Ron Paul on NBC: U.S. Moving Toward “Soft Fascism”

Nick Langewis and David Edwards
Raw Story
December 23, 2007

 

“It reminds me of what Sinclair Lewis once said, he says: ‘When fascism comes to this country, it will be wrapped in the flag, carrying a cross.’”

Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) argues to Meet the Press’ Tim Russert that in the statement above, he is not calling presidential contender and Republican competitor Mike Huckabee a fascist, but what could be the image of a cross planted in a recently released Huckabee campaign ad brought the quote to his mind.

Paul does, however, believe that the United States has adopted fascist leanings. Changes in the country’s tone, says the Congressman, such as the PATRIOT Act, questioning dissenters’ patriotism during the war, and civil liberties abuses indicate corporatism, or “soft fascism,” namely a stronghold by the military-industrial complex on society.

“So,” Russert follows up, “you think we’re close to fascism?”

Mentioning a documentary entitled “Freedom to Fascism,” Paul responds, “We’re not moving toward Hitler-type fascism, but we’re moving toward a softer fascism: Loss of civil liberties, corporations running the show, big government in bed with big business. So you have the military-industrial complex, you have the medical-industrial complex, you have the financial industry, you have the communications industry. They go to Washington and spend hundreds of millions of dollars.”

“That’s where the control is,” says the Congressman. “I call that a soft form of fascism — something that’s very dangerous.”

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  1. Rachel on December 23rd, 2007

    I saw this interview. It made me sick the way Tim put words in Dr. Paul’s mouth, twisted what he said and spun the whole story. Good thing Dr. Paul’s supporters know better than to listen to mainstream media. Unfortunately, it is could screw up the views of those just learning of Ron Paul. Too many people listen to and follow what those talking heads in the media espouse. They are used to just being part of the status quo, and not finding their own niche. I still have hope that the majority will wake up, and find out what they are missing in the Revolution.

    Ron Paul 2008

  2. Don on December 23rd, 2007

    The Revolution Will NOT Be Televised
    on the fascist corporate controlled, same crap, different channel, so called media, paid for by the
    multi-national drug companies & military industrial congressional complex beneficiaries, with fiat currency
    from the international banksters, digitaly manipulated newstainment with talking heads on the electronic toilet 24/7.
    The Revolution WILL Be Broadcast Right Here On The Net!

  3. S. Wolf Britain on December 23rd, 2007

    That’s one of the major things that major-ly bothers me about and makes me and many others in the Truth Movement distrust Ron Paul. Oh, I know there are supposedly good excuses and/or reasons for it, but I don’t agree that they are good reasons and/or excuses AT ALL! He downplays the seriousness of the threat of the fascism that we ARE under, which is extremely dangerous in and of itself. Because the threat that we are under right this very moment IS VERY MUCH Nazi-Germany-like fascism, and/or is “Hitler-like fascism” as Dr. Paul puts it and denies that it is! I realize he’s trying not to sound extreme, or “so” extreme, and to attempt to make himself more palatable to the “mainstream”; but there’s no excuse for this! We’ve GOT TO give the warning(s) in no uncertain terms, whether running for president or whatever, period! And I for one will not excuse Ron Paul’s completely inexcusable, typical-career-politician-like “waffling”! He doesn’t stand a hope in hell of winning anyway; so, rhetorically speaking, what can it hurt to tell it like it is in no uncertain terms, as we ALL, including Ron-Paul-types running for president, have a natural, God-given, world-citizen, True American Patriot (if we are True American Patriots) DUTY to do?! Enough waffling, ALTOGETHER, about the truth of what is really going on, it is THAT serious and important!!

  4. Timothy in MMissouri on December 23rd, 2007

    I enjoyed our first look at how Dr. Paul WILL do in the National campain and debates.He was a little weak until Mr. Russert got under his skin. Dr. Paul will do fine as he did this morning. Pleas democrates, republicans and independents don’t get upset at the hard questions that need to be asked.We Americans need to unite for our free speech to be able to argue our differences. We the People. Its time for our stewertship of this Constitution. Sovereignty is in the People NOT the borders.

