Ron Paul Finally Makes Drudge Front Page
With his quote, "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag, carrying a cross."
Drudge linked the quote to Dr. Paul's interview on Fox this morning, which you can see here.
Dr. Paul was quoting Sinclair Lewis's 1935 dark satire fiction piece, It Can't Happen Here
From Amazon: As dated as it is (1935), Sinclair Lewis' darkly humorous tale of a fascist takeover in the US, "It Can't Happen Here," explores themes quite familiar to Americans today. It starts with the highly contested election of an oafish yet strangely charismatic president, who talks like a "reformer" but is really in the pocket of big business, who claims to be a home-spun "humanist," while appealing to religious extremists, and who speaks of "liberating" women and minorities, as he gradually strips them of all their rights. One character, when describing him, says, "I can't tell if he's a crook or a religious fanatic."
After he becomes elected, he puts the media - at that time, radio and newspapers - under the supervision of the military and slowly begins buying up or closing down media outlets. William Randolph Hearst, the Rupert Murdoch of his times, directs his newspapers to heap unqualified praise upon the president and his policies, and gradually comes to develop a special relationship with the government. The president, taking advantage of an economic crisis, strong-arms Congress into signing blank checks over to the military and passing stringent and possibly unconstitutional laws, e.g. punishing universities when they don't permit military recruiting or are not vociferous enough in their approval of his policies. Eventually, he takes advantage of the crisis to convene military tribunals for civilians, and denounce all of his detractors as unpatriotic and possibly treasonous.
For the modern day non-fiction version, see Joe Conason's It Can Happen Here: Authoritarian Peril in the Age of Bush
From Amazon: Conason follows Sinclair Lewis' 1935 book It Can't Happen Here with a firm assertion that fascism can indeed take root and blossom in the U.S. if Americans aren't more vigilant about freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Although we are not facing full-blown fascism, Conason sees a "gradual and insidious turn toward authoritarian rule" for the first time since the Nixon administration. He explores how and why Lewis' grim and amusing tale resonates today as Americans watch an increasingly secretive Bush administration usurp the power of the legislature and disregard provisions of the Constitution by stoking fear of terrorism.
Go beyond the soundbite, educate yourself, and spread the word! No one will do it for us. We the people are the guardians of
Liberty!
Wikipedia's definition of fascism: Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology (generally tied to a mass movement) that considers individual and social interests subordinate to the interests of the state or party. Fascists seek to forge a type of national unity, usually based on (but not limited to) ethnic, cultural, racial, and religious attributes. Various scholars attribute different characteristics to fascism, but the following elements are usually seen as its integral parts: nationalism, statism, militarism, totalitarianism, anti-communism, corporatism, populism, collectivism, and opposition to political and economic liberalism.
Off topic
But, see that article about Bill and Bush Sr. stumping for Hillary?
Wonder how Bush Jr's GOP feels about that?
Does make for a great slogan though.
"Vote for Hillary, and get more Bush"
America is sick, call a doctor! Dr. Ron Paul.
Bush Sr.'s people said he
Bush Sr.'s people said he had no plans to do that. Even the article says he could not be reached. The title is misleading.
Personal religious answer
I think the reason why the use of Christian symbols in a political campaign is pretty clear. Christians are asked to talk about God to spread the word that Jesus is God, that's why large Christian institutions (churches) are accepted. It is not reversible. God doesn't 'owe you one' Using Jesus (the cross) to promote your own agenda is breaking a commandment. "Thou shalt not use the Lord's name in vain." That commandment is not about yelling Jesus's name when you stub your toe like most halfhearted parents warn. (although it may be distasteful) It is about not tricking Gods flock away from him.
It's sort of like tempting a child in to a waiting van claiming, their parents are inside. 'They want you to come with me!'
Of course Ron Paul should not invoke Religion if he can avoid it. For a believing Christian, bringing up God is risky business when promoting yourself. He could remind someone of this commandment's meaning if pressed. I don't take this lightly, but it's a rough evil world where people like Bush invoke flying Jesus attacks like he was shooting bullets from an M16. There are many more like him that simply have no regard for anyone but themselves.
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Authentic mercy stems from love. Socialism does not work because love can not be institutionalized.
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Authentic mercy stems from love. Socialism does not work because love can not be institutionalized.
An idea. Sorry to reply to myself.
Now that I have read my post ten times, it occurs to me. When he is ready to respond, he should simply say "I take my religion too seriously, to invoke God during my campaign. " Then if pressed he could remind them of the 2nd commandment.
IMO such a view is consistent with being a Lutheran.
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Authentic mercy stems from love. Socialism does not work because love can not be institutionalized.
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Authentic mercy stems from love. Socialism does not work because love can not be institutionalized.
the CNN crew kicked back on
the CNN crew kicked back on the couch reminded me of Bevis and Buthead.
