We Still "Aren't Allowed" To Call It What It Is.

[Syrinx]

The Republican Party I know about.

They are bought by corporate America. They are owned lock, stock, and barrel.

What is it about the Democratic Party?

Are they co-conspirators? Are they puppets for the same string-pullers that control the Republicans?

Is the two party system a massive conspiracy bankrolled by the people with all the money?

Or is the Democratic party afraid of something?

Are the Democratic leaders being blackmailed? If so, by whom?

What, exactly, is going on?

We have NO opposition in our government.

Forget about a left wing in American politics. Two wings would require a backbone to balance them.

The Democratic government continually caves. Time after time. Issue after issue.

We have witnessed the destruction of the Constitution and yet "our" leaders still preach "compromise."

We have torture in the United States Of America, and still we don't indict. We don't even impeach.

We have the continual deaths in Iraq and the near death of New Orleans, and our Speaker still shines her
pretty, blank, phony smile at us.

Our supposed "wrestler" of a majority leader, and his henchmen, threaten subpoenas, but never deliver.

We have Blackwater, and numerous other private, undoubtedly connected armies, killing people for money, and we don't really investigate.

The worse conditions get, the more their profits increase (and that is the way the system is designed; it's not a mistake). Yet no one is held accountable.

Even after we heard the BBC report about the president's grandfather that plotted to mount a private army to overthrow the elected government of the United States?

We still can't even call it what it is?

They monitor our phone conversations and internet chats and postings, without warrant or judicial oversight of any kind, and yet we still don't rise up.

They compile dossiers on us, cross-indexed by our social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and supermarket club discount numbers.

They can call us "enemy combatants" and lock us without counsel, even without the right to confront our accusers?

And we can't even call it what it is.

They are allowed to sneak into our homes and search our belongings. Even if they find nothing incriminating, they are allowed to refrain from informing us of those searches.

And still we can't call it what it is.

What exactly has to happen to our system of government, to our way of life, before we are allowed to openly speak about what has happened?

What must we experience before we stand united and speak loudly that, NO! FASCISM WILL NOT STAND ON MY WATCH?

And I don't care what party you belong to. If you support fascism, I hate you, and I will do what I can to defeat you!

[ixion]

1. your last line

Boy, that rings true. I've been very conflicted about people that I know suddenly outright supporting fascism. It's an irony, of course. I went to a public school system where I had it drilled into my head how bad it was in fascist or communist countries like Russia and China. And now here we are behaving the same way as Russia and China behave, and these same people think that's a-okay.

The mind boggles. :crazy:

[Shipwack]

74. How fascism came to America...

"When Fascism comes to America, it will come wrapped in the flag carrying
a cross."

-- Attributed to Sinclair Lewis

[liberal N proud]

81. He hit that nail on the head

Either that or the right took a hint from him.

[Jackpine Radical]

86. "It Can't Happen Here", you know.

(Google the phrase in quotes if you don't recognize it)

[pnorman]

91. That phrase was most likely by Huey Long, but I'll Google further later on.

But here's one interesting 'hit' I came across: http://democrashield.wordpress.com/2007/08/21/american-dictatorship/

pnorman
On edit: here's a choice quote from that site: "President Bush can fail in his duty to himself, his country, and his God, by becoming “ex-president” Bush or he can become “President-for-Life” Bush: the conqueror of Iraq, who brings sense to the Congress and sanity to the Supreme Court. Then who would be able to stop Bush from emulating Augustus Caesar and becoming ruler of the world? For only an America united under one ruler has the power to save humanity from the threat of a new Dark Age wrought by terrorists armed with nuclear weapons."

[Jackpine Radical]

96. Huey Long is an interesting guess.

Actually, it was the title of a book by Sinclair Lewis; the major villain/dictator was modeled largely on Huey Long.

[tekisui]

2. If the Democrats Impeached for vagrant abuses of power,

they would forfeit their ability to use that power in 2009.

The closest they have come to impeachment was with Gonzo's sacking USA's. The reason the Dems were up in arms about that was because it was a direct threat to their elections. Torture, spying, war profiteering, illegal occupations and the rest are not a direct threat to Dem control.

It is about power first and foremost.

It is about We, the People, only when their jobs are on the line.
And, even then, they will give us only enough to placate.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Dhalgren]

4. K&R, Syrinx, K&R...

[bdamomma]

5. We should start calling what our government is FASCIST

and let them say otherwise but we do know what is happening to this country.

