Liberal Fascism

For those out searching for Christmas gifts for politically minded individuals, I strongly recommend the book Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg. The book shines a light on the secret history of the American Left, from Mussolini to the politics of change. It is funny because we just did our Christmas gift exchange here in the "Ice Palace" because I am here now and will not be home for Christmas; my dad listened to an interview with Jonah Goldberg on the Laura Ingraham show and bought a copy of the book for me, and I heard an interview with him on the Dennis Miller show and bought a copy for him! What are the odds? We had a good laugh. This author is that insightful that we both went out and bought a copy of the book for each other. I am now reading Arguing With Idiots and Liberal Fascism simultaneously. I have selected an excerpt from the introductory chapter for your viewing pleasure.

"Bill Maher to the contrary, fascism is not "when corporations become government." Ironically, however, George Carlin's conclusion is right, though not his reasoning. If fascism does come to America, it will indeed take the form of "smiley-face fascism" - nice fascism. In fact, in many respects fascism not only is here but has been here for nearly a century. For what we call liberalism - the refurbished edifice of American Progressivism - is in fact a descendant and manifestation of fascism. This doesn't mean that it is the same thing as Nazism. Nor is it the twin of Italian fascism. But Progressivism was a sister movement of fascism, and today's liberalism is the daughter of Progressivism. One could strain the comparison and say that today's liberalism is the well intentioned niece of European Fascism. She is hardly identical to her uglier relations, but she nonetheless carries an embarrassing family resemblance that few will admit to recognizing.

There is no word in the English language that gets thrown around more freely by people who don't know what it means than "fascism." Indeed, the more someone uses the word "fascist" in everyday conversation, the less likely it is that he knows what he's talking about."

Buy the book.