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Please allow me my own musings in response:
To my sorrow, and surely well meant, Ms. Peterson’s musings are painting a dark and fearful picture of the present state of affairs in our beloved country.
I do not believe we need to fear a future under Communism on our soil. It is not suited for it.
Explained on a very basis and simplistic level – the idea and ideology of Communism and the implementation of Communist governments in all the countries mentioned, had its roots in abysmal poverty and inequality. The RICH versus the POOR. If you care, study the conditions in these countries at the time. Lenin’s aim was to eliminate the misery and suffering and hunger.
What happened, tragically, in all these Communist countries was that power-hungry men hijacked and subverted the ideals for their personal gains. These countries really should not be called Communist countries. What they really are, are ruthless, immoral, self-serving and corrupt dictatorships. The people were not better off but worse. Yes, millions died.
To link Communism with Socialism is simply not correct. It is a different animal. It does not seek to replace or overthrow an existing governing system. Take a look at most European countries, much older than America. They have struggled with poverty, hunger, despair and equality for centuries. Think of the French Revolution, the 19.Cent. in England (Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables), the results of the industrial Revolution, even in our own country. The RICH and the POOR. Look up Benjamin Disraeli’s novel “Sybil.” Millennials, study history! The ideas and ideals of Socialism have their roots in the concept of WE/US and not “I”.
Its aims are fairness, equality, opportunity, help for those who can’t help themselves.
Although we should have all the same rights (see our Constitution!), we are not all the same. Some of us, for various reasons, are smarter and more clever, more flexible, stronger, better educated and some of us are just not so smart, not so flexible, less educated, less fortunate.
Some of us have mental and physical challenges. But that is “US.” That is a Society in which people care for each other. Where people look out for each other. It’s a place where people are willing to help carry each other’s burdens. That is called Socialism. Is it a bad thing?
After all, would we be willing to abolish Social Security? Well, that is Socialism. On a wider platform – what is car insurance, home insurance, flood insurance? We sign up, pay into it and carry the burden of misfortune together.
Well, so much for Communism and Socialism.
Our country is not in CHAOS. Far from it. What happened in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina, yes that was CHAOS.
We are still a country of law and order. What is happening in a few of our cities is the result of desperation, hopelessness, poverty, and yes, hunger.
People, especially the black and young have had it. They see, read and hear of a few people getting rich and richer. They have lost all hope in ever having a share in it and bettering their lives. Hopelessness breeds desperation, leads to mass demonstrations. Destroying property and looting are simply wrong. Society as a whole, parents, teachers, clergy, all of us, need to make sure that our young people develop a sense of right and wrong. These young citizens have to understand that looting and destroying property does not help their cause. They are subverting their grievances and destroying good will.
The choices listed by Ms. Peterson – Freedom and Liberty or Chaos and Communism, scare me. Looking at our present situation, yes, we are living through some very difficult times.
The Pandemic of COVID-19 had hit our country hard. There is much suffering and hardships.
But, and this is AMERICA, people of all walks of life are helping one another in many, selfless ways. It is truly astonishing and heart-warming.
But we must not forget the political, financial and social situation that existed before the virus invaded. The rosy picture painted by some does not hold up when the top paint is ever so slightly scratched off. Unemployment was low but too many had to work two and three jobs to make ends meet. Millions were without health insurance. Millions lived in poverty without a Social Net. We had 1% of our citizens hold most of the country’s wealth. I could go on.
Then there was the never ending, unresolved issues and ongoing assault on our black population. Especially the young among them had simply enough. Their struggle had gone on too long. Do we finally get it? Does it take the terrifying footage of the repeated killings?
Yes, I have a very different view of what America is all about at the moment.
Whatever the outcome of the elections in November are, each one of us will have to make sure that we are guided by honesty, truth and facts.
Our problems, at present and those that existed before 2020 can be solved with compassion, empathy, an open mind AND MUCH, MUCH LOVE FOR EACH OTHER.
We are really and truly ONE family. We will succeed because we are Americans.