[baldguy]

6. I fear that the forces of Darkness are winning.

The corporatocracy owns the GOP, that much is certain.

But we have to admit that it's a majority shareholder in the Democratic Party as well. The DLC, the Dems that voted for the Iraq war and are unrepentant about it, who continue to fund it, who say "we can't impeach" or "we can't withdraw from Iraq" or "we can't cut military spending", who voted to condemn MoveOn & did NOT vote to condemn Rush, who can't see the creeping fascism epitomized by Deibold, Enron, Blackwater, KBR and political sycophants - all who refuse to acknowledge the problem ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM.

[Golden Raisin]

18. 99% of the media is in their pocket/payroll too.

[Ripley]

7. Welcome to the Awake Zone!

Great post neighbor!!! :hi:

[riona]

8. A quote to remember

"This is an impressive crowd, the haves and the have-mores. Some people call you the elite. I call you my base." George W Bush, Al Smith Memorial Dinner in New York, 19th October 2000

[AntiFascist]

60. How many in Congress have secret off-shore bank accounts?

That's the only explanation I can think of which allows them to live with their approval rating.

[aikoaiko]

9. The business of America is business.

[reggie the dog]

10. right on

I couldn't agree more. Keeping the USA a free country is a bipartisan issue. Voters from the right and the left are anti fascist. The party leaders are not. The people have few if any people to vote for. Kucinich and Paul, left and right, both want to put a finish to this and look how the media ignores them.

[gateley]

35. Don't forget Gravel! He's one of the good guys, too! nt

[reggie the dog]

79. thanks for the tip

I will have to read more about Gravel.

[freefall]

82. Guess you missed his remarks about his bankruptcy's at the debate last

week. Gravel is a loose cannon. Unfortunately, his off-the-wall comments undermine the truth in many of the other things he says.

See part 8 of the debate. Russert's question and Gravel's reply begin at 1 minute 20 seconds before the end of the video.

http://tinyurl.com/2j9rrd


If you do get a chance to view this video, gateley, I'd like to know your impression.

Peace,

freefall

[gateley]

101. WIll do - I'll make it a point to view and get back to you. I've seen other

comments regarding this, too. Thanks for the link.

[KnaveRupe]

92. You are mistaken, re: Ron Paul

Paul is a Libertarian wackjob who would abolish all government.

Just because someone was on the right side of the Iraq war doesn't bestow virtue upon the rest of their ideologies. Paul would eliminate every last remaining vestige of the New Deal, and throw us into an Ayn-Randian neo-feudal corporatocracy.

If you scratch the surface a little, you can find some evidence that Paul (or the people he hired to put out his newsletter, if we're giving him the benefit of the doubt) are racists.

Drop Paul offa your good politician list.

[snappyturtle]

11. Yep. K&R nt

[info being]

12. That's exactly right.

It is Fascism and I've been saying it for a while. Usually I get laughed at though.

[DemGa]

13. Take too strong a stand against the corporate powers

and you will be destroyed; that's why we are essentially destined to follow our present course.

[defendandprotect]

47. How do you mean that . . .. ??

[DemGa]

66. I mean the coporate interests control our political system

and media; and if they are threatened they will work to destroy that threat. That's why Dems are content in my view, to try and work from the inside of the system, when we really need profound change. Everybody knows the smear, etc., that will ensue if a candidate steps too far out of line, e.g. universal health care, environment, big oil, reforms that threaten the privatized prison system, etc.

[defendandprotect]

68. What you are saying is very interesting . . . they are threatened and that's why they have

taken over media and our political parties -- and why despite people not watching any more they can barely permit any truth to be heard.

I'm going to optimistically disagree with you --
I think when the public awakens -- and the internet seems to be doing that --
it's like a pebble shattering a mirror. The myth dissolves.

On the other hand, I do understand the possibilities --
the threat that our government is in the hands of criminals with power --
I think they gave us the first and second attacks on the WTC -- '93 and '01 --
I'm very worried about Blackwater and Halliburton -- Homeland Security ---

[Patriot Abroad]

75. It may take Burma style protests . . .

Of course the president has the right under the Patriot Act etc. to send in the military to quell any such protests - anyone whom thinks it can't happen here could be in for a nasty Kent State style shock . . . ain't it great how history repeats itself?

