Michael Ledeen Was the Forrest Gump of American Fascism
Briefly

Michael Ledeen, who passed away at 83, presented himself modestly, claiming to be a typical American dedicated to liberty. However, his life told a different story. A historian of fascism, Ledeen engaged in numerous campaigns that undermined democracy, including the Iran-Contra affair. He collaborated with disinformation specialists and criminals while maintaining ties with shady intelligence operatives. His leap from studying authoritarianism to embodying it showcased a complex legacy, raising questions about the paradox of a scholar who became a participant in the very tyranny he analyzed.
Ledeen's self-description as a 'fairly typical American' masked his involvement in nefarious activities and his manipulation of democratic ideals for authoritarian ends.
Despite his claims of being a 'liberal democrat,' Ledeen's actions over decades reveal a commitment to undermining democracy and collaborating with criminals.
Read at The Nation
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