Thread by @Norlaine

Please, please understand this. Fascism is EVIL. It cannot be normalized, under any circumstances. The people on the streets of Ottawa today waving swastikas and confederate flags are not "misunderstood" or "basically good people". 1/12

Let me show you something different. Here is a group of Antifa. Anti-fascists. My Dad is the guy in the middle. Those guys around him are his crew. They were part of an RAF/RCAF bomber squadron. 2/12

Some of these guys didn't come back. My Dad did, but he was changed by his experiences. They went and fought because they saw the evil that fascism is. Millions died because of Nazis. Nazis KILLED MILLIONS of good people, ordinary people, people like you and me. 3/12

Why? Some were chosen as scapegoats, blamed for society's ills. Jews, Roma, LGBTQ... Others died for not being co-operative to the invaders. For being artists or intellectuals. And then there were those who fought them, because what they were doing was wrong. 4/12

Canadians don't talk about being "patriots". It has always been a given that we love our country. Americans use that word, like it's some kind of contest. But the men and women who went to war against the Nazis sacrificed to keep our country decent. 5/12

Those who did not die or suffer grievous wounds, sacrificed time with their families, baby's first steps or word, the passing of a loved one, and many sacrificed their mental health. This was not a lark. This was a brutal war, the likes of which most can not imagine. 6/12

Condoning, downplaying the trappings of fascism here in Canada can't be explained away. It cannot be excused. We have seen a vilification of "antifa". That can only mean those who set the slant of the news are pro-fascist. Politicians who "both sides" are pro-fascist. 7/12

This is an existential threat to our country, our stability, and our way of life. The oligarchs and their far-right tools in politics benefit from a fascist society. You see, we would all be reduced to serfdom. The wealth inequality would grow exponentially. 8/12

People would be summarily killed for the mildest infraction of the rules, or for no reason at all. Think Handmaid's Tale. Think 1984. People who are non-white, non whatever religion/denomination the ruling class decides is the right one, would be persecuted. 9/12

LGBTQ people would have no rights, no safety, and could be subject to prosecution. Essentially, anyone who is seen to deviate from their idea of "the norm", anyone who is seen to be not contributing to the wealth of the masters, will be shown no mercy. 10/12

That is how fascism works. It is the use of humans outside the ruling class, for labour, as scapegoats/enemies of the state, as sacrifices. Fascism is based upon the "God-given right" of a certain group to amass wealth and power through authoritarian control. 11/12

Don't tell me that the convoy has no ties with those waving these flags. Don't try to tell me the conservative politicians didn't know. This new brand of Americanized conservatives are not on our side. Nazi flags should never be seen in our country, let alone our capitol. 12/12