[truedelphi]

108. Check out another response

http://tinyurl.com/2sj9lz

The members of COngress understood what that day in Eveleth MN meant.

[tom_paine]

14. K & R

[nashville_brook]

15. kick, etc...

[Romulox]

16. We allow our politicians to be bribed, then act surprised when they have to do some "favors"...

Asked if she would continue to take money from Washington lobbyists:

“Yes, I will. I will. You know, a lot of those lobbyists, whether you like it or not, represent real Americans.

[TahitiNut]

30. Your sig is a hoot.

Just to think that a DUer might not recognize it floors me. :rofl:

[dmr]

40. Are you serious?

:shrug: The Mitten?

[TahitiNut]

45. Apparently. Why else would it be necessary to point it out in one's sig?

:rofl:

[Mrs. Overall]

17. When I read about the female soldier murdered at the base in Afghanistan,

it tipped me over the edge of finally believing something insidious and sinister is going on. We need to put someone in power in 2008 who will take us in a completely different direction or we are truly up shit creek.

[robinlynne]

19. yes. yes. yes. yes.

[porphyrian]

20. "Don't annoy us further! We have our work to do." - n/t

[Usrename]

21. Fascism has come to America.

Bush is the first American despot. Will he be the last? Not if things keep going the way they are heading.

[earth mom]

22. And if you call the dems on their complicity, the knives come out. nt

[Individualist]

23. K&R

[me b zola]

24. k&r

[stimbox]

25. It's Friendly Fascism

http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Fascism/Friendly_Fascism_BGross.html

[rndmprsn]

26. Bravo

[Psyop Samurai]

27. There needs to be a "Zero Legitimacy" movement...

...a movement that establishes its own frame (by calling things what they are), that will not be intimidated into "playing along" with fascism. There already is such a movement - "9/11 Truth" - but it's insufficient in gaining the type of momentum that is required.

To me, the door slammed shut in 2004, and I see very little since then to inspire optimism (though I am open to it, and seriously admire the efforts of many people). At the moment, I am slightly encouraged by the traction Naomi Klein's "Shock Doctrine" seems to be getting, as it appears to have the potential to significantly "shift the frame", bringing a lot more people on board authentic opposition. In short, their whole fucking dystopian nightmare is MIHOP, and there are real people, with real addresses and real bank accounts behind it.

What must we experience before we stand united...

It depends who "we" are. If "we" is all-inclusive, which is to say, everybody who's not a koolaid-drinking psychopath, it is painfully clear that NO experience will suffice. In fact, many will fight to the death to maintain the falseness - and those are the ones on "our side". That's how powerful the psychological forces are that we're dealing with.

If, on the other hand, "we" is limited to the subset that is understanding of and in accord with your message, then I'd say we've long since experienced enough. What we are lacking is a vehicle to effectively express that rejection. I firmly advocate, as a prerequisite of ANY expression, "calling it what it is". We can't afford to be "polite" - we're way past the point where "politeness" is collusion.

[Kaleko]

64. Are you ready to say that a coup has taken place?

That it happened in 2000 with stolen elections, and that 9/11 was its "searing event", a.k.a. Reichstags fire?

[Psyop Samurai]

99. Absolutely - I've been saying that for over 4 years. n/t

[Kaleko]

103. Great. I'm campaigning to have the Naked Truth crowned "sexiest thing alive"

Bumpersticker: My Heroes are the Truth-tellers (picture of a model blowing a whistle to the right)

[puebloknot]

28. Longtime good Dems, myself included, are wondering these same things.

Sleepless over these issues last night, it came to me that our "Big Guns" Dems like Conyers and Waxman, may just feel that they are not going to let this little tin can dictator ruin the careers they've long worked to establish. It seems they are just playing the waiting game, "keeping their powder dry," as some like to say, and hoping that 2009 will bring a new day without their having to engage in personal risk.

And that is the most immoral thing I can conceive of for an elected official to do. The guys who gave their all in WWII, and now in Iraq (two decidedly different campaigns, BTW), didn't and don't have the option to hide somewhere and wait out the war.

