‘Neoliberal capitalism’ has contributed to the rise of fascism, says Nobel laureate

3 comments

1. Neoliberalism has led to the most wealth consolidation since the Gilded Age, leaving 90% of the population behind. Combine neoliberal policies with a corrupt Supreme Court that has allowed outright bribery of our elected lawmakers, the stage is set for an angry population looking for someone to blame. A demagogue will eventually rise and blame the weakest and most vulnerable for the deterioration of living standards. It will be amplified by a sophisticated propaganda machine that takes advantage of people with limited levels of education.

2. Stiglitz, right?

   If it’s not I’ll be shocked but I read his stuff in undergrad and him and the Austrians got me thinking a lot about how I think the endgame of the current cancerous model is would be antidemocratic.

3. **Fascism**

   *“Cult of the leader”*

   Us vs them

   * they are weakening the nation

   Mythic past

   * we were great before
   * others are tearing us down and making us less great

   Anti-intellectualism

   * only science that supports the state is valid
   * the leader decides what is valid
   * institutions that teach multiple perspectives are a threat

   Center of democracy and equality is TRUTH

   * Destroying democracy requires getting people used to lies

   Hierarchy 

   * whites better than blacks
   * men better than women
   * christians better than Jews
   * artificially set up to benefit some.

   Victimhood

   * convince people the are losing their place in the hierarchy