into believing the jews and "lesser races" were the result of all of their problems. also, the united states has been a democracy for over 230 years--germany had had a tumultuous past ever since the uniting of the german tribes, had already fought one world war, and was under the effects of the horrible treaty of versailles.
also, very important thing to remember: bush is going to be leaving office in 2008. NOTHING will change that. if by some crazy twist of fate he attempted to stay in office longer, im pretty sure every american would unite to remove him, forcibly if necessary. - ithejosh, on 12/30/2007, -9/+34I thought this was obvious.
- Rotzooi, on 12/30/2007, -10/+34I love how that's the best the Bushies here can come up with. That, or some asinine comment that includes a mention of tin foil.
- GOVStooge, on 12/30/2007, -2/+22Why everyone insists on placing the blame on Bush boggles my mind. There is a very long list of politicians from both the Republican AND Democratic side of the aisle.
- Urusai, on 12/30/2007, -1/+20Apparently you missed the bit where America is a republic and not a democracy.
- BluesFan, on 12/30/2007, -1/+20I think most people can see it coming but how do we stop it?
- edmcguirk, on 12/30/2007, -1/+20I think you mean a true utopia is all about respecting the views of the minorities.
There's nothing in the definition of a democracy about respect for the minority viewpoint.
The USA was specifically built to protect the minority viewpoint, to prevent "mob rule" typical of an unrestrained democracy, but that seems to be eroding a bit lately. - hiphoc, on 12/30/2007, -10/+28Ok Rush
- engwar, on 12/30/2007, -1/+19That's a foolish statement.
If you don't like what's happening in America you should work to change it, not leave. - Napoleone, on 12/30/2007, -0/+18From the mouth of evil, yet people don't listen. Just as they didn't listen to Napoleon when he said religion was the only thing that kept the poor from killing the abusive rich, or when Bush said, "See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda."
The masses will always fall prey to their own apathy and disinterest in the truth. - kazamx, on 12/30/2007, -4/+20Nah he will do it in conjunction with the TV networks and big beer companies. Just before he announces martial law, the TV networks will put on a whole bunch of great shows, The day before the big beer companies will announce 3 for 1 deals. This way everyone will be soo happy with the good TV and all the beer in their fridge, they won't notice.
- ProfessorRamrod, on 12/30/2007, -2/+18what we really do need is to get off our lazy asses and vote...i remember hearing that only 10% of voters that vote for the main race vote in the primaries, if we all vote for Ron and Kuchinich(SP) we can shut those MSM bastards up, shut the cowards in office up and shut the wannabe dictators up. Come January get off your lazy ass and vote
- osbjmg, on 12/30/2007, -8/+24If he learned this in history class, why do you need to bring your grandfather as a character witness?
In all seriousness, I don't know why people think this can't happen today. Don't be ignorant guys, this can and is happening right now. - mortbort, on 12/30/2007, -6/+21Wait until the next great depression comes. When people are desperate and poor nasty things can happen rather quickly. The foundation for this is being built.
- gasoline, on 12/30/2007, -5/+18You confuse Nazism and fascism. Fascism in its purest form was in Italy during Mussolini era, and yes, the United States indeed are like Italy at that time; you even make the same mistakes: Italians invaded Ethiopia in 1935 to boost morale back at home, and, well, things didn't work out well. When WWII started, the Italian army was very under-equipped.
Comparisons with Nazi Germany seem a bit far-fetched. - TheSkinsFactory, on 12/30/2007, -7/+20I believe in Americans.
So what does that mean? It means deep down I believe that we Americans are inherently a good & caring people. Yes, a large majority voted for Bush for a second term. People make mistakes, but i do not believe that when the chips are down - if the ***** hits the fan, that Americans will stand by in this day and age, and let the same atrocious things the Nazis did happen here. I also know that we are armed to the teeth and would fight back and start a new revolution, if our leaders become "too big for their britches" or if our fellow Americans were suffering under a truly fascist rule. So yes, i worry about the state of affairs under this administration, but I believe in us and our ability to overcome any obstacle put forth, foreign or domestic. - thcobbs, on 12/30/2007, -5/+18apparently you missed the whole part of the one with the most votes wins.
- EarlOfLade, on 12/30/2007, -0/+12Hey surrendermonkey! What's up with all this running crap always coming from rightwingers? Is that what you people do when you don't like things? Run with the tail between your legs? I personally prefer to stay and fight for what I believe in, not that I expect you to understand such ideas but.
- Napoleone, on 12/30/2007, -5/+17There is very real evidence that much of it was a lie.
It's a matter of fact that at least seven of the alleged hijackers are still alive today. It's a matter of fact that the attacks were indeed foreseeable. It's a matter of fact that the money trail, which lead to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, was ignored. It's a matter of fact that the 9/11 Commission had members in key posts with serious conflicts of interests, such as the one member who was a writing buddy of Condoleezza Rice.
It is a matter of fact that Sibel Edmonds was deemed a credible witness by the Congress after much her secret testimony was verified accurate, and that she was silenced by the Administration and the Justice Department through the use of the States Secrets privilege. And it's a matter of fact that she alleges high-level treason in regards to the events of 9/11.
