What's a Fascist?
- Gary Peyrot
- Dec 27, 2025
- 2 min read
Gary Peyrot - Opinion, 12/27/2025
I’ve learned that if you're making an impact then you'll attract your critics. Recently, I became aware of online criticism directed my way. One detractor called me a "fascist" for implying that America was historically great, prompting me to wonder if he even knew what the term meant. My first instinct was to respond with force, but reflection won out.
How we handle criticism matters, especially in a time when public discourse too often descends from thoughtful debate into mere name-calling. Too many conversations today end the moment disagreement begins. Labels replace ideas, and people are dismissed without their arguments ever being heard.
Jordan Peterson recently pointed out that a healthy society depends on honest exchange. He believes that liberals generate new ideas, while conservatives test these and preserve the ones that work.
We need both perspectives, and we need to stop demonizing the other side just because they don't agree with us. Both sides have a place in civil society.
At Shasta Unfiltered, we strive to engage respectfully. We welcome criticism, and we reject the reflex to demean others or reduce complex views to slogans. Policies matter more than personalities, but language still carries weight. Our goal is not to win shouting matches, but to shed light on issues that affect our community and our country.
We’ll continue to present stories that challenge assumptions, cut through bias, and encourage thoughtful discussion because the North State deserves clarity, honesty, and a higher standard of conversation.
Gary Peyrot, Publisher Shasta Unfiltered |
