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As Ive noted before, the words fascist and fascism are generally overused. That may, however, be due for a change.

Originally, those terms referred to a political and economic system that arose in Europe during the middle part of the last century. Contrary to popular myth, fascism was a form of statism and therefore an ideology of the left a first cousin to socialism and communism.

No less an authority than Benito Mussolini referred to fascism as the third way, meaning another statist alternative to those other two (truly) deplorable isms.

The key difference is that, under fascism, the means of production remain ostensibly in private hands. The government simply regulates all industries in order to make them do what it wants, essentially picking winners and losers.

These days, if fascist has come to mean anything more than I dont like your politics, it is authoritarian or heavy-handed. However, the term is most often used to insult ones political opponents. Paradoxically, this is especially prevalent on the left. The irony of masked thugs employing Brownshirt tactics while calling themselves anti-fascist cannot be lost on any rational person.

In the United States, fascism has long been part of the Progressive DNA, dating back to Woodrow Wilson and American entertainers, industrialists and intellectuals of the 1920s and 30s, many of whom initially embraced fascist rhetoric.

But never has the lefts incipient fascism been more apparent than during the current coronavirus panic, as Progressive politicians across the country have seized the opportunity to implement authoritarian, unconstitutional diktats in furtherance of statist goals, such as universal basic income and Medicaid for all.

While red states slowly open for business, blue states like Michigan, Oregon, and Illinois are extending lockdowns into the summer, perhaps beyond. Californias beaches remain closed while Floridas welcome residents and vacationers alike.

Meanwhile, Progressive governors, mayors, and judges have attempted to ban religious services, peaceful protests and other public gatherings, in direct contravention of the First Amendment. Several have floated the idea of blowing up the Fourth Amendment, too, by requiring mandatory tracking or vaccinations.

So, my anti-fascist friends, who exactly is being heavy-handed and authoritarian now? Who is subordinating the rights of individuals to the supposed needs of the state? Who is picking economic winners and losers by declaring some peoples livelihoods non-essential?

Ill give you a hint: Its not Donald Trump, and its not most Republican governors.

As a Georgian, Im grateful for the courageous, rational, and (above all) constitutional leadership of Gov. Brian Kemp during this time of turmoil and uncertainty. I cant imagine the nightmare if we were now being ruled by his Progressive opponent in the last election. Georgia could easily be another Illinois or Oregon.

Thats something to keep in mind next time you vote. Obviously, Progressive Democrats cannot be trusted with power. In times of crisis, their inner fascist just surges to the top.

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Rob Jenkins is a college professor. The views expressed here are his own. You can email Rob at rob.jenkins@outlook.com.

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JENKINS: Now we know who the real fascists are - Gwinnettdailypost.com