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In the course of the presidential campaign, some in the media, some Democrats and even some Republicans have referred to Donald Trump as a fascist. More precisely, Trump represents a neo-fascist tendency in that all ingredients are there for it to take hold under the “right” circumstances — Trump’s achievement of the presidency is a huge determining factor. What is interesting is that it can appear not all that “diabolical” in the way most people have come to perceive fascism — i.e., Hitler and Nazi Germany, the typical characterization. This is a misperception of fascism that makes it seem remote to American politics and fails to see fascism emerging in a much more insidious and dangerous way than people might think.

Diabolical evil is aware of itself and deliberately does it anyway, which means it has the potential to be reasoned with, bought or converted and redeemed. But, the evil that underlines fascism is radically different. This “radical” evil is not aware of itself, as such, it is deluded in the conviction of the truth and righteousness of its position. It therefore cannot be reasoned with, but instead tends to develop a fanatical loyalty bond of the group — a cult-like nationalist defense posture reinforced by identifying all others outside its circle as threatening agents and/or conspirators. (In fascist nationalist consciousness it could be said that loyalty trumps truth.) It is a closed system — erecting walls to keep all others out and then proceeding toward a means to contain and expel all foreign and “unpatriotic” infiltrators, critics and believers — typically, with a vengeance. It’s the power of popular, mass delusion that makes this reactionary, “radical evil” far more dangerous than diabolical evil in that it’s a community of true believers — not manipulated and controlled by a tyrant, but actively committed and engaged in the program — they are authentic (for what it’s worth).

Even Donald Trump does not think he’s a fascist (and even as his White Supremacist supporters eagerly rally to his brand). Historical circumstances can and do repeat themselves. The German people in the twenties and thirties just came out of war and depression. They felt they had been humiliated, betrayed and used by their leaders. They looked to a strong man to “make Germany great again” and to weed out corrupt and infectious social and political elements. Germany’s democracy was not taken by these forces (there was plenty of resistance); it was given away in the name of democracy by weak, intimidated, disunited and opportunistic politicians, not unlike many American Republican leaders we see today.

Beware: The present situation, and the results of this election, could not be more serious because unlike the world of the forties, today’s world may not survive a fascist America.

Mike Kelly
Albert Lea