In the neighborhood of 700 people on this forum said a few days ago that they would vote for the Dem, no matter who it is. I am fully aware of the conundrum we all face with regard to our votes in 2008 (and we have to face the fact that we are being played for fools, and our votes may not be counted, anyway), but I cannot, will not send a message, a year in advance of Election 2008, that I will vote for just any Dem. We have a year before us to *try* to hold the candidates accountable. DU is widely read, and enabling the candidates (which all may be corporately chosen, in any case) 12 months before the election by telling them they don't have any worries about our support just boggles the mind!


Somewhere there has to be a reckoning, a facing up to exactly what you have outlined -- the fact that we are now a de facto fascist state.

Naomi Wolf's new book, "The End of America," tells it exactly like it is.

Having said all the above, I am no wiser than anyone here with regard to solutions. Most of us are fully aware of the problem -- although, as you point out, and as Vince Bugliosi elegantly stated in his book -- "None Dare Call it Treason." Naomi Wolf points out that some people just go ballistic (my words, not hers) at references to parallels between now and the Nazi era. She is Jewish and is very sensitive to those issues, but *she* says we are well along the road to fascism RIGHT NOW, and demonstrates in a scholarly way why she makes that assertion. She does not hesitate to make comparisons between our current situation and Hitler's Germany or Pinochet's Chile.

Thanks for this post!

[Generator]

29. Sometimes I just wonder if they could watch Countdown for one week

just one damn week and live with themselves.(the Dem's that are supposedly the opposition) Not Democracy Now or Public access TV, this is mainstream cable. Tonight we have the Constitution subverted and torture continuing. We have endless secrets and lies. On DU we know this stuff-we read it everyday. But it's even on TV!!!, Mr. house representive if you cared to turn it on. The constitution is made into nothing and you are congratulating yourself for "bi-partisanship".

My husband used to be the conservative Dem in the house. He's watched this stuff for years, listened and read, and yes he now agrees IT IS FASCISM. He thought I was a loon when I was screaming it a few years ago.

[Exultant Democracy]

31. Error: You've already recommended that thread...I whole heartedly agree with you

we have been betrayed and this has to stop.

[Colorado Progressive]

32. Crap I got NUKED on here once for suggesting the Dems were being blackmailed!

But I still think its a possibility. I, too, cant quite grasp what is going on or why. I am speechless and furious at the same time. I have no excuses for people anymore. I know many of them are just selfish fucking assholes. Many say they "hate politics" or "politics is depressing". And so the country goes down the shitter because people are lazy and stupid.

[JMDEM]

48. I too strongly think this is a possibility

Blackmail and bribery, simultaneously. If you are with us, you will be rewarded handsomely. If you are against us, we will do you in one way or the other.

Look at what happened to Livingstone, Leahy, and Daschle. They were pretty much shut up. Well, Leahy still makes a lot of noise, but he doesn't seem to actually carry through with anything, the same way that "magic bullet" Specter rants against Bush but never actually votes against him.

Regarding getting "nuked" here for raising this topic -- I get nuked a lot, often for saying things that everyone else is saying. I think if you have less than 1,000 posts, people are paranoid when you start dissing the Democrats -- maybe they think you are an operative. If they don't see you regularly, they assume the worst.

My low post total is due to the fact that I just don't have a lot of time to post. DU is my main source of news, but I rarely comment on things.

[Colorado Progressive]

61. Well ya know I would post more if I didnt get accused of being

a troll. 3 times now I have had it insinuated that I was a fucking troll. Usually for asking an innocent question, or not agreeing with the Lib police.

[defendandprotect]

49. Keep telling your truth--!! Public is only waking up to Global Warming + fascism .....

And the question of blackmail of Democrats who stand up against fascism has, of course, been in my view in isolated cases -- like Ted Kennedy -- and then dead bodies . . . like Wellstone . . .
but I hadn't really thought much about large segments of the Democratic party being threatened . . .

but, of course, that's what the Anthrax thing was !!!!

Without a doubt . . . !!!

So I think we should not only not dismiss these thoughts and conversations, but that we should keep our attention on them --

Thank you!!!

[Colorado Progressive]

62. Seriously, if the Dems are good people, I think it makes them at least understandable.

I have nothing else to hold on to!

[wiggs]

33. Agree. Question is, how do you defeat fascism? Once dug in, how do you

remove it? It's purpose is to seize and hold power....Can you vote your way out of it? Does it change form and shape but remain essentially the same even if you do change its leaders? Does fascism/corporatism ever give up?

