Over the last several decades there has been a growth in fascist ayatollahs and mullahs in the United States. Pat Robertson called for the U.S. to "take out" Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. He's a "terrific danger" whose country, says Reverend Pat, is "a launching pad for communist infiltration and Islamic extremism." Imagine that. Robertson suffered no opprobrium or penalty. And he still hosts his 700 Club TV show. So it's cool to advocate the assassination of an elected head of state. But Pat's small potatoes compared to the grand vision of televangelist John Hagee who says, "The United States must join Israel in a pre-emptive military strike against Iran to fulfill God's plan for both Israel and the WestSa biblically prophesized end-time confrontation with Iran, which will lead to the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ."

Chris Hedges reported for The New York Times for more than a decade. Before that he worked for The Dallas Morning News, The Christian Science Monitor and National Public Radio. He has covered wars in the Balkans, the Middle East and Central America. His book, War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning received the 2003 Overseas Press Club award. His latest book is American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America.