If anything, it should be the opposite: The people who don't know history--such as the difference between an absolute monarchy or a tyrannical theocracy or a modern fascist state--are more likely to blithely want something terrible in the near future.
There was nothing to imply that the original comment held any misconceptions about the difference between fascism and authoritarianism (nor is it especially relevant in context) so the rush to "correct" it signals a somewhat disquieting obsession, hinting perhaps at an unusually personal investment in the fine distinction between fascism and authoritarianism.
P.S.: I realize this thread already wandered quite far from the rocket equation, but I'm going to lean on the principle that quoting Deus Ex (2000) is always nice:
> [Be Safe: Be Suspicious] How can you tell who might be a terrorist? Look for the following characteristics:
> * A stranger or foreigner.
> * Argumentative, especially about politics or philosophy.
> * Probing questions about your work, particularly high-tech.
> * Spends a greater than average amount of time on the Net.
> * Interests in chemistry, electronics, or computers.
> * Large numbers of mail-order deliveries.
> * Taking photographs of major landmarks.
> And those are just a few. If you're suspicious, then turn them in to your local
law enforcement for a thorough background check. Better safe than sorry. You and your neighbors will sleep more securely knowing that you're watching each
other's back.
Terr_|2 years ago
dTal|2 years ago
Terr_|2 years ago
> [Be Safe: Be Suspicious] How can you tell who might be a terrorist? Look for the following characteristics:
> * A stranger or foreigner.
> * Argumentative, especially about politics or philosophy.
> * Probing questions about your work, particularly high-tech.
> * Spends a greater than average amount of time on the Net.
> * Interests in chemistry, electronics, or computers.
> * Large numbers of mail-order deliveries.
> * Taking photographs of major landmarks.
> And those are just a few. If you're suspicious, then turn them in to your local law enforcement for a thorough background check. Better safe than sorry. You and your neighbors will sleep more securely knowing that you're watching each other's back.
black_puppydog|2 years ago
Because someone saying "but I'm not fascist" in a political debate may well be technically right, and still be authoritarian.