By Lynne Stevens
Guest Columnist
This column is in response to a column published in the Aug. 27 edition of The Graham Star, “The duties of a ‘free’ society.”
“The socialist would have you vote to steal from your neighbor, to slander those who disagree with you, to give you the right to abort babies and to dishonor our forefathers. Socialism is morally incompatible with the American way of life.”
These pretty divisive words were recently printed, seemingly against the near 2,400 Democrats and whatever portion of over 1,300 Independents in Graham County.
The socialism frequently talked about among democratic leaning folk is really Democratic Socialism, a very different animal. Capitalism and Democratic Socialism actually are very compatible when corporations are accountable to the rules of the road and face consequences if they cheat.
Don’t most of us have to adhere these rules in real life?
In the United States, 70 percent of wealth is controlled by 10 percent of citizens. Are those who feel our country would be better – if this disparity was less – considered slanderous?
Reduction of this disparity will involve higher taxes on high incomes and wealthy corporations with money going to provide real benefits to all Americans.
Is this the “stealing from the neighbor” referred to in the column?
Does a position that health care, high-quality public education and day care – accessible for all Americans – dishonor our forefathers?
Democratic Socialism takes tax money and spends it for the overall public good. Our public schools are being short changed with vouchers. Our aging infrastructure is crumbling in towns and cities with insufficient revenue to repair aging sewer and water systems. Our State Department is intended to stop expensive war and conflict with skilled diplomats. It has been hollowed out or positions filled with inexperience.
Why is this not a destruction of a system in place?
We are sometimes asked what would Jesus say to us now. Think about that. If taking care of our citizens when they are sick or the chips are down is interpreted as destroying our way of life, self-proclaimed Christian people may have missed the lessons many learned in Sunday School when we were kids.
From a Democratic-Socialist point of view, do you see very rich people grasping and lobbying for more and more tax breaks, resulting in cuts to food support programs? Do taxpayers need to fund rich lifestyles and accumulation of power?
“They believe that we need a revolution to destroy every system in place.” Antifa (left), Bogaloo Boise (right), Wolf (right) and the Base (right) all support violence.
These groups are operating in various cities to create mayhem and actually do want to tear down the entire system.
If the author of this column is truly a person of peace, then he should be willing to sit down with an open mind with those who have different points of view.
Citizens must attempt to understand differences and negotiate with each other or consequences may be dire and our divided house may not stand.
Lynne Stevens is a resident of Robbinsville.