Fascism is on the Rise in the United States

I do not mean the Democrats social welfare reforms by fascism. This is an example of projection from the right, which has at its most extreme core a proto-fascism which is rising and poses real danger to liberty in the United States, and from there quite possibly our entire world. Fascism is defined by one scholar as "palingenetic ultra-nationalist populism." Palingenesis is the concept of rebirth, a synonym for Christian baptism. This is revivalist, which fits with Christian fundamentalism in the United States. To a large extent much of the American Christian right fits this description. Specifically, the movement known as Dominionism or Christian Reconstructionism, with ideas that are channeled to many other people in the overall conservative, Christian, fundamentalist, evangelical movements, while for many are unaware of their full scope, only the underlying agreement they share. Historically fascist movements have been extremely militaristic, racist, violent authoritarians. This appears to be where it is going. In 1995 Italian writer Umberto Eco defined fascism more specifically with the following 14 points. The cult of tradition: Incessant appeals for our traditional values and Christian past are thrown around. Free-market capitalism may also be appealed to, wedded in Christian fundamentalism with prosperity and dominion theology, regardless of Jesus' clear disdain for wealth along those holding it. The rejection of modernism: The modern is viewed as depraved, corrupt, godless and destructive. Feminism, secularism, multiculturalism, social liberalism and what they deem socialism are incessant. Literally apocalyptic faith that we are near the end of this world is held. Irrationalis: The irrational has become a core of right-wing thought. From the illogical rants against what they oppose to whole schools of thought like creationism or "Intelligent Design." Action for action's sake: The extreme gun culture exhibits this, along with right-wing foreign policy, in a "shoot first, ask questions later" mentality. Dominionism calls on believers to seize power by force and impose their views on all others. Disagreement is treason: Clearly seen too numerous times, with a xenophobic, jingoistic patriotism that will bear no objection. Also of course with Christian fundamentalism, in which there is no denial of "the truth." Fear of difference: Ubiquitous on the right, whether Muslims, immigrants, homosexuals, feminists, atheists, etc. Fear of change generally is obvious. In Dominionism all difference is by definition sin and thus of course to be not simply feared but destroyed. Appeal to a frustrated middle class: There is a clear belief of the American Dream being lost for "good Christian people" in red states especially. A wedding of this populism to big business makes it very ironic. Obsession with a plot: Numerous plots abound, mainly against their leftist opponents. The destruction of moral values, suppression of Christianity, Islamic terrorism and in some circles the age-old international Jew. With the election of Barack Obama, an openly racist fringe has emerged from hiding, trumpeting wild-eyed conspiracy theories of forcible euthanasia, his "illegal" presidency, secret Islamic belief and militant black nationalism. Humiliated by the ostentatious wealth and force of their enemies: Hollywood may be a good example, along with the supposed "liberal media." Red state poverty contrasting to blue state prosperity is evident. Pacifism is trafficking with the enemy: Blatant and traditional right-wing view. For dominionists pacifism would be defying the will of God, whom they feel calls on believers to make war in His name and take absolute power. Life is eternal warfare: The war on terrorism, a struggle for souls, even going so far as near Social Darwinist attitudes in regards to poor people. The battle of good and evil, which never ceases. Dominionism encapsulates this idea. Contempt for the weak: As mentioned above, the basic assumption that poor people "brought it upon themselves" summed up by Ronald Reagan's comment regarding the homeless: "those people like living in the street." A special hatred for welfare and its recipients, along with the current maniacal campaign against public health insurance. Dominionism follows the Calvinist belief of those wealthy on Earth were given it by God, so long as they believe in their way of course. Against 'rotten' parliamentary governments: The crusade against big government, with emphasis on (Democratic) corruption, violations of individual rights and fear of minorities gaining power through elections. Overall, the Dominionist assertion that all government is by definition corrupt when it strays from their standard and must be taken over. Ur-Fascism speaks Newspeak: Exemplified by every talk-show host and pundit. Seen in cries of being discriminated against while discriminating openly. Viciously attacking opponents for their "attacks." Newspeak is the life breath of the modern Right. "Compassionate Conservatism" and "War on Christmas" exemplifies this. Logocide, the destruction of words' meanings, pervades all such movements. In dominionism, the words "truth, wisdom, liberty, death, life and love" have essentially the opposite meaning of what is usually given them. The "truth" of course means their idea of Christ and Scripture, regardless of any scientific, historical, moral or theological arguments on the contrary. "Wisdom" is the level of blind commitment to such dogma. "Life" and "death" mean belief or unbelief in Christ, or at least their idea of it, since those who believe live in heaven and unbelievers die forever by hellfire. "Liberty" in no way means human freedom of action, but liberation from sin and the world through believing in Christ. Overall it means liberty that comes from obeying their dogmatic Christian idea. "Love" means blind submission to Christ as king and those who claim to be his messengers, along with all the myriad rules of the faith they would enforce by the state. Dominionism has much in common with Islamism. The word Christianism has in fact been used synonymously with it. The Newspeak terms should be clear: Freedom is Slavery-they see a human freedom as slavery to sin, damnation and Satan. Conversely others would see the Dominionist idea of "freedom" as slavery too. War is Peace: Life is Eternal Warfare, remember, a struggle between Christ and Satan for souls. In making this war we are at "peace" with the will of god by submission to it. This is the same definition as the "peace" in the word Islam, which is again harmony by submission. Ignorance is Strength indeed sums it up, with a flat rejection of all knowledge and truth except that in the Bible, as dictated by the clergy. Every word is turned into a mockery of itself and subverted to serve a radical, fanatic agenda. The book American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America, by Chris Hedges, himself raised a liberal evangelical, fully explores this movement and its danger. The Family is a right-wing evangelical, fundamentalist Christian group that solicits major politicians, businesspeople and world leaders, calls for a devotion which is compared to members of the SS and Maoist Red Guards, among other vicious guardians of brutal dictatorial regimes. While The Family is not officially part of the Dominionist movement, they share the same ideas. The Family is more dangerous in fact since they have the direct ear of many prominent figures around the world. As revealed in The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power, by Jeff Sharlet, this group has been quietly creating a network of power for years. There may not be active conspiracy at work-the goals of The Family are stated openly from those in the Dominionist movement, but it's work goes largely unnoticed. If the Dominionist movement constitutes the strong arm of the Christian right, The Family may be the heart and