Fascism:  1.  a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.

The Department of Health and Human Services just ordered the health insurance industry to “stop telling Medicare beneficiaries that proposed health reform legislation could hurt seniors and jeopardize their benefits” (from the Washington Post).  So the healthcare plan, which will be “deficit neutral”, will be payed for by enormous cuts in Medicare, which will not have any negative impact on Medicare at all.  I wish I could run a business with the same logic and unlimited source of funding as the government…but I couldn’t stand the idea of stealing money from Americans.

Back to the definition of fascism.  No one will argue that the president is currently an omnipotent dictator.  But are we moving towards or away from fascism?  And if we are moving towards it, why?

“Forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism”:  check.  A gag order for insurance companies, fighting with Fox News, a link on the White House website asking citizens to report “fishy” behavior.  It is only a matter of scale, not intent, that distinguishes America from Venezula right now.  It is also of utmost importance to remember that  it is only the will and character of the American people that will keep the demon of totalitarianism at bay.  This always has been, is now, and will be true.

“Regimenting all industry and commerce”:  check.  Obama is taking over banks, the automotive industry, considering “bailing out” the newspaper industry.  Al Gore gets $500 million to build some green luxury cars for him and his rich friends.

“Emphasizing aggressive nationalism and often racism”:  Their hatred of America precludes leftists from supporting any kind of aggressive nationalism, at least until they radically change what it means to be American.  When it comes to racism, it seems that fostering hatred against racists is their tactic, at the same time accusing all their political enemies of being racists.  Stirring up actionable, violent hatred against a group of people remains consistent with fascist ideology though.

Where is this headed? Why should America be pushed one inch in the direction of fascism, and how could anyone who respects our constitution be behind it?  If you want to “bring fundamental change” to a country, try one that actually needs it.