Peculiarly, American fascism

A strong, charismatic leader. Intense nationalism that takes precedence over corporate interests. Virulent anti-immigrant, nativist rhetoric that links the nation’s greatness to its ability to control who is and is not “American.” A hopelessly corrupt two-party system that is failing American interests, and that needs to be shaken up by someone independent of it. A strong national government that looks after poor citizens, that boasts a strong military, that isn’t afraid to collect taxes to fund its operations, and that aggressively represents the national interest in trade and other dealings with foreign countries.

Maybe there’s another word for it. But to me (and to some others, for somewhat different reasons), it looks like Trump is selling an updated, Americanized version of old-school Italian fascism that is quite distinct from modern Republican orthodoxy. And, at least right now, Republican voters are buying it. read more