    Ron Paul 2008

  5. Donald F. Truax on December 24th, 2007

    When in hell are they going to quit the whitewashing of the current status quo that is now American. Mr. Paul, we are not headed towards Fascism, but, are already a “Fascist State”! ! ! that is hidden from most Amerians who are gluded to their TV sets or don’t have the intellect to do their research etc.

    Come walk in my shoes or any whistle blower who believes in the U.S. Constitution or who is anti Mush or world government.

    Please don’t insult us with this rhetoric, grab your balls and tell it like it is! The line has already been drawn…..please step to one side or the other.

    Leadership is not being soft on hard facts concerning the future of our country and the world.

    Please don’t forget the threats against your life!!!, which, derive from the so called “Soft Fascism”.

    Very Truly Yours

    /s/Donald F. Truax

  6. Mark G on December 24th, 2007

    Donald,

    He has to say soft fascism because if he says Hitler Fascism, the media will spin it and make the stupid americans believe Ron is nuts. Please understand that Ron treads lightly and he’s smart by doing it. He’s doing well in all states because he knows what will hurt and help his campaign. There are no good answers to Russerts questions. They are written to make Ron look bad and be on the defensive. Ron did good and only Ron could have. Can you imagine Rudy, Huck, John M, trying to answer them honestly?? That would be laughable.

  7. Jacia on December 24th, 2007

    There is indeed a fine line between going all out yet trying not to be seen as extreme. Unfortunately, most people are misinformed and the Truth Movement is unknown and a little scary to them. Mainstream people need to introduced slowly. I have some friends who were very angry that I even brought up the 911 Truth Movement! I guess they don’t care about their future, the future of their children, much less the future of our country. It is very sad.

    I recently saw Larry Silverstein at an art convention (the owner of WTC complex who received $7 BIL in insurance from his $15 investment). I wanted to yell out to him, but I did not, and regretted it after. As my ex said, “He’ll bury you - keep your mouth shut.” Isn’t that the truth about all of this?? They will bury us - figuratively and literally.

    Rachel and Don, I totally agree with you!!

    RON PAUL 2008

  8. Mark G on December 24th, 2007

    By the way, Ron has about 1000 new donations this week (and its only Tuesday) and almost 700 of them are from NEW donars. He’s gaining new donars at an unbelievable rate and it will continue. The establishment has become desperate and its showing… Ron can win this thing if we keep plugging his name every chance we get.

  9. ol_seabee@yahoo.com on December 24th, 2007

    Ron Paul will need to become more aggressive with time imo

    Maybe even make a scene at some point if people are dismissing him

    He was right where he said, about his massive contributions,

    “it shows there are alot of disgruntled people out there”

    There are alot of disgruntled people alright and more to come,, doesn’t hurt to wait a bit maybe

    The younger generation and I mean even in their forties even have been excluded from the benefits of their labor

    It started about 1978 when they raised interest rates to 13% for 13 years!
    and opened the borders as they exported our jobs with OUR (govt) money

    I think when people aren’t sure who the enemy is that it causes uncertainty

    They just need somebody to point them in the right direction and then for the proverbial first shot to be fired

    I’m a little old to be sayin this but,

    Man Alex, You ROCK!

    Thanks

  10. shazar on December 24th, 2007

    ron paul is doing great. these lamestream media attacks just backfire and reflect simply how much more classy ron paul is than any of these 2-bit squawking heads. and the people inside the movement in these comments attacking ron paul are either centcom slouches or spoiled babies who got a caddilac when they wanted a porsche. be grateful we have paul!

    check out theedgeam.com

    ronpaul2008!

  11. Dave Iles on December 24th, 2007

    I agree Donald F. Truax, we are and have been subjugated by Fascism since at least 1913 when the Federal Reserve was created.

