Minichan

Topic: Say what you want about Hulk Hogan

Father Merrin started this discussion 1 year ago #119,586

but he's a fascist piece of shit.

boof joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 39 minutes later[^] [v] #1,310,535

I heard that he does not look upon the blacks with a kind eye

Father Merrin (OP) replied with this 1 year ago, 3 minutes later, 42 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,536

@previous (boof)
He hates niggers for sure.

Anonymous C joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 5 minutes later, 48 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,537

What fascist traits do the Republicans have?

Father Merrin (OP) replied with this 1 year ago, 4 minutes later, 53 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,539

@previous (C)
project2025.org

Anonymous C replied with this 1 year ago, 4 minutes later, 57 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,541

@previous (Father Merrin)
He said he doesn't support it, but even he did what part do you consider fascist?

Can you give a particular trait of fascism that Project 2025 meets?

Father Merrin (OP) replied with this 1 year ago, 1 minute later, 59 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,542

@previous (C)
lol he absolutely supports it. His friends and confidants wrote it, and he knows all about it.

Father Merrin (OP) double-posted this 1 year ago, 28 seconds later, 59 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,543

@1,310,541 (C)


>
> Can you give a particular trait of fascism that Project 2025 meets?

Firing all government employees who are not fiercely loyal to Trump.

Anonymous D joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 2 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,546

I was never here for hulkamania, and I was pretty annoyed with the Gawker shutdown (not that they were top tier news or anything, but they were great with my corn flakes in the morning).

Anonymous C replied with this 1 year ago, 4 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,548

@1,310,543 (Father Merrin)

The executive branch serves at the whim of the president. A democratic form of government allows people to vote in different leadership, the old bureaucrats are not entitled to cushy jobs forever.

This is how the system is supposed to work. The voters pick the president, the president picks the officials under him.

Father Merrin (OP) replied with this 1 year ago, 10 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,550

@previous (C)
You asked for an example, and I gave it.

Anonymous C replied with this 1 year ago, 32 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,552

@previous (Father Merrin)
First I asked what fascist trait it matches, and in the next post I asked what part of the Project 2025 meets that trait.

You never answered either.

Father Merrin (OP) replied with this 1 year ago, 7 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,553

@previous (C)
You asked for a Project 2025 example of fascism, and I gave one: replacing the government with lackeys. That's a fascist move. Trump has also openly said that his term will be one of vengeance and retribution. Another fascist move.

Anonymous C replied with this 1 year ago, 4 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,554

@previous (Father Merrin)
The US has always allowed the President to hire and fire underlings within the executive branch.

Monarchies and communist countries also allow the head of government to hire and fire underlings who will follow commands from higher up in the chain of command.

Fascism isn't when the president uses the powers they just won in an election.

Father Merrin (OP) replied with this 1 year ago, 6 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,555

@previous (C)
Then the US is fascist.

Anonymous C replied with this 1 year ago, 9 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,556

@previous (Father Merrin)
So the fascists of WW2 were crushed by other fascists.

What use is the label if everyone's a fascist? Why is the US at risk of fascism if it's already fascist?

Father Merrin (OP) replied with this 1 year ago, 2 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,557

@previous (C)

boof replied with this 1 year ago, 1 hour later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,561

@1,310,548 (C)
the officials. that's not what is being discussed here.

Anonymous E joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 1 hour later, 4 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,562

@1,310,556 (C)

You have misunderstood OP. When he said "fascist", it was actually a portmanteau. What he means is that Hulk Hogan is a "FAbric SCarificstion specialIST, because he rips shirts so much.

Anonymous F joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 20 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,563

@1,310,546 (D)
Gawker was the best source to read about Peter Thiel's business failures.

Kook !!rcSrAtaAC joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 5 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,567

@1,310,546 (D)
They deserved it though

Anonymous H joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 26 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,568

@previous (Kook !!rcSrAtaAC)
Why? They didn't steal the sex tape, and the thieves who did steal it were never punished.

Kook !!rcSrAtaAC replied with this 1 year ago, 7 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,569

@previous (H)
A sex tape isn't news. Its revenge porn and illegal in many places

Anonymous I joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 40 minutes later, 6 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,570

@previous (Kook !!rcSrAtaAC)
If it's illegal, why were no criminal charges filed against the thieves who stole it?

