While reading the news today I came across an article that described a demonstration of the National Socialist Movement in Los Angeles. The members of this movement are white supremacists and object illegal immigration, Jews, current Administration, etc. etc. What struck me as odd however was not their views. I disagree with them completely but respect their right of peaceful assembly and support of any politician that they choose. I was wondering why they call themselves the National Socialist Movement. I went to their site, http://www.nsm88.org/aboutus.html, and there they define that they wish to change the current system utilizing the best of Socialism and Capitalism.
I find this interesting because from the fringe of the Right (i.e. Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, etc.) we keep on hearing that the current administration has Socialist, Fascist, Communist agenda. They do a wonderful job scaring people with these scary words even though most people don't know the definition of any. By looking at this party however, those same low information voters could get the proof they need to say Glen Back is right. When most people think of Fascism they think of White Supremacy and Antisemitism which this group proudly displays. But this movement calls itself the Socialist movement thus making it seem that Socialism and Fascism are tied (which of course is very far from the truth.)
Thus when the groups themselves don't understand the words they live by how can we expect ordinary Americans to discern the truth?
By the way, in case anyone is interested, below are the definitions of Communism, Fascism and Socialism.
Communism - a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state. It values the individuality and freedom of choice.
Fascism - a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.
Socialism - refers to the various theories of economic organization which advocate either public or direct worker ownership and administration of the means of production and and allocation of resources.
More people should know the truth about their own beliefs and understanding of them. I am glad you have posted the real and accurate descriptions of these systems.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob! To be honest I didn't understand the differences between Communism and Socialism very well so I did the research. That in a nutshell is what I would expect of others - do your own research and then form your own opinions!
ReplyDelete" I disagree with them completely but respect their right of peaceful assembly and support of any politician that they choose" - this is exactly what is wrong with the "democratic" society: here you have animals/human garbage that you give the right to march and spread their words of hate. What if a society of pedophiles wanted to march and demonstrate their views that sex with kids should be made legal: would you also respect their right of free speech and their choice of politicians?
ReplyDeleteAnd why can't a fascist organization have interest in socialism? Nazi germany: fascists, yet they had a form of socialism installed. The concepts of fascism and socialism are NOT mutually exclusive.
Trigor,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. Democracy is a tricky thing so yes I do support everyone's right to peacefully come together and discuss their views. I believe it is better to have that than police those views not deemed acceptible by society because we all know how that turns out and by the way leads to Fascism. As to Fascism and Socialism being tied together...in terms of means of production it could be but not in terms of idiology.
Allen,
ReplyDelete"but not in terms of idiology"?? You need to do a bit more research before you try to speak out like a political scholar. Here is a quick quote from a website that analyzes this topic in a bit more detail (just one of them):
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/GERnazi.htm
"Hitler's reputation as an orator grew and it soon became clear that he was the main reason why people were joining the party. This gave Hitler tremendous power within the organization as they knew they could not afford to lose him.
In April, 1920, Hitler advocated that the party should change its name to the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP). Hitler had always been hostile to socialist ideas, especially those that involved racial or sexual equality. However, socialism was a popular political philosophy in Germany after the First World War. This was reflected in the growth in the German Social Democrat Party (SDP), the largest political party in Germany.
Hitler, therefore redefined socialism by placing the word 'National' before it. He claimed he was only in favour of equality for those who had "German blood". Jews and other "aliens" would lose their rights of citizenship, and immigration of non-Germans should be brought to an end.
In February 1920, the NSDAP published its first programme which became known as the "Twenty-Five Points". In the programme the party refused to accept the terms of the Versailles Treaty and called for the reunification of all German people. To reinforce their ideas on nationalism, equal rights were only to be given to German citizens. "Foreigners" and "aliens" would be denied these rights.
To appeal to the working class and socialists, the programme included several measures that would redistribute income and war profits, profit-sharing in large industries, nationalization of trusts, increases in old-age pensions and free education."
Thank you Trigor for assisting. Now the name of the group makes a bit more sense. Once again I wish to remind all that I am far from a Political Pundit as I have no time for research. I am merely a commentator.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, as far as Hitler was concerned, he cared most about control of the masses and it is very simple to get people to follow you when you promise equality. He also wanted to eliminate others in power so the incorporation of means of production was nothing more then power grabbing. Keep in mind that Marx and many other Socialists came from Germany so the place was ripe for the pickings. Add to that the fact that after WWI Germany was not a fun place to be and Hitler played on those emotions of National Pride.
Hitler was no Socialist, he was a Dictator interested only in what was best for him and the rhetoric was nothing but a means of achieving his goals.
We are not talking about who Hitler was, but rather what political system was isntalled in Germany. Hitler was a fascist. The society in pre-WW2 germany was a breed between dictatorship and socialism. Get it? The point is, that in your original post you compare fascism and socialism, and I gave you a recent example where these two terms were both used at the same time. They are NOT mutually exclusive.
ReplyDeleteAnd actually, your last statement is not exactly true. "interested what was best for him"? He was interested in setting up a pure arian nation. It was not for him, it was what was believed the best way to set up Germany's society. "best for him" ... LULZ!!!
Trigor,
ReplyDeleteBased on what you have said you are correct! In Germany at that time they were tied. From that perspective since Socialism is an economic system and Fascism is a Political system they could coincide. I was commenting more in terms of the idiology of Socialism which is Communism. That and Fascism are far apart in ideas. I stand corrected. Thanks for the clarification.
Yet again, you prove you know little of what you are talking about. Keep thinking that you understand these things. We all could use a laugh!
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend. I can always count on you to bring me down to Earth :)
ReplyDelete