is conservatism is closer to fascism than libertarianism?

Question

With its emphasis on the social order, and all that that entails - duty to society (embodied in the state), the careful construction and preservation of institutions and customs, the belief in man's dangerous nature and the need for social and physical institutions to prevent it, the importance of authority in the maintainence of society and the creation of good citizens, the willingness to intervene in economic and social relations to preserve a culture's ethics - indeed, the belief in the importance of culture at all - true conservatism shares much more with the social, hierarchical, disciplined organicism of fascism proper, than it does with the unadulterated individualism of classical liberalism.

Thoughts?

Answer 1

If what you say were true then it would be Tea Partiers demanding bailouts for banks, taking over GM, restricting gun rights and pulling the plug on fossil fuels. The fundamental basis for conservatism is not social restriction - it is limited government. That translates to low taxation, free enterprise, states rights and respect for our country's founding principles. There is not much difference between fascism and socialism because BOTH rely on having a large central government controlling of all aspects of the economy. The only real difference between the two is that fascists allow the big corporations to retain control of their companies as long as they pay-to-play. Hitler was fundamentally a socialist but favored fascist control of industry rather than resorting to direct government take-overs like Stalin.



So no, conservatism is very close to libertarianism and almost the opposite of fascism/socialism.

Answer 2

Elements of all 3 can be related to each other.

"Fascism" is more than just the name to call people you don't like, or you claim are "imposing" their will on you, as per Fox TV revisionists.

Fascism is a very specific system of government, which uses racism, hatred of "lower" races, and hatred of gays, along with ultra-patriotism, to install a war mongering government, which goes on a huge military buildup, invents a war to fight, and eventually collapses in massive economic and fiscal disarray due to inflation War spending.

Answer 3

I agree, but I doubt those who call themselves conservatives would. They don't seem to realize that, for all their blathering against the government, they have no problem with the government deciding who you can have sex with and what kind of sex you can have; wiretapping; even finding out what library books you've been reading. They'd be all for a state religion; some of them think we already have one: Christianity. What many of them seem to want is a theocracy.

I find libertarianism to have some good basic ideas, but it's naive and unrealistic. You can't really expect corporations to regulate themselves, for example. Sure, nobody will buy your hot dogs if there are rats in them, but how's anyone going to know about the rats without someone keeping an eye on what you're doing? Etc.

Answer 4

I would argue the following:



Too far left = socialism + further left = communism/forms of Nazism/MARXISM (when people tire of communism they pick up arms against other nations which can lead to fascism)



Too far right = federalist papers + further right = anarchy + WAY ON THE WAY FARTHER RIGHT POSSIBLE a form of international diplomatic fascism but not social fascism + further right is Nazism but that is a statement to be taken with a grain of salt



Balance is a good thing, that's why the constitution works.

Answer 5

Bingo

Answer 6

The U.S. federal government is becoming more and more fascist no matter what political party is in power. If you think only conservatives want to govern your life you're living with your eyes half shut.

Answer 7

Hmm, yes!