Kook !!rcSrAtaAC replied with this 1 year ago, 30 minutes later, 7 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,571

@previous (I)
Maybe he chose not to participate in charging them

Also, stealing already illegal,so I don't see your point

(Edited 58 seconds later.)

Anonymous J joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 1 minute later, 7 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,572

@previous (Kook !!rcSrAtaAC)
If I had a sex tape stolen, I'd want to press charges. Wouldn't you?

Kook !!rcSrAtaAC replied with this 1 year ago, 16 minutes later, 7 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,573

@previous (J)
What we would do isn't relevant

Theft is still a crime, correct?

Kook !!rcSrAtaAC double-posted this 1 year ago, 1 minute later, 7 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,574

@1,310,568 (H)
@1,310,570 (I)
@1,310,572 (J)

The thieves were sued and they settled out of court. You are all retarded

(Edited 16 seconds later.)

Anonymous K joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 8 minutes later, 7 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,575

@previous (Kook !!rcSrAtaAC)

> The thieves were sued and they settled out of court.

Funny how you don't mention the thieves' names.

Could it be that you don't know the whole story?

Kook !!rcSrAtaAC replied with this 1 year ago, 17 minutes later, 7 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,576

@previous (K)
Why do I need to mention their names? Google it if you care so much

Anonymous L joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 46 minutes later, 8 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,579

@previous (Kook !!rcSrAtaAC)
So you know nothing about the subject. Okay thanks, that'll be all.

Kook !!rcSrAtaAC replied with this 1 year ago, 14 minutes later, 8 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,580

@previous (L)
Boy bye

Anonymous M joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 1 minute later, 8 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,581

@1,310,537 (C)
The political right often rejects claims that Donald Trump is a fascist. This debate is complicated by fascism's slippery nature, which can resemble authoritarianism, totalitarianism, or military dictatorships. Modern authoritarian regimes like Hungary and Russia further muddy the waters by maintaining the appearance of democracy through elections. Even as Republicans restrict voting rights, they argue that America remains fundamentally democratic. I aims to demonstrate that Trump meets the criteria of fascism using a comprehensive definition from Robert Paxton's "The Anatomy of Fascism."
What is Fascism?

Paxton's definition of fascism in "The Anatomy of Fascism" is chosen for its comprehensive analysis and distinction between fascism and other authoritarian systems. It also divides fascism into stages and shows how they are achieved or how they fail. It helps the reader understand that fascism is not merely a cult of personality where Mussolini or Hitler and their policies define what fascism is. What Hitler and Mussolini did is often what defines so called "liberal fascism", while neglecting the other components that make up fascism. My use of this definition is to avoid such incomplete analysis.

According to Paxton:

"Fascism may be defined as a form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation, or victimhood and by compensatory cults of unity, energy, and purity, in which a mass-based party of committed nationalist militants, working in uneasy but effective collaboration with traditional elites, abandons democratic liberties and pursues with redemptive violence and without ethical or legal restraints goals of internal cleansing and external expansion."

This definition can be broken down into several key components:

Political behavior characterized by:
Obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation, or victimhood
Compensatory cults of unity, energy, and purity
Mass-based party of nationalist militants collaborating uneasily with traditional elites
Abandonment of democratic liberties
Pursuit of internal cleansing and external expansion through redemptive violence, without ethical or legal restraints

How is Trump A Fascist?
Political Behavior—Obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation or victimhood

Here are there quotes from a recent Fox News interview with Brian Kilmeade about Biden and Democrats:

"He's absolutely destroyed this country."

"He's being laughed at by the leaders of foreign countries. It's ridiculous that he's our president."

"More about policy than anything else and these radical Democrats are all radical everyone that they're talking about is a radical left lunatic and whether it's Biden or whether it's somebody else I think it's the same. They want open borders they want all the things we just discussed and much more. No more gasoline powered cars. They want you to go all electric, which don't go far and made in China; very expensive. They, you know, as an example I say it's almost embarrassing to have to even say, they want men playing in women's sports."

In this interview, Trump and his supporters paint Biden as a national embarrassment, whose policies are supposedly destroying America. They criticize Biden's stance on renewable energy, immigration, and transgender rights, framing these issues as evidence of America's decline. This narrative of national decay and embarrassment sets the stage for a sense of victimhood and persecution.

Trump and his base often portray themselves as victims of the media, claiming that the press unfairly targets and vilifies them. This belief is held regardless of whether they feel the criticism is deserved or not.