So, although we don't know the truth, we do know we've been lied to. Or at least those of us who are actually interested in the truth know this. - cswake, on 12/30/2007, -0/+11Incorrect. We are not a democracy, but rather a REPUBLIC that exhibits what you talk about.
- Barnolde, on 12/30/2007, -1/+12We're all *****, what else is new?
By telling people that new security features like cameras are for their own good makes them accepting towards them, makes them less likely to question them. Britain has the most cameras of any country and the crime rate has not gone down significantly, only the amount of privacy has. - inactive, on 12/30/2007, -0/+11history is now. it's not good to him.
- scott2007, on 12/30/2007, -6/+17Uh, no, you're obviously not crazy....
- kleverness, on 12/30/2007, -5/+16Your going to be buried for saying bad things about democracy, which is something unquestionable for American people. The truth is that representative democracy is just a way to make people believe that they are making a choice, though all the candidates represents the same corporate interests.
- inactive, on 12/30/2007, -7/+189/11 was the best thing that happened to American Right wing Extremists lately. An opportunity to spread their ideas of hate and destruction of everything that is unfamiliar. Everything that wasn't 'with them' was 'against them'. The fear of the American population for something that kills less multiple times less than road accidents was huge.
- gypsie, on 12/30/2007, -0/+11Also don't forget that democracy can not work with hijacked media. People usually will make the right choices if they are provided with true facts and not propaganda. Hijacked media is just another sign of moving toward fascism. Making education expensive and therefor unavailable to the majority is another trick. Uneducated people are easier to manipulate than educated. They also try to make politics as dirty as possible so weaker people will turn away in discuss giving them free reign to do as they please. I grew up in communism and anybody who tried to dethrone the ruling class was labeled as "public enemy" or "enemy of state". What's the difference if we compare it to today's US. Anybody can be labeled "terrorist", stripped of his rights and be harassed and persecuted.
- Smackmaster2000, on 12/30/2007, -2/+13The only reason it didn't happen after 9-11 was that Bush wasn't quite able to seize power completely. Think about it, Congress authorized going into Iraq not six months later and they would have authorized anything the President wanted at that time. But by the time the President thought of it, it was too late and people had started to wake up.
"When fascism comes to this country it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross." Upton Sinclair - UltraPenguinX, on 12/30/2007, -5/+15That's a reasonable response...
- Napoleone, on 12/30/2007, -3/+13Lightly why? Do you realize how close America has come in the past to that form of extreme fascism? Up until WWII, Eugenics was a very strong trend here in the U.S. In fact, it still is. Planned Parenthood is the work of a group who believed minorities should be encouraged to abort their unborn children. They've had much success.
These upcoming elections will mean nothing at all if neither Kucinich or Paul get elected. The system is absolutely corrupted, and all the other candidates embrace that system as it is. - tehxen3, on 12/30/2007, -9/+19I'm afraid of both lunatic socialist liberals and racist-socialist republicans. As far as I'm concerned mexicans are just people looking for a better life. US is the most multicultural country on the planet, and there are many peaceful prosperous countries like Switzerland and others in Europe who have no problem with coexisting. It's only intolerant people like you that make problems out of it.
- TheSkinsFactory, on 12/30/2007, -2/+12You vote. That's the real revolution.
- whahaa, on 12/30/2007, -0/+10i think a large part of the phenomenon of forgetfulness here is coming from the generation born after 1980, the most vocal bunch of all on the intertubes. this generation is too young to really remember the cold war, barely conscious of the first gulf war. their first political memories come from the clinton era, 8 years when america was reveling in the afterglow of the USSR's collapse. to a generation that grew up in the 90s with no large, propagandized 'threat' like communism or terrorism, this all seems like it came from gwbush, when in fact what really happened was that american had an 8 year reprieve before returning to it's fear-mongering population control tactics.
just my own personal theory here. - jsmu, on 12/30/2007, -0/+10WORST 'president' in history, without a close second, third, or tenth.
RUINED the economy, ruined the country, gutted the Bill of Rights, instituted voter fraud, fascism, torture as national institutions....
Have anything else to say, you imbecilic pile of horse dung? - jsmu, on 12/30/2007, -2/+12No, you cretinous criminal fascist, YOU GET THE ***** OUT!
- Waiting2awake, on 12/30/2007, -4/+14Anti-Bush? Like starting illegal wars, spying on American citizens, torture and secret prisons aren't enough....
Talk about assinine. - jbird71, on 12/30/2007, -4/+14Why does no one on Digg get sarcasm?
- bjornski, on 12/30/2007, -0/+9You think you'll be able to "just leave"?
Hehehe.
I don't think so. - EzraT1, on 12/30/2007, -0/+9Yeah it's always " just a damn conspiracy theory" with some of you people, the government could damn well do anything they want and people try to warn you about but it's always "just a damn conspiracy theory". By the time these people are sure it's real it will definitely be to late fortunately not everyone thinks this way.
- fullphaser, on 12/30/2007, -1/+10You assume Bush is the problem, you are incorrect, Bush is a figurehead, much like it was Hitler's cabinet and politicians who made most of the policies that dictated that country. To pin all of Nazi Germany's problems on its leader is simply idiocy, and the same issue exist here it is those cabinet members and sub politicians who ultimately you have to worry about carrying forward as they are the ones who keep getting reelected.
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