I think authoritarianism accounts for more than fascism’s ability to make the trains run on time. It’s what enforces the intellectual uniformity that binds fascists into a coherent force, at the same time that it renders the intellect shallow–the fascist can, on command, turn on a dime intellectually, and believe that we’ve always been at war with Oceania. But every fascist believes today’s orthodoxy to the very core of their beings.

Yeah, screw Godwin’s Law. To be fair to Godwin the human being, I read just this morning that human Godwin says, yeah they’re Nazis, get ‘em boys! Not his fault that the right weaponized his observation.

But we’re done with Godwin’s Law. A swastika proudly displayed alongside a Confederate battle flag killed it dead.

So what are NAZIs, or perhaps we should say fascists, because NAZIs were just one particular variety of fascist? As Orwell pointed out, there really is no good definition, but we can draw enough historical examples to get a good idea. Historically, Mussolini’s Fascisti were one variety, as were Hitler’s NASDAP, and Franco’s Fascistas. There were many other fascist parties scattered throughout Europe in the 1920s and 30s, and several of them had actually taken over governments in Eastern Europe, such as Bulgaria, Finland and Hungary. But even though fascism developed differently wherever it appeared, there were a few distinguishing markings. There were even left-wing fascists, as in the Soviet Union.

Forget the dictionary definitions, those are designed to distract and obscure the real plumage of these creatures, and to shut down discussion before it can even get started. Fascists are characterized by extreme nationalism and/or racism. Their program invariably involves an evil THEM who is taking what rightfully belongs to US. It appeals to middle or working-class populations that are on hard times, who feel their past prestige or future prosperity is threatened, and that that threat emanates from foreigners or minorities–a scapegoat population is always involved. The scapegoat is hopelessly flawed and totally corrupt, yet somehow has always managed to oppress the good and decent Volk. Germany had its Jews, Russia its Bourgeosie, and America its Indians, blacks, foreigners, immigrants, Catholics, Irish, Italians, Eastern Europeans, Ay-rabs and I-ranians, Mexicans, or whoever the Jew du jour happens to be this decade. The fascist believes he is nationally or racially or culturally or economically superior to his enemies, or that he otherwise embodies a national virtue that his enemies lack. That virtue may or may not be blamed on the DNA, but it is usually treated that way.And there is always some form of National Destiny the OTHER is determined to frustrate.

The fascist sees himself as morally and intellectually superior. He and only he is a true patriot, loves his family, is religious and civic-minded, and has a true work ethic. Everybody else is low-life scum, lazy, stupid, criminal and sexually perverse. Sound familiar yet? The only thing really new and unique about American fascism is that you are allowed to join the Master Race if you own property. The obvious corollary is that if you don’t, you must be low-life scum, or at least someone temporarily victimized by low-life scum.

Yeah, screw Godwin’s Law.