Pot, this is Kettle...Kettle, this is the U.S.

Being a teacher I find that it often helps students understand something if all the big words are defined for them. Apparently, the current administration does not agree with or practice this philosophy of education. Instead they cling to "buzz-words" and cliches in their political ranting.
For example, apparently we are not longer fighting a "war on terror." In a recent speech, President Bush said the suspects in the British terror plot were, "Islamic fascists." He also referred to the "war on terror" as "war against Islamic fascism." Now hold on a minute, this is not 1942. I think we need to examine this word before we start using it.

fas‧cism /ˈfæʃɪzəm/ Pronunciation K [fash-iz-uhm] -noun A governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.

So according to this, fascism is a governmental system. As far as I know, the closest thing to Islamic fascist in the Middle-East are the Saudis. I hardly think he was referring to them. If anything, this is another swipe at Iran and Syria. But using the terms "Islamic" and "fascism" together paints a negative image of Muslims in general. It something that should not be done. But since when does this administration care about what "should" be done. I also think we need to think about our own government for a second. While it might not qualify as fascist yet, it may if we stay on our current path.
A fascist government has complete power. If we continue to rely on an out-date electoralal college system and continue to be a group of ignorant voters, absolute power will be an easy step. As voters, we must understand who we are voting for. We do not need to look at party. We need to look at the person. Voters should always ask themselves, "what is this guy really about?" or "How often has this guy changed his opinions on the major issues?" If we let it, fascism will come in the backdoor while we hold it open.
Next, a fascist government forcibly suppresseses opposition and criticism. Not a day goes by when opposers of the president are not slammed on new channels. I know that both sides critisize each other. But when the party in power does it more, it makes me uneasy. See, that is just a few steps away from something other than disagreement. That can lead to legislation and them suppression.
Lastly, a fascist government controls industry and emphasize aggressiveve nationalism. Our government is the pawn of industry. So appearing to have control is not a big deal. But agressice nationalism to the point of racism is nothing new in America. Every 40 years or so, we Americans find someone new to hate and we try to drive them out. Nationalism of that kind, supported by the government, is fascist. Asians, Africans, Mexicans, Homosexuals, Native Americans etc. have all felt the wrath of the US government.
So instead of put labels on something we know nothing about, our government needs to focus on itself. We are on a slippery slope right now. The upcoming elections this year and in 2008 will change this country in one of two ways. We will either be on the road to recovery or even further down the road to really calling the kettle black.