The Meaning of Fascism

I Googled the word "fascism" this morning, in an effort to educate myself on its true meaning (in order to properly educate others, of course...). In the course of my web browsing, I came across this most excellent article from the Library of Economics and Liberty's Concise Encyclopedia of Economics. The article traces the history and development of fascism as an economic system, and is balanced and merely factual in its presentation. My eyes perked up (is that possible?) when I came across the following passage:

Under fascism, the state, through official cartels, controlled all aspects of manufacturing, commerce, finance, and agriculture. Planning boards set product lines, production levels, prices, wages, working conditions, and the size of firms. Licensing was ubiquitous; no economic activity could be undertaken without government permission. Levels of consumption were dictated by the state, and “excess” incomes had to be surrendered as taxes or “loans.” The consequent burdening of manufacturers gave advantages to foreign firms wishing to export.

Does any of this sound familiar? Cross-reference this article with current events (cap-and-trade, corporate bailouts with their subsequent levels of control by the federal government, nationalized health care, etc.) and you will see clearly that the "progressives" in this country are deluded when they call Conservatives fascists. At best, they are victims of that psychological disorder known as "transference", or as PeeWee Herman called it, "I know you are, but what am I?"