The Issues List! at www.WritingResource.org/issues.html
11/02/2008 03:00:24 PM	International Issues, Global Politics, and Local Action
"The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed  to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite."   -- Thomas Jefferson
Creeping Fascism:  There must be no surrender!  Our Mythical Free Press

We must face facts. Creeping fascism is dangerous. But "Republican" is not synonymous with fascist. Abe Lincoln and Ike Eisenhower were not fascists. I'm not willing to surrender the GOP to the lunatic fringe, right-wing extremists who hold the party hostage. These criminal elements (classic fascists if you will) seized control of the party. But these lawless thugs do not represent mainstream Republicans. Neither do the spooky religious fanatics who want to dictate policy. Most responsible conservatives who call themselves Republicans are disgusted by these arrogant displays of hubris and ignominy.

And "Democrat" also is not synonymous with extremists who inhabit the fringes. The various and sundry anarchists at one end and Bush-lite apologists at the other are beyond the pale.  Most Americans want the same things. We want good jobs, affordable health care, national & international security, fiscal responsibility, accountability, effective & affordable education, intact infrastructure, efficient social services, freedom, liberty, justice, and a respect for human dignity enforced by law.

We can remove the ugly elements of fascism which have infected both sides of the aisle. We can root out the criminals who betray our nation and pervert our priorities.  Now is not the time to adopt the divisive rhetoric of our foes. We can defeat those who would allow transnational corporations, selfish private interests, or religious fanatics to destroy our nation and sell us down a river of debt.
 
George Bush has spoken to the nation.  But he speaks only to his chosen few. The rest of us...conservatives, liberals, libertarians, progressives, independents, and average Americans... are banding together to speak up, demand accountability, enforce the law, and restore our country's credentials and credibility. We can change the course
of this great nation. And we are winning.

These times demand reconciliation, respect, and resurrection. Our nation is a beacon for those who seek freedom, human rights, and common decency. We must continue to remind our neighbors who we are and where we come from. There must be no capitulation to any "Bush America."

It's time for regime change at home. No surrender.

Timothy Flanagan