When Fascism Arrived

     Fascism arrived in town draped in the nation’s flag and holding a Bible. He smiled at the people and talked about how tough things were becoming. He said he wanted to help. The smile quickly turned to a frown. He pointed accusingly at the immigrants and tapped the suspicions of the population.
     “Those people come here from their shit-hole countries and try to take what is ours!” he said.
   Some of the town’s people looked approvingly at Fascism. Afterall, he was carrying a Bible! And he was wearing a flag! He also was disapproving of those odd people who came here to take their jobs.
     “They want your jobs,” Fascism went on, “and they bring diseases.”
     Fascism began to notice a few people who eyed him suspiciously. They were the ones he would attack next. They were the people who believed in fairness and equality. Some of them were educated.
     Fascism shook his head and said, “You should get some better politicians to clean this place up!” Then he went on to say that it probably wouldn’t matter much—because the elections were rigged anyway. He eyed the crowd and told them that they should arm themselves and takeover the government. It would be the only way to ‘win!’
     Deep down in Fascism’s selfish and putrid heart, he knew that an armed revolt by brainwashed followers was the only way he could win. He wanted to toss the Bible and flag away because they were encumbering him. But he knew better. These ideas would work on the masses. He knew it was much easier for many people to be told what to believe than to think of it for themselves.
     If he kept repeating the lies over and over for long enough... If he put the mistruths into writing… If he could get some time in the media to spread the partial-truths... Then, he could control them. Then he could have the power he craved.