The F word loud and clear

Fascist. We are too steeped in personal freedom to contemplate it. Naomi Wolf argues in the Guardian that there are 10 essential ingredients to a fascist state - and Dubya seems to be using them as a "to do" list. That's old news.

Most days I believe that the American process is will circle back to sanity again. I have a lot of faith that it will. Some days, like today, it's harder than others.

There are so many prominent characters out there who espouse beliefs that are nothing but distilled hatred, nothing but marching orders disguised as thoughtful analysis.

Witness:

Rush Limbaugh: Limbaugh: Cho was a liberal -- Liberal as bogeyman. In another complete mystery, Limbaugh comes up with a song called, "Barack The Magic Negro" and played it live on air. I would love to be a fly on the wall when Limbaugh discusses this "content" with his editors. I would like to record his editors approving this stuff.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA): ‘I Hope It’s Your Families That Suffer’ From A Terrorist Attack if the US doesn't torture and detain the innocent in order to get at potential terrorists. In his view, it's worth it.

Tom Delay: Reid And Pelosi Are ‘Very, Very Close To Treason’. Evidently, he thinks they should be locked up. Not that he is particularly relevant anymore, yet he continues to get airtime.

There really isn't anyway to sugarcoat it. These folks are prominent Republicans with loud, far-reaching voices. And they are fascists.