Letters to the editor

Socialism woes misplaced I agree with Chuck Gerringer's letter to the editor from Aug. 7, that socialism is not the answer. Though I have not read or seen many current Democrats in office or running for office calling for defunding the police or open borders. He mentioned Cuba as an example of a socialist county. The problem with that and most comparisons is that socialism was used as a ruse for an oligarchy or dictatorship. Cuba was not a socialist country, just like the USSR was not a true communist country. If we are honest about our current system in the U.S., we already have numerous democratic socialist policies in place. Locally, examples would be our public library, 50 North, our city and county parks, and free school lunches. Nationally, bringing high-speed internet and healthcare to rural communities are just a few examples. He mentions the ruling party oppressing the common people and that should be our greatest concern. Our current leadership has called for the closure of news outlets, tried to silence those who oppose their policies and sued scores of those with whom they disagree. They have meddled in local elections and attempted to change our constitution without proper procedures and protocols. Even more concerning should be that the current administration has taken partial ownership in five publicly traded companies — Intel Corp, MP Materials, Lithium Americas Corp, Trilogy Metals Inc. By definition, that is the beginning of socialism over free markets. Moreover, numerous billionaire business owners have personally and politically enriched many from the current administration's leadership. Our greater fear should be we are heading into an authoritarian plutocracy! Arnie Wright Findlay