138. Title & Author: Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left from Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning by Jonah Goldberg (413 pages)Genre: Nonfiction--History & Politics
Completed: 6 April 2010
Summary & Review:
While the title of this book may make it seem as though the substance within is little more than partisan attacks on the left, Goldberg actually offers a thoughtful, fair, and fact-based assessment of the roots of modern liberalism. He traces the ideological paths of some of the infamous fascist movements such as Nazism and Italian Fascism and illustrates how those movements found their home in America under the guise of Progressivism. It is, of course, certain that the contemporary fascism pushed forward by the left is not nearly as hateful as the fascism of 1930's Germany, rather, it is a gentler, nicer kind of fascism--fascism with a happy face. Goldberg argues these points and clarifies how the left's accusations that conservatives and libertarians are "fascists" and "brownshirts" are inaccurate and misleading.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Undoubtedly, Goldberg has been attacked about it based on the title (and cover art) alone, but those who take the time to read and understand his argument cannot but see the scholarship and objectivity he used while arguing his thesis. To me, I've always understood that the right-wing in American politics pushed for less government intervention in the lives of individuals, and thus, the extreme edge of this wing was anarchy, not fascism, at least, that is, when fascism is properly understood. Thus, I never comprehended how the left could hurl names like "Nazi" and "Stormtrooper" at conservatives and libertarians. Fascism is an encroachment of personal liberty and free market principles by government intervention, and whether that is done because of racism (like the Nazis), nationalism (like the Italians), or for the sake of the environment (like the current leftist movement), that does not change what it is.
This book was a Christmas present from my sister and brother-in-law. I recommend it.
Rating: 9.5
2 comments:
My hubby read this book awhile ago and LOVED it. Maybe I should read it? He also liked Mark Steyn's America Alone. He said it was a little terrifying, but very good. I like Mark Steyn too. He's pretty much all about facts, not all zaney and nutty.
Happy tax day!
"America Alone" is on my to-read list. I like Mark Steyn, he and a lot of the others at National Review are entertaining and put forward smart arguments.
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