The world can move, or not, by changing some words.

We've certainly been hearing the word "fascist" in the news a lot lately. It is a fun word to say. Fascist. But something tells me more people say it than know what it means. So I thought I'd post a few definitions. Thanks to Google, here they are:

"A term used particularly to describe the nationalistic and totalitarian regimes of Benito Mussolini (Italy, 1922–45), Adolf Hitler (Germany, 1933–45) and Francisco Franco (Spain, 1939–75)."

"A philosophy or system of government that is marked by stringent social and economic control, a strong, centralized government usually headed by a dictator, and often a policy of belligerent nationalism."

"Fascists were viciously anti-Communist and anti-liberal and, once in power, relied on an authoritarian state apparatus."

"A social and political ideology with the primary guiding principle that the state or nation is the highest priority, rather than personal or individual freedoms."

"A totalitarian political system led by a single dictator who allows no opposition, promoting an aggressive nationalism and often racism."

"A system of government that promotes extreme nationalism, repression, anticommunism, and is ruled by a dictator."

"A political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts the nation above the individual; characterized by a centralized government and headed by a dictatorial leader."

"A political system in which all power of government is vested in a person or group with no other power to balance and limit the activities of the government. Fascist governments are often closely associated with large corporations and sometimes with extreme nationalism and racist activities."

I don't really have a point here, other than this: words are important. They have meaning and they have power. One more thought on fascism: "When fascism reaches America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross." -Sinclair Lewis, 1935