Do claims of fascism sound familiar? They should

Fascism is a word we heard a lot in the last year. So, what is it? Fascism is a system of government led by a dictator who typically rules by forcefully and often violently suppressing opposition and criticism, promotes deception through a media mechanism, and promotes nationalism, fear, and racism.

Fascist leaders deploy these tactics to assume total control:

Make constant use of slogans, symbols, mottos, flags. “Make America Great Again,” “build the wall,” “lock her up,” convoys of trucks with flags.

Disregard human rights, like separation of families at the border and suppression of voter rights.

Rally supporters by identifying common enemies, such as ethnic minorities, terrorists, liberals, and racial minorities.

Employ sexism through male-dominated government posts, demeaning comments toward women, suppression of abortion, rejection of non-traditional gender identification.

Attempt to control the media through endless dismissal of anything not right-wing, as in “fake news” repeated endlessly.

Promote fear and uncertainty, “we don’t have a country anymore”, “Mexicans are rapists and murderers."

Appeal to religious zealots and major religions.

Attempt to attack and suppress labor unions.

Open hostility to higher education, e.g., “I love the uneducated.”

Protect corporate interests at all cost.

Use cronyism by appointing family members to powerful positions and using power to protect them from accountability.

Manipulation of elections by accusations of fraud.

Sound familiar? It should.

DANIEL STRAYER

Bonners Ferry