Dear editor,
Yes, we all are fatigued of election-related media blasts, but there is one point that we keep hearing repeatedly from the Trump campaign and other writers in your paper. That is, using the words “communist,” “socialist,” or “fascist” in the same tirade to describe presidential candidate Harris (and Democrats in general). Does Trump even know what they mean? These are words being thrown about in a rant to incite fear.
Communism is a system of government where there is no private property and there is communal control of all means of production. NOWHERE does this fit into any viable political movement in American society and certainly not with Harris or the Democratic party.
Socialism is based on the idea that public ownership of resources leads to a more equal society. Some resources are already preserved by the public. National parks, public schools, interstate highways, national grid infrastructure, military training complexes, etc. But for sure, private entrepreneurs own utilities, water rights, oil and mineral excavation, sea ports, and so much more. In no place does Harris or any other Democrat campaign advocate government appropriating these. Regulation may be eschewed by some, but we all want to have safe air and water, monitored air travel, protected work environments, and safe prescription drugs and food that we feed our children, don’t we?
Fascism, however, is to be of concern. It supports a totalitarian government who has a populist leader who wants full control and answers to no one. This form of government shuns science and reason and intellect. Fascists strengthen their group by persecuting minorities. Sound familiar? This dictator shoe fits Trump perfectly. Read Project 2025. This is NOT Harris. Trump and his surrogates may think shouting these words over and over will influence voters. Don’t let them do it. We are better than this.
R. Pandina, J.W. Collins, B. Hamilton, C. Hamilton Greensboro