Currently, I am reading the new book by author and reporter Chris Hedges entitled American Fascists (Free Press, 2006). This is one of the most important books to be published within the past year and I highly recommend it. Although I obviously cannot give a full review until I have finished the book, what I have read so far is invaluable for an understanding of what is happening in the United States now. The only caveat I would give is that at least Congress has come under the control of the Democrats and there is at least token opposition to the fascists in the government. But the dangers of an irrational movement are still clearly with us.
As Mr. Hedges makes clear, the main institutions of our society have failed us: academia, the mainline church, and the Democratic Party. It is up to us, the citizens, to stand up for the principles of fair play, justice and true democracy, now so much under attack. (Many, many details are given in the book.) And as Hedges further makes clear the intolerance of these (often-willfully) ignorant ideologues must be proscribed if a truly free society is to be maintained. This is a national emergency. The opposition to the intolerant, the bigoted, the supercilious must become organized -- and quickly. The alternative is a protracted battle for the control of the body politic in America. Such a battle is not in the interests of this country as it would further divide and weaken us.
I urge you to secure a copy from your library or your favorite retailer. A review may be found at the link below.
http://www.amazon.com/American-Fascists-Christian-Right-America/dp/0743284437
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