Vincent Vega
Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS
I don't think so. Sweden is socialist; it doesn't mean it's communist, but it's definitely socialist.
Fascism is an ideology. It's a complete disregard for principles and a pursuit of trying to get whatever you want at all costs and without regard to how future leaderships should behave if that present fascist leader were a citizen.
Eisenhower showed considerable restraint in backing the desegregation of schools, even if he disagreed with it.
We all have fascistic tendencies and democracies engage in this behavior usually under extreme conditions of desperation.
Harper's entire way of operating is generally fascistic. He centers power around himself and allows very little party debate. He prevents questions from the media when he doesn't feel like it.
He and Bush have violated the rights of their citizens and allowed torture. Harper is in no way threatened by Omar Kadr, but chooses to violate Canadian law that he be protected and at least be transferred from Guantanamo.
I think you're wrong to imply that fascism can only be called that in the worst cases of Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy. The road to those societies were paved with gradual violations of people's rights and a hypocritical abuse of power. Harper is a fascist and just because he hasn't sent in gangs to beat up those who criticize the regime, like Putin, doesn't mean he isn't. The society won't allow it, but he keeps pushing and shows a depraved willingness to say things like parliament shouldn't meet because it could cause market instability. These are not the actions of a democracy-loving leader. Even Hitler invoked what the people supposedly wanted to pursue his agenda.
Harper is engaged in a consistently anti-Muslim campaign. You might not care because you're unaffected, but even Nazi Germany left certain people alone.
You just seem to define things as you see fit. It's just gross oversimplifications and as said before, you are not helping yourself as you will hardly be taken serious in any sincere discussion of politics.
I do very much care about anti-Muslim campaigns and policies, and everyone is affected by it, not just Muslims. But I refuse to divide the world into Socialists and Fascists.