[2banana]

Then came a series of right-wing rebellions -- the Fascism of Mussolini, the Fascism of Franco, the Nazis, the Iron Guard in Romania, the extreme right in France, and so forth in every corner of Europe and in many other countries around the world.

A favorite tactic of the left. Somehow link fascism to the "right wing." What does the "right wing" believe in? Smaller government, lower taxes, freedom to own a gun, freedom to speak your mind, freedom to do what you want with your private property, protection of babies, equality under the law, etc. Did anyone of these fascist countries ever do anything remotely in these avenues? Fascism is a shade darker than the liberals we have today.

[glannon]

A favorite tactic of the left. Somehow link fascism to the "right wing." What does the "right wing" believe in? Smaller government, lower taxes, freedom to own a gun, freedom to speak your mind, freedom to do what you want with your private property, protection of babies, equality under the law, etc.

then why did the business classes and even the american right support fascism in europe?

[Doug Loss]

It's more than that. Fascism and National Socialism (Nazis) were only mild variants on state socialism. Instead of outright government ownership of all industry, they relied on heavy regulation of those industries for control. As our President has said in a different context, a distinction without a difference. Indeed, most current Western European governments fit the textbook definition of fascist pretty well.