    However, I understand why Ron Paul didn’t want to dredge-up that issue with the shill Russert trying to bitch slap Dr. Paul at every turn and he would have sounded too radical to the sheeple if he would have stated it any harsher.

    Regardless, of how these media whores try to dis-credit Dr. Paul he always seems to recover rather well concidering.

  12. ol_seabee@yahoo.com on December 24th, 2007

    I sometimes ask people if they know where money comes from

    I’ve told many people simply that, “banks extend credit”

    Sometimes I try to explain fractional reserve lending or how bonds are monetized by the fed banks and even that a brand new house IS NOT MONEY BUT NEEDS TO BE MONETIZED!

    I try to focus on the credit

  13. George Martinez on December 25th, 2007

    I used to think that Tim Russert was a good journalist - not afraid to ask the tough questions, but lately he has been soft on the those in power and tough on the less politically influential.

    I saw no courtesy shown Ron Paul in his interview but rather a non-stop barrage of accusations which fortunately Mr. Paul was able to deflect. If anyone was the winner is was Ron Paul and we now have a true picture of Tim Russert, the attack dog of the ultraconservatives.

  14. S. Wolf Britain on December 25th, 2007

    AMEN, DON!!!!!

  15. S. Wolf Britain on December 25th, 2007

    Oops, I didn’t realize, or remember, that there’s another “Don” in this thread (or is that you, Donald?); so I mean, “Amen, Don(ald F. Traux)”, that is!… Not that what “Don” said didn’t have some value to it too.

  16. ol_seabee@yahoo.com on December 25th, 2007

    1. Immigration

    2. Credit

    These are the 2 main issues in my thinking

    We need STABILITY in both for deserving citizens to prevail

    We don’t have stability in either

    Merchants run America

    “Ring of Power” part 2 claims Europe runs it all

    I see that with the boomers retirement age approaching that they raised the requirements to become a PHARMACIST

    Meanwhile they import foreign pharmacists

    Yep, America’s under attack

  17. Jeff on December 25th, 2007

    Oh, don’t worry, I’m still voting for Ron Paul, why ? It’s simple, we all know the elite are sponsoring the rest of the goons for office…..you’ll never here the truth out of them either. Everything from Fascism to Eugenics are on the wicked tables of this presidential campaign, and Ron Paul is fighting them with one hand tied behind his back. Keep up the good work Ron Paul !

  18. Mountjoy on December 25th, 2007

    Ron knows how to zap ‘em, and I’m sure he’ll get some surprises, ’specially the spine-numbing bombshells he’ll receive after he takes office, but it’s all good from what I’m seeing. The depth of evil he’s going to be commander against needs a man whom is sworn to protect all innocent life with his own. He’s proved it to us once again here with Russert, & we are going to support the life force of this benevolent, mild-mannered, action-oriented-intellectual superhero thru’ thick & thin. I’d ruin it & lose, by being over the line, rude, arrogant, reactionary, & even hateful of pipsqueeks like Russert, [who after all, can’t be counted on to see thru’ the veil of darkness, & get kudos & promotions by colluding w/ enemy camps like Paul’s, right?], & allow myself too much emotion ~ effectively trapping myself in a spiraling vortex of destructive diatribe. I know ’cause even my own parents suspect me of being a lil’ nuts when it comes to “… fascism IS here!” They remember the uniformed, extreme paganism of “Hitler” & don’t consciously pierce the subtle sleight-of-hand illusions of the current power structures all around them. Ron is breaking the hypnotic spells each is under in a style that focuses on the message, which he knows must survive beyond him.
    More later!
    Who’s going to the Archangel Games in Beijing this year? Love to see a fleet of Freedom blimps dropping tea there!
    Peace Unlimited To All!
    -Mj

  19. Mark on December 25th, 2007

    I would ask everyone to make note of one very important point Ron Paul made.

