This is Fascism:

Greed, Militarism, War

So far we have glimpsed at an aspect of fascism that is often overlooked; the greed of the wealthy that fuels fascism.

Benito Mussolin felt that he interests of corporation and the state must be linked and indivisible. He forsaw this as the estato corporativo or corporate state.

Mussolini's fascism put the government at the service of conservative business interests. He abolished labor unions, and basically, gave free reign to to big business. They in turn provided the capital for his political ambitions.

Real wages fell by almost half within the period 1925-32. Employee benefits, such as the eight hour day, were eliminated.

Like today, Mussolini ignored the plight of the poorest citizens, saying, "Fortunately the people are not accustomed to eating much and therefore feel the privation less acutely than others." Infant mortality was twice as high in fascist Italy than in Scandinavia---a situation that is nearly the same today between the USA and Scandinavia.

There is a 'macho' side to the fascism of Italy and the right wing in the US. Mussolini said that "Women must return under the subjection of man- father or husband, and must recognize therefore her own spiritual, cultural, and economic inferiority." This position is nearly identical the Promise Keepers and the Religious Right.

Fascist Italy made it patriotic for women to stay home and raise children, a note we often hear sounded by the right in America. And, similar to todays right, the use of birth control was discouraged in order to force more women into pregnancy.

The state even used the Church to help with it's anti-woman goals. Anti-feminist propaganda was spread by state and church in order to control 'a womans place in society.' feminists were condemned for diverting womens attention from home.

Todays conservative movement is a fascist movement.

In the following pages we will see through the eyes of those who fought the fascists long ago. We will see how the tactics and rhetoric have changed little - flag waving nationalism, anti-union, anti-woman and minority rights, corporate control, militarism.

 

A poster from the Spanish Civil War

"Greed, Militarism, War"

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