While these statements might not be strong indicators of fascism, they do provide insight into Trump's political behavior and his ability to shape public opinion by exploiting fears of decline and outsider threats.
Political Behavior—Compensatory cults of unity, energy, and purity

This component, and the next, are crucial as they highlight that fascism is more than just a cult of personality, which is how it is often simplified in the media. By examining the behaviors and beliefs of those within Trump's circle, we can better assess whether he can be considered a fascist, regardless of his self-perception.

Trump's description of the assassination attempt at the Republican National Convention (RNC) is telling:

"I raised my right arm, looked at the thousands and thousands of people breathlessly waiting, and started shouting Fight! Fight! Fight!... When my clenched fist went up high into the air, the crowd realized I was okay and roared with pride for our country like no crowd I have ever heard before..."

Trump's interpretation of the event equates the crowd's enthusiasm for his survival with their passion for the nation. In Trump's narrative, he and the country are one and the same, indicating that he sees himself as the embodiment of a movement fueled by his unique vision for America.

This sense of unity and purity is further emphasized in another quote from his RNC speech:

"Our resolve is unbroken, and our purpose is unchanged: to deliver a government that serves the American people better than ever before. Nothing will stop me in this mission because our vision is righteous and our cause is pure. No matter what obstacle comes our way, we will not break, we will not bend, we will not back down. And I will never stop fighting for you, your family, and our magnificent country. Never."

Here, Trump presents himself and his supporters as righteous and pure, invoking religious notions to justify their political agenda. The fact that the RNC audience cheers on this statement despite its antithesis to democratic pluralism is concerning. Trump's rhetoric leaves no room for legitimate opposition, casting those who challenge him as impure or even unpatriotic.

The support Trump receives from his base further solidifies this dynamic. Many Trump supporters at the RNC wore bandages on their ears in solidarity with him. Figures like Kid Rock, whose Instagram proclaimed, "You fuck with Trump, you fuck with me!" embody the loyalty of Trump's followers. The Republican Party's continued endorsement of Trump as their standard-bearer indicates their alignment with his vision for the country.
Mass-based party of committed nationalists militants work in uneasy but effective collaboration with traditional elites

Fascism is not merely about the figurehead but also about the social landscape surrounding him. Let's examine this aspect by starting with the relationship between far-right nationalists and traditional elites, which is often uneasy but can be functionally collaborative.

Two recent examples from U.S. politics illustrate this dynamic:

Firstly, consider the recent Republican National Convention (RNC) vote, where Mitch McConnell, a long-serving Senator and instrumental figure in conservative politics, was booed by attendees. McConnell embodies the definition of a traditional elite within the Republican Party. Despite his successful tenure in the Senate, including his role in securing two Supreme Court seats for conservative justices, he was met with disdain by RNC attendees. This reaction is particularly notable given the successful advancement of the conservative agenda through the Court, with landmark decisions such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Chevron deference.

The second example is the insurrection attempt on January 6, 2021, led by Donald Trump and his supporters. Far-right militant groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers were present and prepared to commit acts of violence. When former Vice President Mike Pence, a long-serving Republican and loyal supporter of Trump, declined to overturn the election results, these militants turned on him. Despite Pence's four years of service to the conservative movement, his adherence to the law was met with calls for his murder, with insurgents chanting, "Hang Mike Pence."

This tenuous relationship between far-right nationalists and traditional elites is exemplified by these two cases. In the political arena, figures like Trump, McConnell, and Pence share a common vision for the country. However, outside these halls, Trump can leverage the support of far-right militants to exert pressure on more moderate conservatives, as seen during the insurrection attempt. Traditional elites like McConnell and Pence benefit from the support of the far-right base while also needing to maintain a delicate balance to avoid backlash.

In this context, Donald Trump serves as a central figure, navigating both worlds and utilizing them to further his agenda.
Abandons democratic liberties

This criterion expands our understanding of fascist aims beyond just Trump or his supporters, highlighting how fascism poses a direct threat to democratic institutions and the liberties they guarantee. In Trump's statement about the purity of his cause, he emphasizes his determination to overcome any obstacle, including those posed by democracy and the rule of law.

Trump has suggested that, if reelected, he might weaponize the FBI, despite acknowledging the potential consequences for American democracy. A leader committed to preserving democratic norms would instead ensure the lawful punishment of political enemies, thereby upholding democratic liberties and avoiding any actions that could endanger the nation.

