[marktwain]

So Hitler was a communist/socialist (and not a fascist) because he “self-identified” as a socialist via the National Socialist Party?

At the time, Hitler claimed to be and was widely considered a man of the left. The main difference and split on the Left was between National Socialists such as Hitler, and Mussolini; and International Socialists such as Stalin. Hitler focused more on race; Stalin more on class.

Fascism has always been a movement of the Left. It is one of the great lies pedaled after WWII that Fascism is on the Right.

[RoosterRedux]

As Mao said, communism is a tool for achieving and/or maintaining an authoritarian rule. One doesn't have to be a true believer (a communist/socialist who actually believes in collectivism) to find it useful.

In fact, most dictators who use communism are well-aware that the only thing the proletariats will share collectively is poverty.

[one guy in new jersey]

“Fascism has always been a movement of the Left. It is one of the great lies pedaled after WWII that Fascism is on the Right.”

__________

I agree. Did you read Jonah Goldberg’s book on this? It seems like you may have.