Foreign News: Putrid Goddess

"Fascismo throws the noxious theories of so-called Liberalism upon the rubbish heap. . . . Fascismo has already stepped, and, if need be, will quietly turn around to step once more, over the more or less putrid body of the Goddess Liberty."

Thus spoke Benito Mussolini in 1923, a few months after he seized power. Today the tone of his speeches, at least for foreign consumption is vastly different. Last week, when a correspondent asked, "Are personal Liberty and Fascismo compatible?" Il Duce replied: "The conception of liberty is not absolute because there is no conception that can be absolute. Fascismo is...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!