Since losing the 2020 election, Trump has consistently denied the validity of the results, claiming without evidence that the election was stolen. This rejection of election results undermines the most fundamental aspect of democracy. What makes this particularly egregious is that Trump is willing to abandon democratic liberties in his pursuit of power. Trump and his allies are already laying the groundwork to challenge the 2024 election results, citing unsubstantiated concerns of fraud.

In another concerning development, the conservative-leaning Supreme Court, in Trump v. United States, ruled that the President "may not be prosecuted for exercising his core constitutional powers" and is "entitled to presumptive immunity from prosecution for his official acts." This decision effectively places the Office of the President above the law, preventing accountability for the most powerful position in the nation—a departure from democratic principles.

Additionally, Trump has vowed to deport up to 11 million undocumented immigrants using the military, a plan that violates the Posse Comitatus Act. This Act prohibits the involvement of federal troops in civilian law enforcement. However, Trump has disregarded this Act, stating that undocumented immigrants are not civilians but rather "people that aren't legally in our country."

Trump's brand of fascism sacrifices democratic liberties and norms to serve his pursuit and retention of power. He seeks revenge on political enemies, disregarding the legal justifications, and works to "purify" the nation. That last clause might be a strong phrase but....
Pursues with redemptive violence and without ethical or legal restraints goals of internal cleansing and external expansion

Trump's characterization of immigrants reveals a lot about his perspective and intentions:

"They're poisoning the blood of our country...They've poisoned mental institutions and prisons all over the world...They're coming into our country from Africa, from Asia...all over the world they're pouring into our country."

By describing immigrants as "poison," Trump implies that removing them would have a purifying or healing effect on the nation. Immigration is a significant issue for conservatives, and they are likely receptive to Trump's plan of action. Similarly, during his Veterans Day speech in New Hampshire, he vowed to:

"Root out the Communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country...[They] lie and cheat and steal on elections, and will do anything possible, whether legal or illegal, to destroy America and the American dream."

Trump's rhetoric has been identified as echoing Nazi language. Critics often argue that using Nazi rhetoric does not necessarily make one a Nazi, and thus the left's concerns are overblown. However, this component of fascist behavior is about the means fascists employ to achieve their goals. In Trump's case, how does he intend to "root out" these people or deport immigrants? As discussed previously, he has shown little regard for legal constraints, and his actions are likely to violate democratic norms.

The specter of violence looms large within Trump's rhetoric, and with a cause he deems pure and righteous, along with followers eager to act, the potential for violent outcomes increases. Similarly, Kevin Robert, President of the Heritage Foundation and an acquaintance of Trump, has characterized the "radical left" as "coming for your freedom, your God-given rights, and our national soul." Robert further asserted:

"We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be,"

Here, Robert strongly insinuates that he and his far-right militants are prepared for redemptive violence to restore their vision of America. Trump's rhetoric and that of his far-right allies indicate a readiness to employ violence in pursuit of their version of the "American dream," raising serious concerns about the potential for future unrest and the erosion of democratic norms.
Trump is a Fascist

To sum it up, Trump's narrative consistently revolves around the idea of national decline and humiliation, cultivating a sense of victimhood among his supporters. He evokes religious notions of purity and unity, entwining his personal interests with the nation's, which leaves no room for legitimate democratic opposition. Trump's false claim of election fraud and his disregard for democratic institutions, norms, and liberties further bolster the case for his fascist tendencies.

Indeed, one of the clearest indicators of Trump's authoritarian inclinations is his pursuit of power with no ethical or legal restraints. His rhetoric demonizes immigrants and his political opponents, using Nazi phrases like they're his own. Trump's loyal base of committed nationalist militants includes far-right groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who were present during the January 6 insurrection. In concert, they pose a direct threat to democratic ideals. Traditional elites within the Republican Party, though maintaining an uneasy relationship with these militants, ultimately benefit from and contribute to Trump's fascist agenda. As Kevin Robert, an acquaintance of Trump's, insinuated, Trump and his followers are prepared to use redemptive violence to realize their vision for America.

Donald Trump is a fascist.

Anonymous C replied with this 1 year ago, 1 hour later, 10 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,586

@1,310,561 (boof)
Project 2025 proposes the President fire and replace people working in the executive branch, which is within the purview of the president.

If you disagree with that, vote against him, but it's not fascist. We have a democratic form of government that allows the voters to pick a leader, and allows that leader to make those choices as part of his mandate in the office.

