Really.
For my class on Political Theory (very interesting class!) I have to write a paper (which is not going well) and I have chosen to do so on Capitalism, Anarchism and Fascism. It is due in 2 weeks, I have plenty of notes and about half of 1 paragraph actually written.
But while looking for books on the above topics I found "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America," by Chris Hedges and it is scaring the crap out of me. My issue with alleged Christians is that they never seem to actually be Christ-like, but apparently I have not being paying attention, and many of my blog pals have not either. At heart is the fact that, as liberals, we have a 'live and let live' policy. I know I do and most of the 'blogs I read seem to espouse the same idea. According to Mr. Hedges, that is what is going to get us into trouble. The TEAbaggers and their ilk, Cheney, Romney, Falwell, Palin, etc are sucking in new members daily and assuming that people are smart enough to think for themselves will definitely make an ASS of U and ME.
According to this book (easy read of just over 200 pages) liberalism will be our downfall, just as it was Germany's in the 1930s. It isn't that the book says liberalism is bad, it is just that we are (normally) pacifists and we expect the same out of others. So while we may laugh at the stupid that comes out of Alaska (or Delaware, or Nevada, or Florida) we think that this is a small group of crazy fringeness that has a lot of TV time, but what is actually happening is that the rich are doing everything in their power to recruit more goons to their side in the upcoming Holy Wars and we are busy living our lives ("the busy majority") and assuming that others are like us. They aren't. They are scared and crazy and they think we hate them, so they are going to strike at us first.
Read the book. Let's chat.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I read AMERICAN FASCISTS a few months ago and loved it. A useful companion book might be Hedge's EMPIRE OF ILLUSION, which is every bit as engaging and disturbing.
In EMPIRE OF ILLUSION, Hedges argues that our culture has poured its attention into distractions, neglecting deeper analysis of life and politics. A shallow-thinking public, frustrated by the current economic crisis, might be easily manipulated by the neat, easy answers offered by the Religious Right. Now THAT'S a wake-up call.
I had not heard of that one, but my plan was to read his others.. as soon as I can get through this term. I am looking forward to "Losing Moses on the Freeway" and I will add "Empire of Illusion" to my list!
Thank you!
We're going to the rally in DC! I may be broke at the end of the month (again) but it will be SO WORTH IT!!!
By the way, I recommend "Idiot America: How Stupidity Became a Virtue in the Land of the Free".
Maddening and scary at the same time. Just bought American Fascists for my Kindle. I'll let you know what I think.
I can't wait to see you, TBT!
I have read bits and pieces of "Idiot America" although I do not remember when or why. I wish I could do more pleasure reading, although this class is fascinating! YAY! Going to the Rally!!
Post a Comment