QUOTE(John the Brief @ Aug 10 2010, 06:45 PM)
QUOTE(Some like it Hottiger @ Aug 10 2010, 06:38 PM)
We've had this debate before, but "left-wing" and "fascist" are mutually contradictory terms.
No they aren't
QUOTE
Main Entry: fas·cism
Pronunciation: \ˈfa-ˌshi-zəm also ˈfa-ˌsi-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian fascismo, from fascio bundle, fasces, group, from Latin fascis bundle & fasces fasces
Date: 1921
1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
2 : a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control <early instances of army fascism and brutality — J. W. Aldridge>
Not sure what dictionary you got that from, but neither of those definitions adequately describe fascism as distinct from other, markedly different philosophies or forms of government.
For example, either of them could describe ancient Rome, as far as I can see.
Fascism is a specific historical phenomenon that began with Mussolini (but whose roots obviously existed long before then). Even if we want to extend that definition to include, say, Napoleon Bonaparte III, then some analysis of social and historical context, social basis for the regime etc. needs to be taken into account. That's why, for example, Kim il Sung would never (correctly) be described as a fascist even though the Workers Party of Korea regime certainly put (their concept of) the Korean nation above individuals, had/have a dictatorial leader etc.