[defendandprotect]

50. Corporations require our cooperation ---

We don't have to withdraw cooperation from all corporations at one time --
Pulling cars over regularly at stated periods I think would be very effective --

Saturday afternoon, all at one time -- for 15 minutes. At a curb, or a parking lot --
off the highways.

Don't buy clothing made in China -- for another

And, those robots you talk to who are wasting your time . . . keep demanding to talk with a representative -- a live person.

Of course, some of the robots work -- that's different.

Begin resisting ---

Directly support people in Congress who are resisting -- some are !!!

And, I'd LOVE to see more threads on DU about WHAT to do, actions, reactions that actually respond to the things that are making us so concerned about our people's government --

[freefall]

88. Some things I have done.

1. For the last two winters I facilitated "Simple Living" seminars at my Unitarian-Universalist Church. The first year we did 8 weeks and last year 10. We watched 1/2 hour films produced by Wanda Urbanska for PBS about how to simplify your life, the importance of community, etc., and then discussed for half an hour. The most important thing I learned is that even when you think you have made lots of changes there is still more you can do. Some people started "Simple Living" groups where four to 10 people meet regularly to discuss what they can do and reinforce each other's efforts.

2. One of my projects for the past several months has been to eliminate the catalogs I receive in the mail. I have called the catalog companies two or three at a time and requested to be taken off their mailing list. I discovered a few weeks ago is that it is important to request to be taken off their "rent or sell" list also. Doing this helps cut down on the amount of stuff you buy (often made in China), the amount of stuff that ends up in the attic or closet because it didn't fit or wasn't what you thought you were getting and you never got around to returning, and the amount of time you spend aimlessly leafing through catalogs that you could be reading something worthwhile or talking with your family or friends. It also cuts down on paper waste.

3. Try to buy locally whenever you can. Read the labels. See where stuff comes from. We are almost all buying way more than we need so we can probably afford to buy less and pay the extra it costs to buy locally produced products and patronize neighborhood businesses. This goes for buying organic also.

4. Buy used and reuse and recycle. Patronize yard sales, thrift stores and antique shops as well as craigslist and ebay. Buying used keeps stuff out of landfills and prevents the destruction of natral resources to produce new. Find the best outlet for used electronics, clothes, etc. Don't just throw away.

5. Use paper or cloth bags instead of plastic. I heard a scientist on the radio last month saying that giving away a plastic bag should be a crime.

6. Don't give up when you can't make every change all at once. It takes time and effort to change lifelong habits especially when you are being bombarded by advertisements promoting the "same ol', same ol'" way of buying and behaving.

Peace,

freefall

[defendandprotect]

104. Some really good ideas there . . .

One of the churches in my town is showing political movies --
Gore's on GW for one

Catalog idea is great -- I've already had 5 Xmas catalogs from LLBean and I never buy anything from them anymore!

Giving up plastic bags seems impossible!!!!
I think they have to be made illegal.

Cleaning days are also depressing when you realize how much junk you're using for cleaning that is probably harming all of us and the planet!!!

[Gabi Hayes]

110. great post. this should be a thread...make that a forum....of its own.

seriously

these are the sorts of things that will eventually have to be done, but most likely after it's too late

if it isn't already

I'd like to be optimistic, but.....

[0007]

34. Time is running out! And I'm starting to believe its a lost cause.

I have no answers other than to keep fighting the good fight.

[defendandprotect]

52. We can defeat fascism and we must because it is also the STOPPER on dealing w/Global Warming -!

[emsimon33]

36. Well stated.

What the hell IS going on?????

[BlueJac]

37. Fucking get it on.................

Time was a wastin' for that kind of ass kick!

[understandinglife]

38. Simply .... RECOMMENDED.

IT IS TRIBUNAL TIME IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

[Cha]

39. That's what I call it.

"FASCISM" There are no pretty words to clean it up.

[Autumn Colors]

41. Why go with "blackmail"? How about threatened?

"Or is the Democratic party afraid of something?"

How about anthrax and Blackwater to name two.

[defendandprotect]

54. There would be journalists who know . . . Helen Thomas, for one -- Hersh?

Helen Thomas filed an affidavit re the LBJ meeting the night before JFK's assassination --
with full list of names. In fact, she was there!

