Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently faced intense backlash on social media after endorsing a new book by Randi Weingarten, the head of the American Federation of Teachers. The book, titled “Why Fascists Fear Teachers,” argues that political opponents are fostering authoritarianism in education. Clinton tweeted, “Congratulations to my friend [Weingarten] on ‘Why Fascists Fear Teachers.’ From banning books to controlling curriculum, authoritarians go after public education because it’s a cornerstone of democracy.” She added that the book is a “critical read for this moment.”
Many conservatives found Clinton’s comments deeply troubling, interpreting them as part of a broader narrative that targets political opponents. They argue that such rhetoric contributes to real-world violence. Matt Whitlock, a Republican communicator, remarked, “It’s been one week since Charlie Kirk was murdered by a lunatic who wrote about ‘fascists’ on shell casings. Now, Randi Weingarten has a new book arguing everyone who disagrees with her views on public education—which have destroyed public education in America—is a fascist.”
The criticism did not stop there. Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project, deemed the rhetoric surrounding the book “disgusting.” Jack Posobiec, a conservative influencer, commented on the timing of Clinton’s post following the assassination of Kirk, who had been vocal against similar ideological stances. Posobiec pointedly stated, “Charlie Kirk was murdered exactly one week ago. Here’s Hillary Clinton today.”
Others also weighed in, with Andrew Gruel, a Huntington Beach City Council member, questioning the understanding of the term “fascist” in the discourse. “They wrote an entire book on a word they don’t even understand,” he said, criticizing both Clinton and Weingarten. Chuck Ross of the Washington Free Beacon called attention to the bizarre nature of the book’s argument and the context in which it was published.
The backlash escalated to organizational responses. The Republican National Committee’s account on social media highlighted the ongoing narrative promoted by Clinton and Weingarten. “Democrats Hillary Clinton and Randi Weingarten are still suggesting Republicans are ‘fascists.’ They really can’t help themselves, can they?” the RNC post read.
Weingarten’s book expands on her belief that fascistic elements threaten democracy by undermining public education. According to the book’s promotional material, “Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes: Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power they began banning books and controlling curriculum.” The text asserts that teachers are essential to nurturing critical thinking, suggesting that “Fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an educated and empowered population that can see past propaganda and scare tactics.”
However, the release of the book coinciding with a politically charged atmosphere, particularly after Kirk’s assassination, has ignited fierce discussions. Many conservatives blame the left’s heated rhetoric for creating an environment where violence could occur. As this discourse unfolds, the implications of labeling opponents as “fascists” continue to draw scrutiny, especially amidst national conversations about political violence and its causes.
With Clinton’s post accumulating over 2 million views, it has evidently struck a nerve. It remains to be seen how this discussion will evolve, but for now, it serves as a stark reminder of the heated political climate surrounding education and ideology in America.
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