The terms "Islamic fascism" and "islamofascism" misappropriate the term "fascism."

From the Wiki article--
Fascism is a radical totalitarian political philosophy that combines elements of corporatism, authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, militarism, anti-anarchism, anti-communism and anti-liberalism.

Islamic theocrats who want to rule nations under Sharia law seem to fit most of that basic definition.  It is totalitarian, it is nationalistic, it is illiberal, it is militaristic, but it is not "fascist."  The key element of fascism is the marriage of big business and big government.  As Benito Mussolini used to emphasize: "Fascism is more appropriately called 'corporatism.'"  The Islamic theocrats see capitalism and the corporate structure as anathema to the rule of the clerics.  Absolutist and theocratic, yes, fascistic, no.  All definitions of fascism I have ever read place a strong emphasis on the power of corporations in conjunction with the state.

Now it is true that "fascist" became after WWII a general pejorative for any person or institution perceived as authoritarian and repressive.  For example, "No, dude, I can't hang out this weekend, I gotta paint the garage.  My dad's such a fascist!"  Of course, President Bush and his minions who popularized the term "Islamic fascism" have the political sophistication of of 14-year-old boys.  No surprise.  It also indicates a profound ignorance of his own governing practices for Bush to pejoratively call others "fascist." 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascism

The terms "Islamic fascism" and "islamofascism" misappropriate the term "fascism."

From the Wiki article--
Fascism is a radical totalitarian political philosophy that combines elements of corporatism, authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, militarism, anti-anarchism, anti-communism and anti-liberalism.

Islamic theocrats who want to rule nations under Sharia law seem to fit most of that basic definition.  It is totalitarian, it is nationalistic, it is illiberal, it is militaristic, but it is not "fascist."  The key element of fascism is the marriage of big business and big government.  As Benito Mussolini used to emphasize: "Fascism is more appropriately called 'corporatism.'"  The Islamic theocrats see capitalism and the corporate structure as anathema to the rule of the clerics.  Absolutist and theocratic, yes, fascistic, no.  All definitions of fascism I have ever read place a strong emphasis on the power of corporations in conjunction with the state.

Now it is true that "fascist" became after WWII a general pejorative for any person or institution perceived as authoritarian and repressive.  For example, "No, dude, I can't hang out this weekend, I gotta paint the garage.  My dad's such a fascist!"  Of course, President Bush and his minions who popularized the term "Islamic fascism" have the political sophistication of of 14-year-old boys.  No surprise.  It also indicates a profound ignorance of his own governing practices for Bush to pejoratively call others "fascist." 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascism


...In any event, whatever their descriptive term, the Moslem radicals who do their dirty deeds need to be rubbed out.  I for one would not be upset if every last one of these crooks were also found swinging from a lamppost outside the local gas station, just like Benito.  Then the law abiding Moslems could retake their religion free of the evil doers.

  I see you read that article, Max, where Mr. President recently declared war on Islamic Fascists, or Islamofascists, or Radical Jihadi Islamists, or somethin'ruther.  Why ya playing the dozens, man.!?  He needs to declare war on Republican Fascism...

  The "War On Anyone Not In A Particularly Good Mood" has a certain appeal groove ;) on...

...In any event, whatever their descriptive term, the Moslem radicals who do their dirty deeds need to be rubbed out.  I for one would not be upset if every last one of these crooks were also found swinging from a lamppost outside the local gas station, just like Benito.  Then the law abiding Moslems could retake their religion free of the evil doers.

Call me a cynic or call me a realist, but I don't think it's possible for any human group of greater than 1000 to be free of evil doers. 
"Beware evil-doers everywhere!"
--The Masked Avenger
I find a mistaken belief among so many in our population that if we only got tough enough, if we only cracked down enough, we could be rid of all the "evil-doers" and live happily ever-after.  This is why I am wary of the pop-culture "super hero" icon, and the "get-tough-on-crime" politicians.  There will always be bad people doing bad things, and we will always have to deal with them.  You cannot kill them all.  You cannot build enough prisons in which to lock them up and throw away the key.

That said, the use of the terms "fascist" and "fascism" as applied to Islam are bogus and misleading.  The use of the same terms applied to Bush, his government, and his unquestioning followers, is spot-on!  Bush disparaging others as "fascist" is like Jeffrey Dahmer disparaging others as "cannibals."  I would call these same militant Muslims "authoritarian, theocratic, bloodthirsty, and hypocritical."  I would also apply all those terms to the Bushies.  I don't want either group having any say over my life, that's for sh*t sure! 

If anybody ought take a lesson from the fate of Benito and wife, it is the Bushies.  Mussolini did have a good 20 year run.  If the Bushie-wing of the Republican party retains power for another ten years, they may want to soften their image at that time!
::)

Call me a cynic or call me a realist, but I don't think it's possible for any human group of greater than 1000 to be free of evil doers.

I would put that number closer to 100.  :-\\

Bush's term "Islamic Fascism" is just another lame attempt to divert attention from himself and his acts.

I would put that number closer to 100.  :-\\

Bush's term "Islamic Fascism" is just another lame attempt to divert attention from himself and his acts.

I was being a bigtime optimistic with a thousand.  I get nervous with just ten!

I always say GWB and OBL have far more in common with each other than either one has with me!