I also loved Sarah McClendon and she was rather close to a Rep . . . . Clark?
At any rate, she was quite a journalist -- and I remember seeing her on C-span at one point, in a group, with Clark .... I forget the circumstances of this . . . but she and Clark were trying to discuss the "mafia" -- gangster -- influences on our government. This is quite some long time ago!!
And, they were trying to make clear that you can't tell the difference between the "suits" and the "mafia" and that they were the same.

I saw Sarah McClendon on C-span in the "good ole days of C-span" ...... and she was definitely trying to wake people up to this -- you will see shots of Clark also trying to do that --
Iran Contra Hearings . . . questioning Ollie North on his assignment and work on "undermining the Constitution" -- the response was . . . it was not to be discussed!!!!

Someone here must have some contacts for feeling this out -- ????
And maybe even in Senators and people no longer in Congress -- Gary Hart?
I've said before that my Senator -- Bill Bradley spoke openly of this on C-span ..... sort of off-the-cuff in an informal hearing one day -- subject came up and he let fly . . . quite calmly, telling how he was bugged as member of intelligence panel - and I believe he said at home, as well.

[upi402]

58. Ugh

The tentacles of the "Octopus" seem to be at the throat of Lady Liberty.

[defendandprotect]

67. Like Global Warming ....there are those who worked hard to make warnings "tin foil hat" . . .

the JFK assassination showed that our "free press" was simply a dead myth --

and the assassinations continued on . . . MLK, RFK, Malcolm X . . . attacks on Wallace ...

the political violence continued without any real investigation ---

October Surprise and the entrance of Reagan --
Iran-Contral -- S&L thefts and embezzlements --
and a very quiet press --

PLUS .... many people think that the 2000 election -- as noisy as it was!!! -- was the first steal.
You should go to the VOTESCAM website because more people have to understand that this "steal" has been going on since the late 1960's!!!!!

Two journalists who were brothers were investigating it -- and they had a book out in the early 70's ... I have the book/paperback.

[frog92969]

56. That's been my favorite guess.

Fear is the only card B*sh uses.
The Dems look terrified and hopeless, their excuses defy reality.

[rosesaylavee]

42. I don't think that just the Dems are threatened...

remember when Kit Bond co-authored a bill this past summer with the DEMs and was mysteriously knocked off a sidewalk in DC by a black sedan?

Anonymous thugs are calling the shots. This is not a democracy at the moment but I have hope that something will turn it around for us. Not sure what will send us to the streets - but I am ready when you are.

[defendandprotect]

55. The two or three threads on this subject are very important -- and the lists of incidents . . .

are also important --
Will someone start to secure this list -- ????
I had no idea of this incident with Bond, for instance . . .

Certainly it has looked for quite some decades that someone is clearly the field -- running mortal interference -- so that a few can rise to power and hold it --

Thank you!!!

[rosesaylavee]

100. Haven't really been able

to DU this week due to other activities. I am hoping that someone gets a list started somewhere too.

[ooglymoogly]

43. T-R-E-A-S-O-N .... kr

[WizardTN]

44. Stop talking and DO SOMETHING!

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/WizardTN

[defendandprotect]

57. I think DU is beginning to talk about WHAT to do . . .. a first step --

[RiverStone]

65. It's a little bit of everything...

The doers, not voyeurs, the trolls, the movers and shakers, the whiners, the I'm so fucking mad I'm gonna chain myself to the White House fence (ers).

A big mix!

But if I had to sum up what to do in addition to raging against the rethug war mongering machine and all those fucking complicit enablers in our party...it would be....to simply...DO SOMETHING!

Though you summed it up quicker then I WizardTN :)

[spag68]

46. It doe's seem strange

That Cap. News.org has a poll that says 70% want to override the latest veto, and yet I suspect that they will cave again.

[NoGodsNoMasters]

51. Made me think of this..

"When Facism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."-Sinclair Lewis

[defendandprotect]

59. Busco mentality is that they can't lose even one -- it would make them look weak --

so they'll be pushing ---

It looks a bit like some journalists are starting to be released a bit --
wanting to push back?

[upi402]

53. To passionately love our republic and hate its enemies is real patriotism

I hate them to, equal to my love for democracy and our republic.

They accuse others of their BS.
They can't stand the taste of their own medicine.
They have a prison mentality.
It's absurd to atribute the essence of being human to Republicans, in either party. Traitors all.

Anyone care for an opposition party???

[chill_wind]

63. It's Corporate Fascism. Two parties (in name) eating out of the very same Dog Dish

with little exception.

