I'm sorry to dissapoint Mr. Noah, but a lot of very calm and normal progressives consider the United States to have become a fascist society. The Republican pro-corporatist class is blatantly fascist, while the Democratic pro-corporatist class has instincts that lead it in two directions... but certainly since Bill Clinton genuine anti-fascist beliefs and actions have been on the decline.

Fascism combines corporate/governmental alliance (eg. Eisenhower's "military industrial complex"), along with ethno-national and religious appeals, along with demonization of external and internal enemies.... along with suspension of the rule of law. In what sense are we not now a fascist country and is the Bush administration not now a fascist regime.

Elections? Oh really? Democracy was thwarted in 2000, and probably (we don't know for sure) in 2004. Even under President Obama, who will be in charge, the President and Congress or the corporations that set their agendas?

No, we live in a fascist society, and its power is evident in the unwillingness of powerful institutions, media and commentators like Noah to acknowledge this reality.

Fascism isn't far away and scary, and it doesn't always involve jack boots. It's right here and now, and plenty scary if you take the time to see it. As the author said, "when fascism comes to America it will be carrying a cross and wearing a flag"... but he might also have added that it will be managed by flag waving corporations like Wal Mart, Exxon and Verizon, who view the government as an extension of themselves.

Fascism is real, and the term well describes America today.