I looked through that list (characteristics of fascism) - our govt (in Australia) has engaged in them all except number 14 (bogus election). yet the last election was very controversial b/c the govt created a racist, political incident just prior to the election, giving misleading info about a particular ethnic group (refugees, boat people) and people swept them in in a tide of xenophobia.

while the term "fascist" may apply, its effectiveness as a political label is determined by how many people understand the term, and how often it may have been used recklessly in the past.

here is Oz our govt is being characterised as a reactionary govt. it is targeting intellectuals as elitist, has encouraged racism, and labels dissenters as "un australian". in the last 8 years racism has become an issue - has been made an issue by this government.

Barry Finn, I was so glad you put that article up. I have bookmarked the site now. I have been feeling overwhelmed by the dangerous and divisive nature of our current govt. even reading something that helps analyse it is good. in australia we don't have a move on movement, tho we do have some political discussion forums. but the opposition has been crippled to some extent by the govt, who charactise anyone who opposes it as supporting terrorism etc.

shambles, you are right in saying we should examine all structures we are part of. but i can speak freely in this one.

and i don't think guests are scapegoated here, its clear there is a lot of mutual scapegoating. in the meantime, the political machinery is on the move.

fred