As more and more people see the dangers of the Value Added Tax (VAT) the Bahamas Governments intends to implement come July 1, 2014, "carve outs" for certain sectors of the economy continue to grow. (Tribune Business February 5, 2014).
John T. Flynn wrote about it in his 1944 book, As We Go Marching (pdf),"The only result of our present system – unless we reverse the drift – must be the gradual extension of the fascist sector and the gradual disappearance of the system of free enterprise under a free representative government."
These transformations from democratic institutions to one where business and government first collude and cut deals slowly evolves into a fascist state.
Business people see government making it more and more difficult for their enterprise to succeed so they get behind closed doors to "cooperate" with government to get their way. They cut a deal. Government eases the policy slightly – gives them a tax break or the like at the expense of everyone else – and they both carry on.
The business is happy for while longer but soon the government has borrowed and spent until they are faced with implementing a VAT or the like and the deal making starts all over again.
In the meantime the business that lobbied for its deal quiets down and sells the idea that government needs to raise taxes and we must all pay our share. Or words to that effect. We've all heard them in recent months.
But sooner or later the government is back at the taxing trough in even more desperation than when they piled VAT onto the taxpayer. This time there will be no "negotiation". Sort of like the position Barbados is in.
If we do not reign the government spending in now, how much longer before we are closer to a fascist state?
Read As We Go Marching by Flynn or The Road To Serfdom by Friedrich A. Hayek, if you don't mind those eerie goose bumps that is.
In asking the question, “How much longer before we are closer to a fascist state?” is perplexing and even frightening to contemplate.. Fascism is a Totalitarian form of government where political power is concentrated in an authoritarian elitist group controlled by a strong and forceful dictator/leader.. Unlike Communism, the other form of Totalitarian rule which arises our of a violent revolution against an established government, Fascism arises out of a massive discontent by the public with the oppressive ruling government of the day.. Economic failure has always been at the root and cause of every democratic elected fascist regime in the 20th century.. The people in sheer desperation and contempt, literally lose all hope and will readily accept a totalitarian type of police state as opposed to the current economic self-destruction and tyranny they are forced to live under.. Anything but the current form of government will suffice as long as there is some form of economic stability..
Unfortunately, some of the defining features of Fascism are beginning to become apparent in the Bahamian political system.. Elitist government rule, distrust of reason, denial of basic human equality, radicalism, police state law enforcement and corporate state capitalism are all characteristic of political Fascism.. Nevertheless, the Bahamas is far from becoming a fascist state despite the rise of the political elitist class.. Fascism needs a self-sufficient, industrial economy in order to take root.. We could take on the characteristics of a police state because of our out-of-control crime problem but we are a long way from fascist rule.. Fascism requires strong and forceful leadership and that is something we totally lack..
Finally, Fascism is not the answer to our economic and financial failings which are of our own self doings.. Economic and financial prudence is the answer and not the failed rule of political Fascism..
The dictatorial rule is one bad aspect that I hope we can avoid for sure Tradewinds.
But examine the economic policies of business/government collusion and we’re pretty close.
Whilst I agree with the premise above, and the comments,
I believe our path to totalitarianism is more one of tribalism, rule by personality.
When the rule of law is eroded via personal connection and collusion with those in charge, who assume power well over the authority of office, special dispensation and protection is needed, personal power is thus expanded.
Our immediate former Prime minister has done the most damage insofar as this transition is concerned.
Count the numbers under his political bus for corroboration, private citizen and politicians from within his own party.
Our current PM is simply riding on it, the “Rule by personality” is weak, dithering, very loose, too many players exercising their own agendas.
The former was a textbook case of Micromanagement.
In either case, the rule of law is defunct, offering none of the protections of the constitution.
The fiscal pressures the Bahamas faces is fuel for this fire,
history shows that cornered politicians are dangerous, particularly to their own citizens.
What you are more accurately describing is “the Cut of the Personality” as exemplified by Mao Tes-tung in Communist China.. Few of the attributes of Totalitarian Fascism were present during the rise and consolidation of Communist China except in a hard core belief in Marxist ideology.. This was a military revolution of conquest which is a common characteristic of how communist regimes take outright political power.. In contrast, fascist regimes in Italy (1922), Germany (1933), Spain (1939) and Argentina (1955) assumed power through the democratic election process as an outright expression of public discontent with their failing economies..
Fascist tactics, yes; Fascist government, not really in the cards.. Our political parties may act somewhat like neo-fascists, but there is a distinct absence of authoritarian leadership and an economy where its two principle economic sectors, tourism and financial services are in gradual decline.. Fascism, to succeed, needs a large industrial base and ruthless and callous leadership to be effectively established.. Political hooliganism and democratic socialism seems to be our probable fate.. Yet, a nation’s destiny suddenly can change as it is difficult to know what will possibility emerge from the ruination of economic self-destruction.. Lets hope more rational minds will emerge and prevail..
A cult of personality without any ideology,
aside the basic “all’s for me”