If Americans can't bring themselves to believe this, then they haven't spent any time looking at the stark reality.

But don't take my word. Spend some time at opensecrets.org

We need to bust the lobbyist and campaign finance money. We also need to bust the media monopolies. Both would be a great start in urgent reform.

"The best democracy money can buy"? It's corporate/militarist welfare for the the rich and the ruthless.

[trusty elf]

69. Fishism

[loudsue]

95. That's great!!! I wish I had a windshield sticker like that!

:kick:

[autorank]

70. FASCISM IT IS! NAME IT, SHINE A BRIGHT LIGHT, WATCH HOW PEOPLE RESPOND.

They won't even be shocked, in many cases. If they would be shocked, they probably don't know what
the word means.

Great one! Classic!

:kick: & R

[krispos42]

71. Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason.

Sir John Harington

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Treason

[LaStrega]

72. kicked and recommended

And my ex- used to browbeat me for being a "socialist" ... all the while he's not only a fucking fascist, he supports the fascist regime.

*pinches self*

Damn. That was the best 175-pounds I ever lost.

[Beerboy]

73. The condition of being human is fascism. eom.

[LibertyorDeath]

76. Yes to a very large degree

"a two party system bankrolled by the people with all the money?"

[Patriot Abroad]

77. I think the Dem's are overwhelmed - where to start? The budget?

If faced with trying to get this government under control, where would you even start?

Impeachment isn't the answer, although I believe it should be done at some point after the next election to ensure Bush, Cheney and Ashcroft are remembered properly by history and never play a role in the government of this country again. Sadly, the president could be personally waterboarding people in the basement of the White House and the republican Congress would still look on with quiet approval and refuse to support impeachment.

I think Congress needs to declare war with Bush and the Republicans over the budget - we have a chance to beat the Repugs around the head with fiscal responsibility, as there has been none of it since Clinton left the White House.

[Enthusiast]

80. And the media carries on

And the media carries on as if this is all just business as usual. This administration, starting with the 2000 election, continuing with the SCOTUS appointment and the unnecessary invasion of Iraq is hardly business as usual. Funny, Wolf Blitzer never raises a bushy eyebrow.

This whole deal has me frightened for our unpredictable future, a future that would be very tough to get a handle on anyway. I don't know what to do. Many, otherwise reasonable people, don't want to hear of Fascism in America. Good Germans, er, good mericans.

[hiphopnation]

78. i wish that this K&R would be enough

to mount the kind of opposition of which speak, the opposition that is so sorely lacking in our "leadership"

what i fear most is that this echos similar rises of facism throughout human history and that it creeps up without the alarm and resistence of the unsuspecting public -- that we are, essentialy, placated and in denial about what is really happening and by the time we realize how bad it's gotten, it's too late. i just pray that isn't what is happening, but i'm not hopeful.

[Rocinante]

83. k&r my friend

It's late and I am tired. I don't DU much these days but when I do you always have something posted that is thoughtful and provoking.

Rock on buddy

:yourock:

[rucky]

84. Speaking the truth is the most we can really do right now.

:yourock:

[Festivito]

85. Fascism is tame compared to the criminal control we face.

At least fascism has usually been control of ones own country's cabal. The control we face is multinational selling-out for the destruction of democracy's foothold, here and then around the world.

The reason the fascism word fails to incite movement is that as a word it describes our situation inadequately.

[Echo In Light]

87. Never underestimate the power of denial

The brilliance of American fascism lie in Orwell's prophetic understanding <1984> of the genuine nature of the modern state: nothing is officially true until it is officially denied.

In short, the Few Big who own and operate the multinationals and world banks, who in turn own everything, governments included, learned the lessons of history. When tyranny and control is overt, the people rebel. So, the trick was in establishing a covert totalitarianism, whereby through systematic management perception i.e. "news," mass media, popular cultural pastimes, all crucial aspects of the overarching propaganda effort, the masses could be led to adhere an unreality, and come to see themselves and their country as something which it is not.