    He talked about the perils of big government being in bed with big business and what a terrible thing this would be. His solution is to have very small government and let the people (including big business) have full freedom to do what they want.

    Think about this solution for a minute. Do we really want government so small it can have little constraining power over big business?

    No, the solution is not small government and the kind of lassiez faire full freedom that Ron Paul wants. We want government big enough to protect us from big business. If anyone can figure out a way to do that without big government then let us know.

    This is why I’m voting for either Edwards or Obama. They want to put the constrants back on big business. (Constraints that — by the way — were in place circa 1929 to circa 1985. which also corresponds to the time in American history when this nation saw more progress than any other time in human history.

    Empower the people, not big business. The only way to do that is limit big business. And the only entity that has any chance in hell of limiting big business, is big government.

  20. Michael on December 25th, 2007

    Mark, you have to let go of the notion that government, big or small, protects us from big business or anything else. Don’t give your power away to the “State”. The single most important thing that we as individuals can do right now is to know ourselves and take charge of your own lives. It all starts right there.

    And to all the so-called 9/11 Truth ideologists, learn a lesson from the methods of the luciferians (neocons, bonesmen or whatever you want to call them): be patient. Small steps forward amount to progress. These bastards have spent generations patiently herding us toward this current fascist condition. Don’t expect to undo everything overnight, you’ll wind up disappointed and frustrated. And don’t expect the only presidential candidate with a chance to restore the Republic to destroy himself just because you’re impatient. What are you doing to help restore the republic?

  21. Paul on December 26th, 2007

    I agree with Michael. Today’s situation that Ron Paul spoke of is proof that big government just gets in bed with big business. It does not protect us from big business. It protects big business from us…

  22. Erik on December 26th, 2007

    Tim Russert represented the view of most ignorant Americans, and his questions were exactly what most unfamiliar with Ron Paul have on their minds. Mr. Russert clearly showed his ignorance even after Ron Paul made his points perfectly clear. Even an intelligent man such as Tim Russert has been programmed into thinking one way without even realizing what he was saying. That is/WAS the state of this country. Again, an exceptionally fine interview by Ron Paul.

  23. Emmanuel Goldstein on December 26th, 2007

    I have a few brief points to make.

    First, Ron Paul’s reaction to Russert’s–”What was that supposed to mean?” Paul, with a perfect physical reaction–”What? Fascism? The Definition of Fascism?” Classic. Instead of worrying about political points, he mounted his own attack–ask a stupid question, get an obvious answer.

    Secondly, I am sick and tired of the high horsers in the truth movement. Ron Paul is as consistent as a rock. If you researched him a bit you’d see that. Just because he doesn’t openly flout every theory that you want aired doesn’t mean he is untrustworthy. Besides if you actually believe what you preach, you would realize even if Ron Paul wins the problems our country face lie far outside of the executive office. Much like Russia, our country is truly run by the intelligence and covert ops community. It is always good to have a decent executive, but even Paul himself doesn’t claim to be savior. No one owes you ANYTHING, be happy someone wants to restore order and law. The very sentiment reeks of arrogance, as if you have the right to pass judgment every time the man doesn’t come out with “we blew everything up and are installing the next Hitler.” Statements like that make me wonder if the speaker even knows what truth is or if the “truth movement” is something trendy he/she flouts to be cool and on the fringe.

    Third, to Mark who is going to vote in Obama or Edwards–you are a deluded fool. Both men are tools for big government. And the fact that you would make as incredible of a statement as the government should be protecting us from big business proves that you are quite unlearned. Government is supposed to protect us from invaders and uphold our rights and that is ALL. Protection from big business lies at the local level, dare I say with the individual. Our country was founded by men with mettle. Unfortunately, most “men” today are effeminated wimps that lack the testicular fortitude to put the local McDonald’s manager in place, let alone fight for freedom. You are one of them–you need nanny big mother/brother to fight off the big bad businessmen.

    My wife hurt the CFO of her company’s hand when shaking it. She is less than 120 lbs. These men are not men at all, yet we suffer. Now whose fault is that?

