Replying as an atheist Jew & non historian, I think the fascists feed into a profound resentment that have-nots, as they see themselves, have & blame all ills on othered groups (eg, Jews, “elites”) with simplistic messages that they think are solutions. There’s often a grain of truth in the analysis

I would guess because the constitution insists on Austria being neutral, hence its late joining of the EU which required the constitution to be amended to make it possible.

What strikes me most as new in my experience, this is a bit Durkheimian, is that there was a general consensus that humans understood that rules based societies & self-restraint, were a personal, mutual & social advantage; with social media this seems to be evaporating with evidence based thought.

From my perspective as an atheist Jew and non-historian with no familial links to Italy, the formation of Italy’s fascist state was just one more notch of growing persecution. But I am perplexed at why so many are attracted to the far right which promises the poorer much and never ever delivers.

Maybe you can help me. I’m 75 and I’m totally perplexed by the success in elections of right wing demagogues who want to undermine societies: why do people vote this way? PS. I’ve been a member of a trade union since 1972.

It’ll probably be more nuanced than that. I think 2 things: 1. Blair had to start from where the Tories had left the UK and he was elected leader because of that. 2. The UK will never elect a real left wing govt, particularly as almost all the media are owned by serious right wingers.

I look forward to reading what you dig up. After all, we’re here on Bluesky to converse, discuss, learn and even say; I have learned something and I was wrong. I know, I’m a cockeyed optimist or going senile, or both!

When you say inequality rose under Blair & Brown, what data are you basing that on? I certainly accept that the rich got richer, but my memory is that a lot of people were lifted out of poverty, the Sure Start programme was a great success, NHS waiting lists down to 18 week max.

Agreed but Blair had to start from where Thatcher and Major had left us and all the damage they had done.

Agreed.

There is medical treatment available. Post-Cass Report we now have proper medicine being offered again. Thank you for your kind words.

Arguably, Thatcher’s greatest legacy was to shift the whole landscape of British politics to the right, even greater legacy than selling of “the family silver” (Harold Macmillan/Earl of Stockton, House of Lords). We have suffered ever since.

In the mid-60s, things opened up re appearance hugely for both men & women & nobody questioned your gender ID or sexual orientation; I lived it. The “progressive left” & gender ideologues have narrowed this hugely & narrowed unchallenged choice, alas.

Thank you for reminding us of what really happened.

Excellent and succinct article in today’s Guardian. Thank you.

Well, and I was expecting an apology! 2 people in the NHS who have never apologised are Polly Carmichael, ex-Director GIDS, Tavi Trust & Prof Gary Butler paediatric endocrinologist UCLH who gave the puberty blockers, who slagged Cass off, but that’s another story & the Guardian’s line pre Cass

Life long Guardian reader, 7 day a week subscriber to Guardian/Observer paper editions. Disgusted at Scott Trust & Senior mgt re Observer sale and the manner done. Papers declining under Viner anyway.

So worrying what the govt is doing to the media.