[Maddows new book surveys pre-WW II fascism in the United States,
including the well-known figures in public life who sympathized with
or were otherwise associated with the movement.]
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PORTSIDE CULTURE

PREQUEL: AN AMERICAN FIGHT AGAINST FASCISM  
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Joan Burda
December 1, 2023
New York Journal of Books
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_ Maddow's new book surveys pre-WW II fascism in the United States,
including the well-known figures in public life who sympathized with
or were otherwise associated with the movement. _

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_Prequel
An American Fight Against Fascism_
Rachel Maddow
Crown
ISBN 9780593444511

It isn't often that a nonfiction book comes along that is by turns
gripping, frightening, and enlightening. _Prequel_, however, is one of
those books.

Let's face it, one does not usually associate fascism with the United
States. In _Prequel_, however, Rachel Maddow presents a thoroughly
researched historical perspective of the rise of U.S. based fascism.
What is particularly disconcerting is how the language used by the
apologists for Naziism and fascism in the 1930s is again being heard
in the country in 2023.

The United States has often been referred to as a great
experiment—one that allows the people to have a say in how the
country is governed. This is anathema to right-wing authoritarians.
For authoritarians thrive on total control of the people they wish to
subjugate.

Maddow's research reflects the danger inherent in an authoritarian
state. She introduces readers to the people, some of whom are
well-known, who found Adolf Hitler to be a profound thinker and one to
follow. In the 1920s and 1930s the fascist sycophants ranged from
wealthy dilettantes to members of Congress to the fully repugnant
Catholic priest, Father Charles Coughlin. And many in the United
States took the bait and swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.

There was and continues to be an antisemitic undercurrent in American
life, the country's politics, and in the media. Dictators need
scapegoats—people to blame—to establish themselves as saviors. And
throughout history the go-to group has always been the Jews. That is
apparent in the narrative Maddow weaves in her book. She pulls no
punches in describing the tactics used to propel fascist ideas to the
general public. In doing so, readers learn of the vast sums Nazi
Germany spent in the United States to support their agents because
Hitler and his ilk believed converting America to National Socialism
would serve to further their goal of world domination.

It's important to know that there were forces afoot in the U.S.
opposing the likes of Charles Coughlin, and George Viereck who
collaborated with U.S. Senator Ernest Lundeen (and his lovely wife,
Norma). Maddow identifies some of the Americans, like Eric Sevareid,
Leon Lewis, John C. Metcalfe, and Senate staffers Harriet Johnson and
Phyliss Posivio, who opposed the fascists in their midst.

Given the current state of affairs in the United States, this book is
an essential read for anyone who values the great democratic
experiment under which Americans enjoy freedoms only dreamed of in
many countries. It is often said that history repeats itself
—there's a reason for “old sayings” because they reflect truth.
History is repeating itself in 21st century America and the country
must not be lulled into inertia and become oblivious to the malevolent
forces threatening democracy.

Rachel Maddow provides the impetus for readers to learn more.
_Prequel_ is an introduction to the threat facing the United States.
It's the background explaining what happened 80 years ago and
providing the insight into what everyone who is paying attention is
experiencing today. Everyone knows the U.S. isn't perfect, but it's
the effort that makes it worth pursuing and protecting. Reading this
book, sharing it with others, and talking about the threat is the best
way to ensure that the American experience continues. Because
democracy and this Republic is fragile and once lost will never be
regained. And that is why Maddow's book is an essential read for
everyone.

_Prequel_ has all the tension and page-turning excitement of a
thriller, bordering on horror, with the sobering realization that it
is real, its current events reflected in a little known and talked
about aspect of U.S. history.

 

Joan Burda is an award-winning author of several books and is a member
of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

* Fascism
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* U.S. Fascism
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* U.S. history
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* World War II
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