    And Mark, don’t try to reason selling our country down the river. It is sad and insults the reader’s intelligence.

    And finally, the true state of the nation lies somewhere between soft fascism and Hitler like fascism. My family ran from the Nazis and Russia and I can assure you, while some of our government’s practices reek of and have the potential to go down a very bad path quickly, it is not yet nearly as bad as you’d like to believe it is. You may have soldiers drilling to take guns and force camps–you don’t have soldiers firing upon citizens and murdering political dissidents in the plain view of the public. When we reach Communist China’s state, then you can say we are in Hitler like fascism. That said, yes, we should warn the people that are willing to listen, but as Estulin said the other day on Alex’s show–if they won’t listen move on or we sink with them.

    Ron Paul may not be perfect, but he is the best choice we’ve had in a LONG time. He is not a kook like Perot or questionable like Nader. He is a real deal statesman with great views and actually has the potential to lead us to a more reasonable state of affairs. The only candidate promoting freedom and guys like Mark don’t want it. Astounding. Using fancy wording to say Americans don’t want freedom. But that is like calling us a democracy–when the majority of the weak band together to promote weakness and those of us who need freedom are forced to live in shame because there are more cowards than Americans present. It is a constitutional republic and that is what Paul promises to restore. Everyone should be voting for him, yet people are resisting. Maybe we are a fascist nation, run by fascists and populated by fascists. Because real Americans, like Jefferson and Jackson, would not have stood for all that has happened and would not promote diluted freedom.

    How does the quote go? “If you are willing to give up freedom for security you will get neither, nor do you deserve either”

  24. Wise man on December 26th, 2007

    As I saw this vid. I was like WOW!!! That was so truth what he mentioned about Softfascism. The same development are also taking place in europe and elsewhere in the world. Specially the growing power of the military complex and corporatism.
    I don’t think that he is just playing a role in this Election or trying to stage-manage.
    My opinion is that his word are for real!

    Greetings from Germany…

  25. S. Wolf Britain on December 27th, 2007

    Greetings TO Germany!!…

    Now, “Wise Man”, would you please get in touch with my German friend who lives about fifteen miles outside of Stuttgart (when he gets back from being in Australia right now on his second around the world bicycle tour, that is—I met him in Colorado, U.S.A. on his first tour), and help wake him up to how serious what’s going on is, that not everything here is, as he often puts it, a “beautiful world” (with his rose-colored glasses and/or blinders on), and how important it is to take a stand against this, truly, “hard-fascism” that the world is descending into?! Email me via my website link above (my name itself), and I’ll give you his email address so you can get in touch with him.

    Brost from,

    Wolf(gang)

  26. Donald F. Truax on December 27th, 2007

    Follow-up: http://mathaba.net/rss/?x=575937

    Today, there’s a serious threat at home no different from the extremist ideology “Lincolns” fought against in Spain - the scourge of fascism now in America. It mirrors the Nazi kind that was based on corporatism, patriotism and nationalism; a claimed messianic Almightly-directed mission; authoritarian rule; bipartisan support; iron-fisted militarism; and thuggish “homeland security” enforcers.

    It illegally spies on everyone, conducts warrantless searches and seizures, makes unwarranted mass arrests and incarcerations, and can designate anyone, anywhere for any reason an “unlawful enemy combatant” with no corroborating evidence needed. It tolerates no dissent at a time the law is what the executive says it is, and checks and balances, separation of powers, and equal justice for all no longer exist. It’s called fascism, despotism or tyranny that masquerades as a model democracy in an America only beautiful for the privileged, no one else. It’s what “Lincolns” fought against in Spain, now threatening the US 70 years later.

    Love “Light” and Energy

    _Donald F. Truax

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  28. S. Wolf Britain on December 28th, 2007

    AMEN, DONALD, YOU (KEEP) TELL(ING) IT LIKE IT IS, BROTHER!!

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