The New Fascism: Power of Consensus

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Defining Terms: Socialism, Fascism, and Statism
3. The Dominant Trend: Statism
4. The Difference between Socialism and Fascism
5. The Rise of Government by Consensus
6. The Dangers of Government by Consensus
7. The Loss of Ideology and Principles
8. The Role of Fear and Anxieties in a Culture without Ideology
9. The Lack of Political Leadership and Vision
10. The Illusion of Government by Consensus
11. The Consequences of Government by Consensus
12. The Shift towards Fascism or Socialism
13. The Erosion of Individual Rights and Freedom
14. The Characteristics of a Mixed Economy
15. The Aristocracy of the Poor: The Impact on Small Business Owners
16. The Rise of Guild Socialism
17. The Danger of Equating Capitalism with Fascism
18. The Pragmatism and Lack of Philosophy in the Current System

The Erosion of Individual Rights and Freedom

In a society where consensus and pragmatism reign, the erosion of individual rights and freedom is an inevitable consequence. The dominance of statism, the umbrella term for both socialism and fascism, has led to a power-hungry government that seeks to control and regulate every aspect of citizens' lives. While socialism advocates for the complete vesting of ownership and control in the community as a whole, fascism leaves ownership in the hands of private individuals but transfers control to the government. Both systems disregard the importance of individual rights and place the power solely in the hands of an all-powerful state.

The Loss of Ideology and Principles

One of the most troubling aspects of the current political landscape is the absence of ideology. Rather than having a clear set of principles and political theories, there is a vacuum, a void in which pragmatism and compromise have taken precedence. Political leaders struggle to define their views, resorting to slogans and empty promises to gain support. Without a guiding philosophy, the government becomes a ship adrift at sea, swayed by the whims of public opinion and lacking a true vision for the future.

The Danger of Government by Consensus

Government by consensus, touted as a solution to political disagreements and divisiveness, is, in reality, a dangerous path towards the erosion of individual rights and freedom. This system, which seeks to find common ground and compromise, ends up stifling dissent and hindering progress. It allows for the majority to dictate the rights and liberties of the minority, disregarding the fundamental principles of justice and fairness. Government by consensus relies on the allure of a broad popular mandate, but it ignores the importance of individual rights and the need for principled leadership.

The Shift towards Fascism or Socialism

The current trajectory of the political landscape seems to be heading towards a combination of fascism and socialism. The rise of statism, with its focus on government control and the suppression of individual rights, leaves us with limited choices. The erosion of capitalism, the relinquishment of private property rights, and the increasing influence of pressure groups all contribute to a system that resembles fascism more than a free market economy.

While some might argue that socialism and fascism are diametrically opposed, in practice, they both lead to the consolidation of power in the hands of an omnipotent government. Both systems negate individual rights and place the burden of an ever-growing government on the shoulders of hardworking citizens.

The Importance of Philosophy and Ideology

To avoid the path towards fascism or socialism, it is crucial to recognize the power of philosophy and ideology. A society's foundation is built upon its philosophical principles, and without a clear and consistent ideology, we risk succumbing to the allure of statist control.

By rejecting the ideology of pragmatism and embracing the principles of individual rights, freedom, and capitalism, we can steer clear of the dangers of government by consensus. It is only by understanding the connection between philosophy, politics, and daily life that we can reclaim a society grounded in liberty, individual rights, and true progress.

Highlights

• The current political landscape is dominated by statism, which includes both socialism and fascism.
• Government by consensus is a dangerous path that erodes individual rights and freedom.
• The absence of ideology and principles in politics leads to a lack of direction and true leadership.
• The present system is a peculiar form of fascism, characterized by a tired, cynical, and power-hungry government.
• The erosion of individual rights and freedom is a consequence of the mixed economy and the rise of pressure groups.
• The danger lies in equating capitalism with fascism, perpetuating misconceptions about the merits of a free market economy.
• Guild socialism and the aristocracy of the poor further contribute to the erosion of individual rights and economic freedom.
• It is essential to recognize the power of philosophy and ideology in shaping society and to embrace the values of individual rights, freedom, and capitalism as a means to avoid the pitfalls of statism.

FAQ

Q: How does government by consensus erode individual rights and freedom? A: Government by consensus relies on the opinions and desires of the majority, disregarding the rights and freedoms of individuals and minority groups. This system allows the government to dictate and control every aspect of citizens' lives, limiting their ability to make autonomous decisions and infringing upon their individual rights.

Q: What are the dangers of equating capitalism with fascism? A: Equating capitalism with fascism perpetuates misconceptions about the nature of a free market economy. Capitalism upholds individual rights, freedom, and voluntary exchange, whereas fascism promotes a strong, centralized government with limited individual freedom. By equating the two, we undermine the merits of capitalism and risk accepting the encroachment of government control in our economic and personal lives.

Q: Can a society without ideology thrive? A: A society without ideology lacks direction, principles, and a moral compass. Without a guiding philosophy, society becomes susceptible to the whims of changing public opinion and the rise of power-hungry leaders. Ideology provides a framework for understanding the world, setting goals, and establishing principles that safeguard individual rights and freedom. Therefore, a thriving society necessitates a solid ideological foundation.