I don't think this quote is truly one by Twain. If it were we would have become familiar with it. And for reasons Mike wrote he was too smart to make such a statement.

Archer, socialism is the opposite of fascism. Do you ever look up definitions?

Right on, Joy. But I'm afraid your good sense is wasted here.

Reston seems to be the only responder with knowledge of the truth. The effectiveness of the fascist media in this country is overwhelming.

It's interesting how many people don't know directions. Fascism is to the right, along with conservatives and reactionaries. Liberals and Radicals are to the left and communism to the far left. What we have in the U. S. now is almost pure fascism. If you don't believe it, look up the definition.

Don't usually use language like this, but BULLSHIT. Ronald Raegan stripped the IRS years ago and the employees they have left to check tax reports only look at the low income ones so that lying and cheating by the millionaires in the country pay much smaller percentage of their income than we wage slaves. And that's 'we', not 'us.'

Ron, I'll give your sentiments more thought if you will agree to throw away your social security checks (if you're of age) and cancel your Medicare.

Amen! Amen! Except, Ms. Carol, let's change Uncontrolled welfare state to uncontrolled, immoral, disastrous warfare state.

Yeah, government is bad. Let's see, maybe we could put the KKK in charge ...or better yet, the National Chamber of Commerce.... oh, I have it: Goldman Sachs!!

Anyone who equates socialism with the wars and the pillaging of working people in this country by corporations needs to read an encyclopedia. I suggest looking up fascism. One will find a comprehensive description of current U. S. policy.

There is much truth here and it is very sad that so many readers here have not the patience or open-mindedness to have ever given it any real consideration. Thank you, RBESRQ, for taking the time to make a real argument.

Yet a third quotation without sufficient background to form any opinion.

Another meaningless quote. Needs more information.

A totally nonsensical remark.

God, how ignorant of facts we Americans are. At least the majority of these responders.

Definitely not an obiter dictum.

When Mr. Archer gives total evidence he has no understanding of the simplest words in the English language, I don't think his comments deserve printing. He has emotions connected to certain words and names and they evince nothing but raw emotions completely unrelated to the actual meanings. The realization that words have meanings regardless of what name may be associated with them is completely beyond his comprehension. A name or word simply sets off a synanptic explosion of gut emotions with no intervening possibility of thought. You need help, Mr. Archer.

Yes, it is evil. The history of nations built on theocracy is there for anyone who can read. Obviously, that's not one of your skills.

What incredible rot.

I think many writers would have been quite happy in 1930s Germany.

Yes, the tax code has gone wrong for sure. By all moral and, especially the Christian, standards it should be as it was in the late 40s and the 50s. Anyone claiming to be Christian and espousing today's tax codes is guilty of cognitive dissonance.

An obvious and completely ridiculous statement. We the people are the government. Unfortunately a significant portion of the people have been duped by the demagoguery of the GOP billionaires to electing themselves as the government. And you can be damned sure they are spending the people's money for wars, perpetual wars, for that's where the trillions of dollars lie.

Judith, you breathe some fresh, bright air in this otherwise foggy bottom.

This idea is only true of the educated and possessed of free time to understand the problems of government. Mr. St. John had no idea of a country so influenced by demagoguery and fascist, corporate ownership of government that the majority of citizens have little time outside work, little education from schools deliberately dumbed down, and suffer from ignorance brought about by a hugely powerful media preaching capitalism, belief in the supernatural, prejudice, and hate.

An excellent quotation.