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Pluvious

(4,315 posts)
Fri Jan 8, 2021, 02:41 PM Jan 2021

"The Start Of Something That Is Very Difficult To Turn Back" by Walker Bragman

“The Start Of Something That Is Very Difficult To Turn Back”

The author of "Strongmen: From Mussolini To The Present" discusses the threat of fascism in America after this week's violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

by Walker Bragman

After supporters of departing President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in an attempt to halt the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, I spoke to Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a professor of history and Italian studies at New York University, an expert on fascism.
...
WB: Can you explain the similarities you see between Donald Trump and fascist leaders of the past?

RB: Basically, he’s using this — what I call this authoritarian playbook, which is these tools of propaganda. And these men start to use them on their way into office — they use them when they’re campaigning nowadays because nowadays you have to run for office. So he’s used propaganda, which includes making people loyal to him, so you have rallies. And then they become dependent on him and everybody else’s reality, including the press, is denigrated.


Very worthwhile read...

https://www.dailyposter.com/p/the-start-of-something-that-is-very
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