Regular readers know that Jonah Goldberg and I have had our differences, to put it mildly, but I want to wish him sincere congratulations on the upcoming publication of his book, "Liberal Fascism." I know something about how good it feels to finally get the damn thing done, and to see it in hardback. People will say all kinds of things about one's book, but the thing nobody can take away from an author is that -- hey! -- you've written a book. Some authors (Garry Wills, for example) seem to have an easy time of it, but for most of us, writing is hard work. For we who write on daily or weekly deadlines, keeping the focus to write a long-term project is exceptionally difficult. It certainly was for me. Whatever the reviewers say, or whatever the sales amount to, completing a book and getting it into print by a mainstream publisher is a terrific accomplishment, and it ought to be noted, and congratulated. So: congratulations, Jonah.
A new book in the family
Tuesday December 18, 2007
Categories: Good news
Filed Under: Jonah Goldberg, Liberal Fascism
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Rod Dreher is an editorial columnist for the Dallas Morning News, and author of "Crunchy Cons" (Crown Forum), a nonfiction book about conservatives, most of them religious, whose faith and political convictions sometimes put them at odds with mainstream conservatives. The views expressed in this blog are his own.
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According to Wikipedia, fascism is when the state believes that the individual and social interests are subordinate to the state or the party. There does seem to be an odd disconnect when it is modern-day conservatives who support so many policies that were at home in fascist Germany and Italy. Balloon Juice sums this up nicely at:
http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=9337
Far be it for me not to congratulate a writer on completing his book.
I just happen to agree with the many here who say "content matters." And given both the initial reviews (and the odious cover, which the author of course didn't draw but no doubt heartily approved), early indications are that the content is juvenile at best.
I think the cover fulfills its purposes: to attract attention and to piss liberals off.
As far as judgment on the book itself, I'll refrain from any comment until I actually FREAKIN' READ IT! (if I even do -- given Goldberg's brand of conservativism, I'm hesitant.)
Dan said,
"Certainly not all conservatives are fascists, but if there's fascism in this country, it's on the right."
Sir, please review the eight years known as the "Clinton administration." It's fine to criticize Bush (I do it all the time) but amnesia is not attractive. Besides, isn't the correct slander for liberals "commie," instead of "fascist?"
If you think the word fascist is overused, find Alec Baldwin and give him a thorough thrashing.
Finally, the most fascistic thing in the Western world today is that growing and ravenous entity called Islam. Since liberals break out into hives whenever anyone dares to criticize the "religion of peace," I don't think you and your friends are on solid ground here.
...the most fascistic thing in the Western world today is that growing and ravenous entity called Islam.
Not necessarily. Islam has its faults, to be sure. But as for "growing and ravenous entities" none rival the US Corporate State. As a nation, we here in the US consume more energy per capita than any other country in the world. We have more military capability than the rest of the world combined. We are the biggest debtor nation in the world.
US corporate fascism sucks in more energy and capital than any other entity on earth.
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