"Liberal Fascism"

[Professor S]

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/01/11/goldberg/index.html

This is a really good interview with Jonah Goldberg, author of the book Liberal Fascism. My feelings are mixed on the book, but I'm interested on what you guys think of the interview/debate that goes on in this link. Any thoughts?

[manasecret]

Interesting read. I'll have to get back and post my thoughts when I'm not at work.

Initial thought: I like that he is willing to take criticism, rebut it sometimes while calling it a "a perfectly legitimate question" other times. To me the very very basic thing that some people of both sides of politics and actually the whole human race get wrong is their unwillingness to (truly) listen to counterpoints to their opinions and actually think about it in relation to their argument, and -- most importantly -- realize that you can be wrong. I say "truly" because there is a big difference between hearing and listening, but the definitions are often thought of as one in the same. I respect that this guy at least doesn't seem to be one of those people.

Plus, I admit that I got a LOT more out of that than the Jon Stewart interview.

[Professor S]

At the very least this is an excellent discussion between two pretty well read people on the subject of socialism and fascism. The main contention between them seems to be the interviewer is concentrating on what the names are, and Goldberg is saying that the actions did not match the labels of the time. Also, Goldberg is called out on and admits to his own hyperbole in parts of his book, but I guess that is all a part of marketing a book like this. Its centainly gotten the book a lot of press!

Good points on both sides. I always love reading things like this where I feel I'm more knowledgeable about a subject after reading them. Thats rare in the political world.