For all of my very long life, I’ve heard about Communism and Socialism coming to take over our country. In fact, so did my father. And his grandfather. The cry that “The Commies are coming” has long been used as a tool to frighten people into supporting the right wing military/industrial complex. For how long? For over a hundred years!

The accusation has been tossed around since the end of the Civil War. So, where is it? They screamed that the Social Security program would destroy our country and usher in ... gasp ... Socialism! The same happened in 1965 with the creation of Medicare. Yet here we are, with Capitalism actually gaining in power as Republicans reduce and remove effective regulations which served to control the more irresponsible aspects of big business, such as pollution of our water and lands.

Capitalism is a great system, as I know from my days of owning a business. But unregulated Capitalism degrades to pure greed. I vote Democratic because I believe in a government of, by and for the People, not one of “corporations are people” and industry titans being allowed to buy votes. The USA is not in danger of turning Commie. Just look at how Communism has failed all over the world: Russia is now an oligarchy. China is a totalitarian state, quite the opposite of socialism, no matter what they call themselves.

Don’t let yourself be used by a right wing movement which wants to frighten you into voting against your own interests. Our Democracy is too precious to allow it to be hijacked by fear mongers.

Linda Zak

Saylorsburg