If He's a Fascist, Then You're a Moron

Every few months, some hyped-up protester decides someone they don’t like is a fascist. It’s “beyond moronic,” writes Megan McArdle of the Atlantic, whether you’re talking about George W. Bush or Barack Obama. “The Bush administration did many bad things. But to call his administration fascist is both to completely abuse the term, and to belittle the millions of victims of fascism.”

As for Obama, sure Hitler liked government health care. “He also liked cream puffs and dogs. Shall we get rid of anyone who shows similar predilections?” Fascism is a very specific term, it doesn’t just apply to any state intervention in the economy. “It is an embarrassment to the right that anyone would even think of saying something so awful.” (More Fascism stories.)