[M203M4]

I've always found the original quote apt. The statement is NOT that Christians and patriots are the harbingers of fascism, but that fascism, in America, has a greater chance of success if it can appeal to religious and patriotic sentiments (a wolf in sheep's clothing). It is an important difference - we must be on the watch for the subversion of our most cherished notions.

I endorse similar warnings when it comes to medicine - fascism could well manifest itself through the subversion of the medical establishment, which a great deal of public trust is also invested in. There are other avenues susceptible to subversion as well. Fascism is inherently more insidious than its cousin, communism - historically it appears under veil of legitimacy.

However, I don't think the comment was appropriate in the context used, and Ron Paul should get a lot of flack for making a pretty low attack. I will not bestow my sympathy to Ron Paul for taking additional flack from those who misunderstand the original quote.

[SJackson]

I've always found the original quote apt. The statement is NOT that Christians and patriots are the harbingers of fascism, but that fascism, in America, has a greater chance of success if it can appeal to religious and patriotic sentiments (a wolf in sheep's clothing). It is an important difference - we must be on the watch for the subversion of our most cherished notions....However, I don't think the comment was appropriate in the context used, and Ron Paul should get a lot of flack for making a pretty low attack. I will not bestow my sympathy to Ron Paul for taking additional flack from those who misunderstand the original quote.

You're absolutely right, though the message that a fascist might use religion/patriotism is irrelevant as that's not the message Paul sent. I agree, he deserves all the flack he's going to get.