In yesterday's lead story about WSU's visting self-described "mild
fascist," your reporter notes David Irving "has made frequent appearances
before far-right groups."
What does the reporter mean? Those of us over here on the right would
describe ourselves as conservatives, and conservatism respects individual
freedoms while realizing those freedoms are best held in check by
non-governmental institutions such as churches, schools, and families, so
we can all live together somewhat peaceably.
What on earth would a fascist have to say to conservatives? Fascism and
Nazism (originally the National SOCIALIST German Worker's party) believe in
(among other things) collectivism, which is surely a leftist principle.
Would it not be more accurate to describe groups who share Irving's
collectivist principles as "far-left"?
I suspect the reporter didn't think about what he was writing, because the
term "far-right" is one of those empty, meaningless terms that gets thrown
about carelessly. In the national consciousness, however, right-wingers
get associated with fascists, Nazis, and other racists.
Please be more careful about your terminology in the future; words have
consequences.
Sincerely,
Briana LeClaire
Moscow, ID