Is Fascism Necessarily Desirable?

Can any right-thinking individual truly consider fascism as a necessary or desirable political system? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, fascism is defined as a political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual and is characterized by:

A centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader Severe economic and social regimentation Forcible suppression of opposition

Examples of such behavior can be seen in the left protesters outside the University of California, Berkeley, who use violent means to destroy private property and impede the speech of conservatives, libertarians, and others with different ideologies on their campuses and in other liberal universities in the United States. Does Barack Obama’s exaltation of the black race and Islam during his two terms count as fascism? Neither does Donald Trump, who emphasizes the nation and its values, as this is not done above the individual.

The situation in the United States seems to be worsening under the Trump administration. Fascism breeds revolt and revolution, which can take years to overcome and may never fully recover. When businesses run the country, money and greed become central to the political game, hoarded by the rich while the average person struggles to keep up with debt. The poor turn to welfare, losing hope and becoming dependent on the government to avoid revolutionary action. Many politicians, knowing this impending disaster, believe they can escape before it happens—what some call 'musical chairs.' This impending disaster is likely to occur soon, with many politicians already quitting their positions.

Fascism as a System for the Elite

It is often argued that fascism can be beneficial for elite members. For instance, the Democratic Party might benefit when doling out government contracts for social programs, and the Republican Party might do the same with military contracts. However, this argument is flawed because it overlooks the inherent contradictions and negative consequences of such a system.

While elite members might thrive, it is the masses who suffer under a fascist regime. The stark division between the rich and the poor, the suppression of individual liberty, and the rampant economic inequality create a breeding ground for social unrest. The government hoards wealth, while the average person is left in debt and despair. The poor turn to welfare, dispirited and feeling abandoned by a system that fails to provide hope or opportunity.

America, like many other societies, faces significant challenges that necessitate thoughtful discussion and practical solutions. Whether fascism is desirable or not depends on who is being asked and how the system is implemented. It is crucial to acknowledge that the freedoms and rights of individuals are inherently valued in a democratic society, and any regime that seeks to suppress these is inherently damaging to the moral fabric of the society.

Conclusion

The debate over fascism highlights the complexity of political and social systems. While some may argue that it can be beneficial for certain elite members, the overall impact on society as a whole is dubious. The negative effects of fascism on individual rights, economic inequality, and social stability cannot be ignored. As we continue to grapple with these issues, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and freedom of all individuals, ensuring that any political system adheres to principles of equity and fairness.