American Progressives are the godparents of European fascism. Fascism and Progressivism were not about redistribution, they were about a govt knowing what’s best for the people and working with willing business and financial interests to create a society where the elites “take care” of the people by programs, regulations and laws. the New Deal and before that Wilson’s programs were both American versions of fascism,sans the overt violent enforcement. Mussolini, not Hitler, is the true face of Fascism. and prior to his Ethiopian adventure, Mussolini was much admired by Progressives.
Aw heck, Communism Fascism - What difference does it make?
None actually. Jonah Goldberg in his book Liberal Fascism makes the point that these are not opposite ends of political or ideological spectrums. Rather more like the point where the ends of two strings meet when enjoined in a circle.
It was the communists that fostered the great divide by attacking fascists to draw adherents to their side. Kind of like the DUI today. There is no greater hatred than among one’s own.