A clear and present definition
To the editor:
In his Sept.18 letter to the editor, the author of “Hateful names lead to hate-filled acts” provided his weak, wholly inadequate definition of fascism as:
“Fascism is defined as government that combines public and private sectors to achieve a strong executive control of a country.”
If you think this is an accurate and complete definition of a fascist, you might think calling Trump a fascist is hateful.
I decided to see what Chat GPT defined as a fascist. This definition paints our insecure, profusive-name-calling president in a more illuminating light.
Chat GPT:
A fascist is an adherent of fascism, a political ideology and movement characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarian rule, a dictatorial leader, and the forcible suppression of opposition
The term originated with Benito Mussolini’s movement in Italy following World War I.
Core characteristics of a fascist movement
• Dictatorial leadership: The movement and state are headed by a single, all-powerful leader, often backed by a cult of personality, who demands total loyalty.
• Hyper-nationalism: The interests of the nation or race are exalted above the individual. Fascists are often preoccupied with a sense of the nation’s decline or victimhood and promise a path to national rejuvenation and greatness.
• Totalitarian ambitions: Fascism seeks to control all aspects of a country’s political, economic, and social life, with an extreme disdain for liberal democracy and individual rights.
• Militarism and violence: Fascists glorify the use of violence as a political tool and as a means of national purification and rebirth. They often mobilize paramilitary groups to suppress rivals and intimidate opponents.
• Scapegoating and oppression: Fascists consolidate power by creating an ingroup (“us”) and an outgroup (“them”). They demonize and persecute minorities, immigrants, or political opponents by blaming them for the nation’s problems.
• Suppression of opposition: Freedom of the press is abolished, dissent is stamped out, and fraudulent elections may be used to create the appearance of a one-party state.
With your eyes wide open you have seen enough examples of Trump’s fascism to see that calling him a “fascist” is a befitting description..
Paul Kiefner
St. Augustine,
formerly of Cape Coral