Hi DMB,
rapidly on Italy. I wanted just to correct the historical framework. I was
not arguing with your points.
> OK. Good Point. Italy had just re-unified as a nation. But that fact only
> reinforces my descriptions of Fascism as extreme nationalism borne of
> prestige isses. As to "lost empires and colonies",.. I think its clear
that
> there was a strong element of an ancient Roman revival in Italian Fascism.
> And their actions in Ethiopia demonstate the desire for colonial holdings.
Yes, more than lost empires I'd call it envy for the other's empires. The
ancient Roman revival was just invented for the occasion.
> ... Notice the constellation of ancient institutions behind Fascism?
> The King, the Church, the wealthy families are all threatened by
> intellectual values one way or another. The king's power is nominal at
best
> in a Democracy. The Church has more than a few differences of opinion with
> science. The king, the Church and the rich families all feared communism
for
> the same reasons. It threatens their hold on power.
Italy was actually a democracy. A weak one. For its weakness, it fell caught
in the crossfire between Leninism and fascism. Not good options, indeed.
> My point?
> Anti-intellectual reaction often exists in close proximity to intellectual
> movements. And the reactionary movement will often appropriate
> intellectuals, artists and scientists to the extent that they serve the
> movement in practicle terms or even just to add prestige.
Indeed, before a possible change, reactionaries.. react. The recent success
of many rightist parties in Europe (mostly Euro-skeptical) can be explained
with the fear for the unification process. The union is an intellectual
dream that exists since centuries. It was invented as the intellectual
solution to our conflicts.
Today it's happening, and many are frightened. Add the fear for the
globalization process, and you get... Le Pen, Heider, Bossi. Bad guys,
indeed. What can we learn from them? That while Europe is a good idea, we
have to be careful as we can't force this idea too rapidly.
>
> Thanks for your time.
> DMB
>
thank you too
Marco
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