Hhuuhhuuhuu dude huhhuhu he said fascism hu huh huhu huhu.
Hold them to their oath:
President
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
---"Christianity has not been weighed in the balances and found wanting. It’s being tried, found difficult, and rejected!" - Leonard Ravenhill---
Yes, a blunder
Ron may have been right, but it didn't sound good and probably didn't win him any votes.
Oh, well. Every campaign has its missteps. This is a small bump in the road.
its winning him votes
..with the liberals at huffington post ;-)
Bringing people together
isn't a bad strategy and liberals deserve freedom too, as well as Fox viewers = )
"In short, you see, the essential is to cease being free and to obey, in repentance, a greater rogue than oneself. When we are all guilty, that will be democracy. Without countering, cher ami, that we must take revenge for having to die alone. Death is so
What about Naomi Wolf: Fascist America, in 10 easy steps?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/naomi-wolf/finally-action-ron-...
It's not every day that there is something concrete you can do to save democracy in one powerful stroke and make sure your kids don't come of age in an American in which we are no longer protected by the rule of law. I have been writing about the terrifying and precipitous assault on our liberties and our very system of checks and balances; I have crossed the country with this message -- today I am in Boston -- and I have heard across the nation that (as usual) the people are ahead of the leaders and the pundits. Americans of all backgrounds are alarmed and outraged and ready to take action against these vicious assaults on the rule of law. But what I hear again and again is: "What can we do?"
Here is what you can do, and it is big, big news. If we do this together in our millions we are safer; and if we fail to act we miss an historic opening and risk far worse to come.
There are two new organizations that are driving a grassroots push to restore the rule of law: the American Freedom Agenda was started by leaders who are conservative: Bruce Fein, who was a Reagan administration official in the Department of Justice, and others. The American Freedom Campaign was started by progressives. Both groups advance comparable 10 point legislative agendas that would stabilize democracy long enough for us to forestall the worst and regroup for more long-term reparation of the Constitution and the rule of law. Both would, if passed, protect Americans from the scary stories of abuse and recrimination I am hearing every single day -- journalists intimidated, prisoners tortured, innocent citizens spied on by the State in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Both would make it illegal for any administration to commit the kinds of crimes against America and its constitution that we have seen under this one: the innocent lawyer Brandon Mayfield's home broken into, the innocent software engineer Maher Arar kept prisoner by U.S. agents in an interrogation cell in a U.S. airport and prevented from calling his lawyer, and journalists reporting on abuses by the government threatened by the state with prosecution that could keep them in jail for a decade. Urgently it would close the horrific legal possibility for the president to call you or me an "enemy combatant" tomorrow -- JUST BECAUSE HE SAYS SO -- and lock us up in solitary confinement for years.
"In short, you see, the essential is to cease being free and to obey, in repentance, a greater rogue than oneself. When we are all guilty, that will be democracy. Without countering, cher ami, that we must take revenge for having to die alone. Death is so
This is not a democracy!
How can someone try to "save America" and go around talking about DEMOCRACY? This is a constitutionaI Republic.
I am also alarmed by some of the "others" names that are listed as founders of these organizations. Please list their names openly. Our problem is not Bush primarily. It is far deeper and larger than that and we all know it. I am not in favor of "national strikes" and other aggressive actions which will give the powerful a "reason" to declare martial law.
CNN.com main story!
Paul is the CNN.com home page main story. Get a screen shot of that one!
The march to freedom goes on!
Huh?
Dr. Paul has made Drudge many,many times in the campaign.
Yep - was about to say the same thing
always positive too
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The picture Drudge chose
of the Huskster reminds me of an image that could have come from the movie "The Omen."
way, WAY more impressive: CNN front page
When I checked CNN.com at 11AM (Pacific Time) Ron Paul was the lead story. They have a big picture of him and all! Best of all, it is about the fund-raising, NOT off-the-cuff quotes!
Also buy "They Thought They Were Free" about 1930s Germany
This is a book that people buy along with the Sinclair Lewis book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0226511928/ref=pd_luc_00001...
This book is a result of interviews with minor Nazi officials after WW2 ended.
The Bushies and Clintonites have, with a raft of new laws, made us feel that we are safe from terrorists and sex offenders and abusive husbands and deadbeat dads...at the cost of many layers of natural law rights.
Regardless of "Right", this was unfortunate blunder
It was a major, negative soundbite offered during a too-short segment finally offered to Ron Paul because Fox was forced to.
