The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received February 18, 2022.
To The Editor,
As someone who spends a fair bit of time in lovely East Haddam, I must praise Marilyn Gleeson’s letter asking for clarity regarding many residents’ paranoia whatever they feel socialism/communism actually is.
One reply to her attacked the Biden administration’s response to Covid-19 as a socialist failure. Really? Whatever failures fall at the feet of those who watch outlets such as Fox News and feel that vaccinations are a violation of civil liberties and a sign of creeping socialism. Asking for cooperation and stating that acting in the greater good is better than the hyper-individualism seizing the minds of many is not a socialist concept. It is acting in the interests of all citizens.
The current idea of conservatism, as espoused by Donald Trump and filtering down to its followers, is very dangerous and yes, ignorant.
I have visited several “socialist” countries in Europe over the years. It is no accident that their populations are more content and enjoy better health than here in the US. It seems here, Republican ideals have been swapped for Libertarianism and the writings of Ayn Rand have become mainstream.
I am not sure if the education system is at fault or many are just drowning in stupidity.
Higganum
