For some unknown reason, Senator John Cornyn decided he’d go on Twitter Sunday and post what sounds like an endorsement of the late Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini:
“We were the first to assert that the more complicated the forms assumed by civilization, the more restricted the freedom of the individual must become.” Benito Mussolini
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) February 24, 2019
What in the hell is that supposed to mean? And even if it does actually have some meaning (more on that in a second), why in the world would anyone quote Mussolini unless they were either a.) writing a term paper b.) hoping to draw attention?
A couple of hours later, Cornyn gave some clarity to his initial posting:
You nailed it, Bud. Since so-called Democratic Socialists have forgotten or never learned the lessons of history, and how their ideology is incompatible with freedom, I guess we have to remind or teach them. https://t.co/ftzal1DMED
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) February 24, 2019
Here’s the problem with using Mussolini to warn against Democratic Socialism: Il Duce was the furthest thing in the world from a socialist in the way Cornyn was trying to make his absurd point. Mussolini was what’s known as a national socialist, just like another well-known fascist, Adolf Hitler.
Reaction to Cornyn’s bizarre tweet sparked an outpouring of ridicule and a reminder that the Texas senator doesn’t understand squat about 20th century history:
If you can’t make a point without quoting a Fascist dictator, you have no business being in the Senate.
— Darrell Lucus (@DarrellLucus) February 25, 2019
My grandfather didn’t fight in WWII to defeat Mussolini for the @GOP to quote him in 2019.
I have no words for your party any longer.
— Cathleen Burke (@ItsMeCathi) February 24, 2019
Republicans are the fascists of today. Socialism is based on compassion and community, the opposite of what Republicans represent.
— Ben Baader (@refusedone) February 25, 2019
So, you gonna quote Hilter tomorrow, then?
— Ed Hoover (@EdHinDC) February 25, 2019
As if we needed any more evidence that the GOP is the party of amoral monsters.
— Snark Attack (@KirinLemonDX) February 25, 2019
Featured Image Via the BBC