Anonymous M replied with this 1 year ago, 59 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,590

@previous (C)
Do you think this is all that Project 2025 is about?

Anonymous C replied with this 1 year ago, 1 hour later, 12 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,610

@previous (M)
No, if you were paying attention this is the specific example that was given of fascism in project 2025.

Replying to a specific point is completely different than claiming that is the only thing in the plan.

Father Merrin (OP) replied with this 1 year ago, 1 hour later, 13 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,663

@1,310,581 (M)

> The political right often rejects claims that Donald Trump is a fascist. This debate is complicated by fascism's slippery nature, which can resemble authoritarianism, totalitarianism, or military dictatorships. Modern authoritarian regimes like Hungary and Russia further muddy the waters by maintaining the appearance of democracy through elections. Even as Republicans restrict voting rights, they argue that America remains fundamentally democratic. I aims to demonstrate that Trump meets the criteria of fascism using a comprehensive definition from Robert Paxton's "The Anatomy of Fascism."
> What is Fascism?
>
> Paxton's definition of fascism in "The Anatomy of Fascism" is chosen for its comprehensive analysis and distinction between fascism and other authoritarian systems. It also divides fascism into stages and shows how they are achieved or how they fail. It helps the reader understand that fascism is not merely a cult of personality where Mussolini or Hitler and their policies define what fascism is. What Hitler and Mussolini did is often what defines so called "liberal fascism", while neglecting the other components that make up fascism. My use of this definition is to avoid such incomplete analysis.
>
> According to Paxton:
>
> "Fascism may be defined as a form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation, or victimhood and by compensatory cults of unity, energy, and purity, in which a mass-based party of committed nationalist militants, working in uneasy but effective collaboration with traditional elites, abandons democratic liberties and pursues with redemptive violence and without ethical or legal restraints goals of internal cleansing and external expansion."
>
> This definition can be broken down into several key components:
>
> Political behavior characterized by:
> Obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation, or victimhood
> Compensatory cults of unity, energy, and purity
> Mass-based party of nationalist militants collaborating uneasily with traditional elites
> Abandonment of democratic liberties
> Pursuit of internal cleansing and external expansion through redemptive violence, without ethical or legal restraints
>
> How is Trump A Fascist?
> Political Behavior—Obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation or victimhood
>
> Here are there quotes from a recent Fox News interview with Brian Kilmeade about Biden and Democrats:
>
> "He's absolutely destroyed this country."
>
> "He's being laughed at by the leaders of foreign countries. It's ridiculous that he's our president."
>
> "More about policy than anything else and these radical Democrats are all radical everyone that they're talking about is a radical left lunatic and whether it's Biden or whether it's somebody else I think it's the same. They want open borders they want all the things we just discussed and much more. No more gasoline powered cars. They want you to go all electric, which don't go far and made in China; very expensive. They, you know, as an example I say it's almost embarrassing to have to even say, they want men playing in women's sports."
>
> In this interview, Trump and his supporters paint Biden as a national embarrassment, whose policies are supposedly destroying America. They criticize Biden's stance on renewable energy, immigration, and transgender rights, framing these issues as evidence of America's decline. This narrative of national decay and embarrassment sets the stage for a sense of victimhood and persecution.
>
> Trump and his base often portray themselves as victims of the media, claiming that the press unfairly targets and vilifies them. This belief is held regardless of whether they feel the criticism is deserved or not.
>
> While these statements might not be strong indicators of fascism, they do provide insight into Trump's political behavior and his ability to shape public opinion by exploiting fears of decline and outsider threats.
> Political Behavior—Compensatory cults of unity, energy, and purity
>
> This component, and the next, are crucial as they highlight that fascism is more than just a cult of personality, which is how it is often simplified in the media. By examining the behaviors and beliefs of those within Trump's circle, we can better assess whether he can be considered a fascist, regardless of his self-perception.
>
> Trump's description of the assassination attempt at the Republican National Convention (RNC) is telling:
>
> "I raised my right arm, looked at the thousands and thousands of people breathlessly waiting, and started shouting Fight! Fight! Fight!... When my clenched fist went up high into the air, the crowd realized I was okay and roared with pride for our country like no crowd I have ever heard before..."
>
> Trump's interpretation of the event equates the crowd's enthusiasm for his survival with their passion for the nation. In Trump's narrative, he and the country are one and the same, indicating that he sees himself as the embodiment of a movement fueled by his unique vision for America.
