Most assuredly America is far, far from fascism. But we are closer than we have ever been. Here are the degrees of proximity.
Fascism and Trumpism are populist movements fueled by fear and hatred of "the other." For fascism it was the Jews, for Trumpism it is brown immigrants, although hate crimes against minorities, including Jews, is on the rise. Trumpism and fascism attack the basic structure of civil society and government in order to centralize power in the hands of the leader. As part of that, both Fascism and Trumpism label the free press, "the enemy of the people."
Fascists created the "big lie." Say something often enough, and boldly, and the public will believe. Trump follows in their footsteps.
Trump does not have "brown shirts," but although mouthing the occasional criticism, has been remarkably tolerant towards white supremacists.
The biggest difference is than while Hitler murdered millions in death camps, Trump is merely separating asylum seekers from their children, and mistreating both parents and kids.
As we watch our president stage a totalitarian style military parade on this precious 4th day of July, we must question whether he is taking us on the right path.
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