Ask Dr. E: What exactly is fascism and is it accurate to accuse Donald Trump of this?

OPINION:

Dear Dr. E: We hear a lot about fascism today. It seems that every time Kamala Harris and Tim Walz open their mouths, they tell us that MAGA Republicans are fascists and that Donald Trump represents an existential threat to democracy. The thing that strikes me about this, however, is that I get the feeling that those throwing around these accusations don’t even understand what their words mean. Can you help us with this? What exactly is fascism, and do you think it is accurate to accuse Republicans and Donald Trump of this? — EXHAUSTED POLITICAL JUNKY FROM KANSAS

Dear Exhausted: Your question is perfect and exposes an underlying cancer that is eating away at our culture’s very fabric. This malignancy is the misuse and utter disregard for the definition of words. It seems this is true, especially in the political realm where the proper use of the English language doesn’t matter anymore. Words that, just five minutes ago, in the context of human history, were clearly defined and commonly understood have been co-opted by progressive demagogues to mean something precisely opposite of their original intent. Examples of this would be words like “green” and “gay,” “male and female.”

So, rather than listen to politicians who have proven they will manipulate any and every word to such an extreme as to claim they’re pro-woman while at the same time denying the definition of a “female” has any objective meaning, let’s go to the dictionary and to history to define what fascism actually is.

Merriam-Webster defines fascism as a form of government in which a “dictator controls the lives of the people through centralized power and severe economic and social regimentation.” It further states that fascism is an authoritarian philosophy that allows no dissent or disagreement and exercises the “forcible suppression and silencing” of opposing views.

Other defining characteristics of fascism are collectivism and elitism. The obvious examples of this were the overt antisemitism and racism that was evident in Hitler’s Third Reich and Mussolini’s demand for literal lockstep compliance to his every whim and wish.

Also, it’s important to acknowledge the etymological history of a word if we want to use it accurately. One of the best ways to understand fascism is found in its root word: “fasces.” 

A fasces was a Roman bundle of sticks bound together so tightly that it could not be broken. Initially, this represented the positive attribute of strength in unity. Later, however, the fasces came to symbolize the group’s dominance over the individual. This is why one of the key characteristics of modern-day fascists is their demand that everyone must walk like them, talk like them, think like them, and vote like them, or they will force you into compliance via the crushing power of the many against the one. 

Now, with this all as the objective definition of fascism, I have a couple of questions for you.  

When you look at the Republican party versus that of the Democrats, which one seems to be more open to debate and discussion? Which party is trying to silence those with whom they disagree? Who is calling for more censorship and even the criminalization of dissenting voices? Which party demands that we celebrate ideas that many of us find to be broken and distasteful: ideas such as Critical Theory, intersectionality, racial privilege, and sexual nihilism? Who is saying that parents must bow to the power of the state when it comes to raising and educating their children? Which candidate is calling those who don’t think like them a “basket of deplorables?” Who is telling us that we will be forced by the threat of law to pay for the chemical castration of minors and the surgical execution of babies at full term? Who is arguing for more and more government authority over your daily decisions? What party thinks they should be able to tell you when you can go to church, where you can go to school, what you can teach your sons and daughters, what car you can drive, and whether or not you will even be able to buy gas appliances to cook your food and heat your home?  

And here’s a final thought: As you ask these questions, remember this tactic which has been attributed to Saul Alinsky, author of “Rules for Radicals” and political mentor of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Kamala Harris: “Accuse your opponent of what you are doing, as you are doing it, to create confusion, cloud the issue, and inoculate voters against any evidence of your guilt.”

Could it be that the more Vice President Harris and her party call Republicans fascists, that they just might be admitting more about themselves than they intend?  

If you are seeking guidance in today’s changing world, Higher Ground is there for you. Everett Piper, a Ph.D. and a former university president and radio host, takes your questions in his weekly ’Ask Dr. E’ column. If you have moral or ethical questions for which you’d like an answer, please email askeverett@washingtontimes.com and he may include it in a future column.