Fascism is a powerful and controversial term. I believe it should be used very sparingly and only when clearly appropriate. Many people think of fascism in relation to mass murders and dictators. That is an extreme expression of fascism, but it takes many other less monstrous forms. For example, one central aspect of fascism reveals itself when a leader or a political movement consistently exercise tendencies that aim to stamp out democratic institutions and punish their critics. Donald Trump has repeatedly demonstrated over a period of many years that he merits the description entailed in the full meaning of this word, including many other specific elements, as shown below. Keep in mind his hostile reactions to any non-believers in Trumpism (his patterns of thought and behavior) and his effusive admiration toward recent authoritarian and fiercely anti-democratic leaders such as Muammar Gaddafi, Vladimir Putin, Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Un and Bashar…