Ron should have been on *his* message and repeated it several times, no matter what stupid question was asked of him. To make an off-hand quote which could be construed as calling (we may know, unintentionally, but they don't) Huckabee to a fascist, was at best a wasted opportunity, and could be something to further the OM's portrayal of reLOVEution as a fringe of crazies.
reLOVEution, Dennis
State education: "The best way to insure implicit obedience is to commence tyranny in nursery." - Disraeli
Parenting: http://p196.ezboard.com/bafterschoolers
Don't Vote For Ron Paul for anything less than
Re[love]ution & Renaissance
Dennis
spot on
there was no good answer to that question, maybe sinclair lewis goes through your head, but you can't say it
personally I wonder if getting within 10 miles of fox news isnt a mistake, their agenda is obviously against him and their most reliable, hooked viewers are more hoodwinked than anyone would like to admit...where is the benefit? but if you do go on, don't lay on the philosophy or try to be too smart...the viewers dont get it and the network is well smart enough to use it against you if they can. If its in your wheelhouse take a swing, but don't go fishin' like a rarely used pinchhitter anxious to impress.
I just saw the Fog of War where Robert McNamara cited the following as very good advice with a grateful glint in his eyes..."Don't answer the question asked, answer the question you wished they asked". But if that doesn't come to mind quickly, I agree, "Ron should have been on *his* message".
What blunder?
He was on message, the quote was right and it's exactly what I fear about Huckabee. I am happy he has all that faith but I don't want him pushing it on me anymore than I want muslims pushing their sharia laws on me.
You are correct...
You're absolutely right. This is the kind of thing people latch on to.
Also, a correction to the original post: this is not the first time Dr. Paul has been on Drudge's front page. It may be the first time he got the first line though. As another poster pointed out, Drudge prefers shock and tabloid news over actual news.
You are correct
The message is most important. Now, when he goes on interviews, he will be asked the same question over and over again and again about his misquoted quote. Preventing him from talking about his message. His message converts people to support him and they don't want it out.
GEAUX RON PAUL 2012.
most amazing thing about drudge...
The word 'Hillary' or 'Clinton' is mentioned 6 times... Two huge photos of her face...
Why aren't you guys pissed about this?
What's new? His front page ALWAYS has a photo of Hillary!
And what does the 6 million dollar man get? A single line of text mentioning the Money Bomb... atleast it was red.
Drudge is all about gossip/scandal... kinda like People Magazine for the politically interested.
Not surprised Ron made it with this story. Watch the MSM (ok, OM) spin this like the Bunny Ranch story...
Recent Google News query:
Paul's issue with Huckabee's Christmas ad: 'Fascism' will be ...
USA Today - 29 minutes ago
Ron Paul said this morning on FOX & Friends that: "It reminds me of what Sinclair Lewis once said. He says, 'when fascism comes to this country, ...
Ron Paul Charges Huck Implies He's The Only Christian
National Review Online, NY - 2 hours ago
RON PAUL: Well, I haven't thought about it completely, but you know, it reminds me of what Sinclair, uh, Lewis once said, he said 'when Fascism comes to ...
R3VOLUTION - Secret Crowds
Right on Fascism
It is okay. Because:
1) Ron Paul is right about fascism.
2) He can hold his own
3) He's elevating the level of conversation in this nation.
I'd love to hear more serious talk about the subject. The only people he'll turn off are the people who wouldn't be receptive to his message anyway. But thinking, intelligent people should prick up their ears when they hear what many of us have been thinking but dare not bring up.
Bravo Ron Paul!!!
Michael Nystrom
Michael,
There is some scientific evidence through functional magnetic resonance imaging that voters often do not think. They tend to make their choice emotionally. Karl Rove has utilized some of these ideas e.g. PATRIOT Act instead of calling it Take away your liberties and negate the bill of rights Act.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/opinion/11freedman.html
Don't take Drudge's bait
I'm telling you guys, Drudge is a "war uber alles" Republican, Rudy Giuliani is his man. The war people fear Huckabee because he is the second most dovish candidate. This quote is to get a fight going between two people that the warrior class hates and fears.
dovish?
Huckabee is a warmonger supported by CFR...
media created this guy pushing his name all over the place and who controls MSM yes the military industrial complex.
RP08 to restore the Constitution
Website:
http://www.libertypoet.com/
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/LibertyPoet
"How can we justify to the unemployed and underemployed in the United States the incredible cost of maintaining a global empire?" - Dr. Ron Paul
Dovish in the relative sense
The other six are pretty much bombs away. Anyway don't take my word for it, here's Rich Lowry in his column "Huckacide":
"Huckabee not only has zero national-security credentials, he basically has no foreign-policy advisers either, as a New York Times Magazine piece this Sunday makes clear. In a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in September, Huckabee struck notes seemingly borrowed from Barack Obama, hitting the Bush administration for its “bunker mentality” and strongly supporting direct talks with Iran."
--- the implication is that Huckabee has to put a couple of Lowry's buddies on the payroll, isn't politics great?
Anyway I don't disagree with you, but the Republicans are terrified of Huckabee over his ostensibly Christian opposition to murder and pillage.
but why
why does the youtube video still say 1,600 views, and zero links?
YouTube is SLOW