>
> This sense of unity and purity is further emphasized in another quote from his RNC speech:
>
> "Our resolve is unbroken, and our purpose is unchanged: to deliver a government that serves the American people better than ever before. Nothing will stop me in this mission because our vision is righteous and our cause is pure. No matter what obstacle comes our way, we will not break, we will not bend, we will not back down. And I will never stop fighting for you, your family, and our magnificent country. Never."
>
> Here, Trump presents himself and his supporters as righteous and pure, invoking religious notions to justify their political agenda. The fact that the RNC audience cheers on this statement despite its antithesis to democratic pluralism is concerning. Trump's rhetoric leaves no room for legitimate opposition, casting those who challenge him as impure or even unpatriotic.
>
> The support Trump receives from his base further solidifies this dynamic. Many Trump supporters at the RNC wore bandages on their ears in solidarity with him. Figures like Kid Rock, whose Instagram proclaimed, "You fuck with Trump, you fuck with me!" embody the loyalty of Trump's followers. The Republican Party's continued endorsement of Trump as their standard-bearer indicates their alignment with his vision for the country.
> Mass-based party of committed nationalists militants work in uneasy but effective collaboration with traditional elites
>
> Fascism is not merely about the figurehead but also about the social landscape surrounding him. Let's examine this aspect by starting with the relationship between far-right nationalists and traditional elites, which is often uneasy but can be functionally collaborative.
>
> Two recent examples from U.S. politics illustrate this dynamic:
>
> Firstly, consider the recent Republican National Convention (RNC) vote, where Mitch McConnell, a long-serving Senator and instrumental figure in conservative politics, was booed by attendees. McConnell embodies the definition of a traditional elite within the Republican Party. Despite his successful tenure in the Senate, including his role in securing two Supreme Court seats for conservative justices, he was met with disdain by RNC attendees. This reaction is particularly notable given the successful advancement of the conservative agenda through the Court, with landmark decisions such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Chevron deference.
>
> The second example is the insurrection attempt on January 6, 2021, led by Donald Trump and his supporters. Far-right militant groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers were present and prepared to commit acts of violence. When former Vice President Mike Pence, a long-serving Republican and loyal supporter of Trump, declined to overturn the election results, these militants turned on him. Despite Pence's four years of service to the conservative movement, his adherence to the law was met with calls for his murder, with insurgents chanting, "Hang Mike Pence."
>
> This tenuous relationship between far-right nationalists and traditional elites is exemplified by these two cases. In the political arena, figures like Trump, McConnell, and Pence share a common vision for the country. However, outside these halls, Trump can leverage the support of far-right militants to exert pressure on more moderate conservatives, as seen during the insurrection attempt. Traditional elites like McConnell and Pence benefit from the support of the far-right base while also needing to maintain a delicate balance to avoid backlash.
>
> In this context, Donald Trump serves as a central figure, navigating both worlds and utilizing them to further his agenda.
> Abandons democratic liberties
>
> This criterion expands our understanding of fascist aims beyond just Trump or his supporters, highlighting how fascism poses a direct threat to democratic institutions and the liberties they guarantee. In Trump's statement about the purity of his cause, he emphasizes his determination to overcome any obstacle, including those posed by democracy and the rule of law.
>
> Trump has suggested that, if reelected, he might weaponize the FBI, despite acknowledging the potential consequences for American democracy. A leader committed to preserving democratic norms would instead ensure the lawful punishment of political enemies, thereby upholding democratic liberties and avoiding any actions that could endanger the nation.
>
> Since losing the 2020 election, Trump has consistently denied the validity of the results, claiming without evidence that the election was stolen. This rejection of election results undermines the most fundamental aspect of democracy. What makes this particularly egregious is that Trump is willing to abandon democratic liberties in his pursuit of power. Trump and his allies are already laying the groundwork to challenge the 2024 election results, citing unsubstantiated concerns of fraud.
>
> In another concerning development, the conservative-leaning Supreme Court, in Trump v. United States, ruled that the President "may not be prosecuted for exercising his core constitutional powers" and is "entitled to presumptive immunity from prosecution for his official acts." This decision effectively places the Office of the President above the law, preventing accountability for the most powerful position in the nation—a departure from democratic principles.
>
> Additionally, Trump has vowed to deport up to 11 million undocumented immigrants using the military, a plan that violates the Posse Comitatus Act. This Act prohibits the involvement of federal troops in civilian law enforcement. However, Trump has disregarded this Act, stating that undocumented immigrants are not civilians but rather "people that aren't legally in our country."
