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Watch: That Time Frank Zappa Accused Reagan of 'Steering Us to a Fascist Theocracy'

Watch: That Time Frank Zappa Accused Reagan of 'Steering Us to a Fascist Theocracy'

In this blast from the past, famous musician Frank Zappa takes on a trio of conservatives on CNN’s Crossfire, discussing censorship and the moral foundation of civil government in 1986. John Lofton and Robert Novak saw Mr. Zappa’s provocative lyrics as a threat to American families, accusing him of promoting incest.

Mr. Zappa had an alternative interpretation of the issue: “The biggest threat to America today is not Communism, it’s moving America towards a fascist theocracy, and everything that’s happened under the Reagan administration is steering us down that pipe.”

Predictably, the conservatives became very agitated and demanded an explanation, to which Frank continued his critique of a lyrical censorship bill:

“One example of fascism is a government that prefers a certain moral code derived from a certain religion and that moral code turns into legislation to suit one certain religious point of view and if that code happens to be very very right wing almost towards Attila the Hun- at which point he is rudely interrupted by Mr. Lofton-

“You’re an anarchist, Frank! All forms of civil government is based on some kind of morality Frank!

“Morality in terms of behavior, not in terms of theology.” is his response.

Even back then, Mr. Zappa could see the road down with the Republican Party wants to steer our nation.

Colin Taylor
Opinion columnist and former editor-in-chief of Occupy Democrats. He graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor's degree in history and political science. He now focuses on advancing the cause of social justice and equality in America.

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