Posted on 04/09/2010 6:52:27 AM PDT by Dudoight
It Can't Happen Here was a best-selling satirical political novel by Sinclair Lewis published in 1935. It aroused considerable controversy when published and in the years leading up to World War II. The plot featured the account of a crusading newspaperman Doremus Jessup, struggling against the newly elected fascist regime of President Berzelius "Buzz" Windrip, a populist leader whom some observers on the political Right assumed was a parody of FDR while others, particularly on the political Left rejected the possibility that a “popular” leader of the Democratic Party could possibly lead the country into a Fascist regime.
(Excerpt) Read more at newenglishreview.org ...
Rather long, but fascinating. The author compares Sinclair Lewis’s satirical novel of 1935 to what is happening today.
The comparison is pretty frightening in the similarities.
I can only go by what I see. Here in the blue part of Ohio, people are complacent, and ready to become totally dependent on the government.
If what I see is common elsewhere in the country, I’d say our shift to communism isn’t far away.
My wife and I had this conversation last night. I explained that people don’t value freedom around here, because it has cost them very little. In fact, they don’t even understand freedom. Some thing freedom is simply freedom from harm. Or freedom to shop where you want. It’s some of that, but so much more. It seems to me, that people around here will only truely understand freedom when it’s gone.
We live in interesting times.
V.....................
bump that
I submit that Fascism is the end result of what we are seeing now. The takover of the medical system is the key to any Fascist Government.
Communism is economical. The events we are seeing from the radical Dums is a hybrid form of Fascism with communist econ policies.
Don't forget that through most of human history, most people thought this way. The concept of freedom as we know is a relatively new practice. Unfortunately, there are many, many people who really have no problem at all being dependent on government because of the purported "security" provided in exchange.
I don't think the form will be classical communism. It's closer to classical fascism (means of production privately owned; tightly regulated by the government, etc.). I agree with your take on public sentiment. The public lacks the degree of responsibility and risk-taking that accompany independence and freedom. The public prefers "the collective" to "the family" or "the self."
The US has gone through a radical transformation already, most of it since the late 1910's. I view the constitution as a dead letter, kept alive in form only (see Weekend at Bernie's) with the animating spirit being almost entirely removed. I figure it'll be kept around for a few generations, at least.
Even the America that we grew up with is gone for good. Not that all happening these days is discovery or invention of a new federal power - remember Nixon's wage and price controls?
That’s crazy. This country is called America! that means we’re free!
You crazy! I can choose to drink any light beer I want and watch any sports channel I want. That’s freedom!
What are you, some kook that doesn’t want to pay for the services government provides for you?
This is America and because of that, we will always be free, no matter what!
(I guess I feel like pointing out sarcasm today. But it is probably an accurate portrayal of a lot of people who don’t think too deeply or even know what is going on.)
I explained that people don’t value freedom around here, because it has cost them very little. In fact, they don’t even understand freedom.
You’ve got that right. Younger people have no clue. Had a talk show on the other night where some young hotshot Consultant was giving advice to the GOP about winning issues to sway voters under 30. Among the key issues he claimed are important to them is “the freedom to download anything they want on the internet”. REALLY???? Our Founding Fathers fought for the right to steal music and movies?? Could not get to my roll of Glenn Beck duct tape quickly enough!
First they came for the Jews, but I wasn't a Jew...
People seem to want to be treated like children by mommy government these days. Mother Pelosi acts like she does for a reason.
You’ll see it on this site when everyone looks to government to keep them safe instead of asking for an end to the abridgment of their freedoms so they can take care of dangerous situations.
The under 30 crowd, or millenials, are, in general, the biggest group of useless, stupid, lazy, conceited, arrogant entitlement-minded sacks of manure to come along in a long time. There might have even been a bigger percentage of good boomers.
The comparison is pretty frightening in the similarities.
Same with Atlas Shrugged.
5.56mm
I've said for years that this was a potential problem. Throughout my educational years, my teachers made an effort to tell me about Marxism. Some (most) liked Marxism. Some opposed Marxism. But it seemed that everyone thought it was important that I know what Marxism was.
No one ever taught a lesson about Fascism and how to recognize it. It was just "the bad thing". It meant "killing jews". We just glossed over it because it was so distasteful.
Well, at a pretty early age I started researching it. I know Fascism when I see it. And what I see today is Fascism.
I agree with you. I call him communist or socialist. I think fascism is probably better.
One of the big problems with that label is that many stupid or ignorant people who can’t formulate an argument just call their opponent “fascist” and run. The word is often used to mean “I don’t like you or disagree with you but can’t express why”.
Losing the language is a bad thing.
.
Yes I agree, the “oh my gosh Fascism” deniers, should be opening their eyes to what we are REALLY facing.
I had a conversation in my apartment complex while laying out by the pool regarding collectivism with several 50 and 20 something liberals who were are self proclaimed socialists.
I explained that the same government that ‘pays’ for your health care and provides adequate housing can also limit the amount of time spent sunbathing by the pool in the name of ‘public health concern’ while controlling the thermostat in their apartment in the name of ‘conservation’.
Many were in denial and said that the government would NEVER limit choices.
I told them the government already is limiting choices.
Deaths are the solution to the problem
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.