Fascism: The False Revolution
Fascism is being mentioned more and more in the context of U.S. and European elections. It is a term that is bandied about often rather loosely. Orwell wrote that it is understood to be “something not desirable.” But it is a complex political and economic synergy that has racism, force and nationalism as its animating matrix. It involves heavy doses of propaganda and media manipulation. Mussolini, in one of his more honest moments said, “Fascism should be more properly called corporatism, since it is the merger of state and corporate power.” For Americans it is universally associated with despotic regimes in other countries. It can’t happen here. Huey Long, the self-styled populist governor of Louisiana, once warned, “If fascism ever comes to America, it will come wrapped in an American flag.”
Speaker
Michael Parenti
Michael Parenti is a leading independent political analyst and scholar. Cornel West calls him, “a towering prophetic voice.” He has taught at major colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad. He is the author of numerous books including Democracy for the Few, Power and the Powerless, Superpatriotism, Against Empire, and The Assassination of Julius Caesar.
Ian –
I first heard this in the 90s and it’s truer today than ever before.
Carol W. –
This program’s date was a surprise…it sounded like 2016. Thank goodness for those out protesting!!!
Barbara –
I forgot how accurate and prescient Parenti has always been.
And funny.
Thanks so much.
Erin Kommer –
It is 2016. Soon to be the next presidential “election”. This recording is as relevant as ever and sounds as if it were played live. We have only moved further to towards the realities described in the audio.
Simply amazing.
David Eriksen –
I recently stumbled across an old cassette tape recording I made of the radio broadcast of Parenti’s talk. I wish I could remember when that was (1995, according to this website), but it is obvious that I knew Parenti’s message was of critical importance. 17 years later, I found that Parenti was as spot on and relevant about Fascism then as his words are now. As a matter of fact, if you listened to his talk now, in 2012, you’d think he did it live. Sad to say that some crap (corporate fascism) still remains the same.