If the only time you can recognize fascists is when they already have power, then you are completely helpless at preventing fascists from attaining that power.

If the only time you can recognize fascists is when they already have power, then you are completely helpless at preventing fascists from attaining that power. There are always fascists. Some people who "throw around" that word have correctly identified them, perhaps others are mistaken. Surely it is up to you to figure who's figured it out if you would like to prevent fascists from seizing power.