The current round of "Fascism Flu" spreading through America's hallowed halls of government rivals the 2005 "Hitleritis" outbreak. Infected officials with "Hitleritis" were noted by their use of Adolf Hitler to describe their political rivals. The disease was bipartisan affecting both Red and Blue political teams and quickly ran through Congress. It was not unusual for officials offended by Hitler comparisons to indignantly demand apologies.
"Fascism Flu" has struck titular leaders of both political parties. Former President Trump caught the disease in 2020. He said the following at a political rally in Minnesota.
Democrats want to "replace American freedom with left-wing fascism. Fascists, they are fascists."
President Biden had a milder version of "fascism flu" as evidenced by his characterization that "Maga Republicans" are "semi-fascism." A Georgia congresswoman said "Nazi Joe has to go."
I wrote in election year 2008 as political rhetoric began to rise:
People infected with "Hitleritis" are known to become feverish, make inane comparisons to Adolf Hitler, or invoke the Nazi menace in some trivial, current day situation. It appears members of the Presidential campaign camps may need to be quarantined, unless a more suitable treatment can be found.
Fascism Flu has serious consequences. An Israeli diplomat warned:
"I am appalled by this cynical use of Nazi imagery and Hitler comparisons by a member of the United States Congress."
"As we face a rise in antisemitic incidents, in the US and around the world, rhetoric like this only fuels the persistent threat of hatred, extremism, and violence."
Americans have the freedom to hate and be extreme within the law. They do not have the right to be violent towards others or incite violence.
The two legal prongs that constitute incitement of imminent lawless action are as follows: Advocacy of force or criminal activity does not receive First Amendment protections if (1) the advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action, and (2) is likely to incite or produce such action.
Trump is a frequent inciter of violence and should be shunned by good-hearted people. Most independent voters are weary of Trump's antics. Traditional conservatives see Trump's constant badgering of enemies, many former employees and on the same political team.
Other politicians need to choose their words carefully. Election positioning is not a valid reason for either political team to let the words Hitler, Nazi or fascism casually cross their tongue. It makes one look sick.
Update 9-8-22: A Red Team candidate caught "Hitleritis" but refuses to quarantine.
Update 9-20-22: Dog the Bounty Hunter came down with Hitleritis at an evangelical conference over the weekend.
