Category Archives: Authoritarianism

Living Your Life (and Doing Science) in a Time of Rising Fascism

Posted on June 21, 2022 by mikethemadbiologist

I haven’t blogged much about the rise of fascism in the U.S., which is a little surprising to me (and perhaps long-time readers), since I was one of the first people, back in 2014, to identify the Republican Party as … Continue reading →

Posted in Authoritarianism, Conservatives, Democrats | 3 Comments

It’s Not Trolling, It’s Authoritarianism (The Triumph Of The Palinists)

Posted on May 9, 2018 by mikethemadbiologist

Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen much of lefty Twitter go on about conservatives as trolls. While I don’t want to engage in the No True Troll fallacy, I don’t think this is trolling at all, but merely the … Continue reading →

Posted in Authoritarianism, Conservatives, Resistance Rebellion And Death | 3 Comments

But Somewhere Some College Students Were Uncivil

Posted on June 13, 2017 by mikethemadbiologist

So this is the second incident of violence being used to drive a Democratic candidate out of a race (boldface mine): Michael Treiman, the only Democratic candidate for Binghamton mayor, pulled out of the race on Tuesday after receiving threats. … Continue reading →

Posted in Authoritarianism | 2 Comments

The Triumph Of Palinism: The Mexican Wall Edition

Posted on May 11, 2017 by mikethemadbiologist

Eight years ago, I noted a phenomenon I called “Palinism” (boldface added): While people have described Palin as engaging in identity politics, that sells identity politics short. Palin along with the proto-movement surrounding her–Palinism–practices what could be call ‘politics of … Continue reading →

Posted in Authoritarianism, Conservatives, Fucking Morons | 2 Comments

Racist Right Breitbart News Literally Called For A War On Science

Posted on December 13, 2016 by mikethemadbiologist

Leaving aside the point Breitbart wanted to make (some peer reviewed articles have reached unfounded conclusions, therefore climate change is FALSE! Or something), that their audience would appreciate a line from a play by a white nationalist Nazi collaborator–”When I … Continue reading →

Posted in Authoritarianism, Propaganda, Resistance Rebellion And Death, The War on Science | 3 Comments

Austerity And Fascism

Posted on June 30, 2016 by mikethemadbiologist

A while ago, I argued, in the context of Greece’s imploding economy, that a key economic policy benchmark should be not encouraging fascism: When you read about the political mess that Greece has became, the press for austerity–led by Germany–is … Continue reading →

Posted in Authoritarianism, Economics | 4 Comments

The Radical Ammosexualists Of The Oregon Cowliphate Are Also Vandals

Posted on January 17, 2016 by mikethemadbiologist

I realize no one wants another Waco at the the Malheur Bird Sanctuary, which has been taken over by armed radical rightwing militants. But there needs to be a stronger federal response. They shouldn’t be receiving mail–or visitors. They shouldn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Ammosexuals, Authoritarianism, Conservatives | 3 Comments

They Went Somewhere

Posted on January 12, 2016 by mikethemadbiologist

Over at Jacobin, there’s an interesting article about 1930s radio personality Father Coughlin, who was widely reviled for his anti-Semitism. It turns out he was quite the open supporter of flat-out fascism (boldface mine): The US hasn’t seen the stirrings … Continue reading →

Posted in Authoritarianism, Racism | Comments Off on They Went Somewhere

The Logic of Brute Force

Posted on January 8, 2016 by mikethemadbiologist

Erik Cameron, a Chicago resident, describes how he was treated by the Chicago PD on his way home from work (boldface mine): A number of Chicago police officers came around the corner from Rush Street running, weapons drawn. They were … Continue reading →

Posted in Authoritarianism, Civil Liberties | Comments Off on The Logic of Brute Force

Myths, Palinist Trumpismo, and the Breakdown of ‘Suburban’ Culture(s)

Posted on December 3, 2015 by mikethemadbiologist

Again, it’s worth noting that the authoritarian impulse is not something Donald Trump spun out of whole cloth (boldface added): While people have described Palin as engaging in identity politics, that sells identity politics short. Palin along with the proto-movement … Continue reading →

Posted in Authoritarianism, Racism | 1 Comment