>
> Trump's brand of fascism sacrifices democratic liberties and norms to serve his pursuit and retention of power. He seeks revenge on political enemies, disregarding the legal justifications, and works to "purify" the nation. That last clause might be a strong phrase but....
> Pursues with redemptive violence and without ethical or legal restraints goals of internal cleansing and external expansion
>
> Trump's characterization of immigrants reveals a lot about his perspective and intentions:
>
> "They're poisoning the blood of our country...They've poisoned mental institutions and prisons all over the world...They're coming into our country from Africa, from Asia...all over the world they're pouring into our country."
>
> By describing immigrants as "poison," Trump implies that removing them would have a purifying or healing effect on the nation. Immigration is a significant issue for conservatives, and they are likely receptive to Trump's plan of action. Similarly, during his Veterans Day speech in New Hampshire, he vowed to:
>
> "Root out the Communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country...[They] lie and cheat and steal on elections, and will do anything possible, whether legal or illegal, to destroy America and the American dream."
>
> Trump's rhetoric has been identified as echoing Nazi language. Critics often argue that using Nazi rhetoric does not necessarily make one a Nazi, and thus the left's concerns are overblown. However, this component of fascist behavior is about the means fascists employ to achieve their goals. In Trump's case, how does he intend to "root out" these people or deport immigrants? As discussed previously, he has shown little regard for legal constraints, and his actions are likely to violate democratic norms.
>
> The specter of violence looms large within Trump's rhetoric, and with a cause he deems pure and righteous, along with followers eager to act, the potential for violent outcomes increases. Similarly, Kevin Robert, President of the Heritage Foundation and an acquaintance of Trump, has characterized the "radical left" as "coming for your freedom, your God-given rights, and our national soul." Robert further asserted:
>
> "We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be,"
>
> Here, Robert strongly insinuates that he and his far-right militants are prepared for redemptive violence to restore their vision of America. Trump's rhetoric and that of his far-right allies indicate a readiness to employ violence in pursuit of their version of the "American dream," raising serious concerns about the potential for future unrest and the erosion of democratic norms.
> Trump is a Fascist
>
> To sum it up, Trump's narrative consistently revolves around the idea of national decline and humiliation, cultivating a sense of victimhood among his supporters. He evokes religious notions of purity and unity, entwining his personal interests with the nation's, which leaves no room for legitimate democratic opposition. Trump's false claim of election fraud and his disregard for democratic institutions, norms, and liberties further bolster the case for his fascist tendencies.
>
> Indeed, one of the clearest indicators of Trump's authoritarian inclinations is his pursuit of power with no ethical or legal restraints. His rhetoric demonizes immigrants and his political opponents, using Nazi phrases like they're his own. Trump's loyal base of committed nationalist militants includes far-right groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who were present during the January 6 insurrection. In concert, they pose a direct threat to democratic ideals. Traditional elites within the Republican Party, though maintaining an uneasy relationship with these militants, ultimately benefit from and contribute to Trump's fascist agenda. As Kevin Robert, an acquaintance of Trump's, insinuated, Trump and his followers are prepared to use redemptive violence to realize their vision for America.
>
> Donald Trump is a fascist.

Anonymous N joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 14 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,672

say what you want about hulk hogan, but that guy is a piece of shit, if randy savage were still alive i think he would have been pro-biden

Anonymous O joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 14 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,682

I'm more of an Iron Sheik fan myself.

Anonymous N replied with this 1 year ago, 5 minutes later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,689

@previous (O)

> I'm more of an Iron Sheik fan myself.

sheik was good, id love to hear what he has to say on this if he were still alive

Kook !!rcSrAtaAC replied with this 1 year ago, 1 minute later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,690

@1,310,682 (O)
He used to wild the fuck out on the Howard Stern show

Anonymous P joined in and replied with this 1 year ago, 39 seconds later, 14 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,691

@1,310,689 (N)

> id love to hear what he has to say on this if he were still alive

HULK HOGAN IS GAY AND FAGGOT!

HE STEALS MY COCAINE, HE STEALS MY MARIJUANA!

HALF AND HALF!

something like that

Anonymous E replied with this 1 year ago, 1 hour later, 15 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,310,703

> Trump's interpretation of the event equates the crowd's enthusiasm for his survival with their passion for the nation

They were chanting "USA USA USA" wtf
:

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