The NAZI's, funded by the financial interests on all sides, understood this approach, in part, in that the more the Big Lie is repeated, the more will come to accept it as "reality." That, and of course, their propaganda machine understood how to obliterate their culture's identity, disappearing artists, intellectuals and homosexuals first in order to break the people down before building them back up in the State's image i.e. FOX "news," ribbon magnets, creepy flags everywhere, glorification of the cult of machismo, etc...and a lot of these underlying, emotionally manipulative efforts, coupled with routine dis-information, are equally adopted by card-carrying Dem's. This likewise explains the deeply ingrained bias against the notion of "conspiracy;" Dem's will often denounce "conspiracy theorists" more rabidly than will uptighty-righties. Either way it's a crucial aspect of the defense mechanism.

[Jackpine Radical]

89. Denial, after all,

created Egypt.

[Echo In Light]

93. **ba-boom, CRASH!** (rim shot)

Denial also created strict adherence of many Dem's to the divide and rule strategy: the ruling elite coax the duped masses into fighting among each other over potentially volatile social issues, resulting in one side favoring and siding with one perceived segment of the elite, while by default the rest are swayed to the "opposing" side/team ...and mind you this occurs as the elite are laughing their asses off at how astonishingly, embarrassingly ignorant these dupes are while they continue to thrive over the backs of the "lesser" people!

America has one corporate party with two right-wings. The sooner more can acknowledge this grim fact through the dense fog of their cultural brainwashing, the better chance humanity has for survival.

[CJCRANE]

97. The amazing thing

with the Bush-Cheney Republicans though is that they seem to deliberately do the exact opposite of what they say they are doing. Traditionally politicians would put a positive "spin" on what they are doing but still keep it within the realms of plausible reality. But these guys seem to relish doing the opposite of what they say - whether it is creating more terrorism or having sexual affairs.

In one of Bob Woodward's books (either of Plan of Attack or State of Denial) he describes a conversation between Prince Bandar and Bush Junior. Bandar basically says to Jnr (paraphrasing) "it isn't politically good for you to be seen to be close to Saudi Arabia so we'll just get one of our guys to say something bad about America and you'll be off the hook". It really seems to be as simple as that - a few words on the MSM and pretty much any issue can be neutralized.

[Jackpine Radical]

98. You remind me of a discussion I had in a restaurant about a year ago

with a stranger. He essentially said that he wasn't able to support Kerry because Kerry didn't say the right things about patriotism and family values. I was awestruck by the guy's absolute obliviousness t Bush's actual behavior. Kerry didn't mouth the right phrases, so he was beyond the pale as a candidate.

[bryant69]

90. I support Fascism - by which I mean Congressional Democrats

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[mmonk]

94. You get it.

[LuckyLib]

102. I use the term often to describe our government. My SO does as well. We get puzzled looks, but it

may cause some folks to think they might not have been paying attention. And work to change that.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

105. Perhaps someone should interview Democrats and determine if this is the case?

if there is as you suggest coercion then one should find out why?

[johan helge]

106. Voting for third parties is not the solution to this

The stronger the Democrats are, the tougher they will be. Third parties make the Democrats weaker.

[truedelphi]

107. An ominous answer to your question put out there by a better mind than mine

About three months ago - I asked just what you are asking (though not as eloquently) and here is the ominous reply from a fellow DU'er

As far as what is being held over the Democratic Congress persons' heads:

OTHER DU member said: About the Iraqi War Resolution - Dick Cheney made it clear to Senator Wellstone that he better change his mind or ELSE!

That DU member continued: Well Wellstone DID NOT change his mind, and a tragic airplane crash occurred in Eveleth MN in late October of 2002. The crash killed Wellstone and seven others on board, including his wife, his daughter, a staffer, not one but TWO pilots and at least one other individual.

MY comments: Supposedly pilot error was the official factor (initially the factor was "The weather" but visibility was okay, if not great, and a light sprinkle plus low temps are nothing for October weather in MN.)

The woman heading the NTSB is former CIA - does that mean perhaps that the testimony submitted by one of the witnesses at the hearing about the crash was phonied? Was it true that one of the pilots was not adequate for the task? ANd even if that disparaging witness' testimony is true - there was another FRIGGIN' pilot aboard to adjust for the first pilot's mistake!

two weeks prior to the crash, there was a National alert to the effect that "chatter" was perhaps implying that terrorists were planning on offing American Senators. Yet, the crash was ruled as "not terrorist related" before the plane had stopped burning.

[Jax]

109. Kicking for the TRUTH!!!

Too late to nominate. This is OUTSTANDING.

"We have NO opposition in our government" Spot on.

:thumbsup: :yourock: