There’s nothing un-American about some forms of socialism

The ‘socialism’ bogeyman

I want to protest the picture of people protesting against Sen. Bernie Sanders that the Star-Telegram published on Page 6A with the April 26 front-page story, “Sanders: Dems will unify ‘to defeat the most dangerous president.’”

The programs with aspects of socialism that Sanders advocates for are absolutely not oppression. They are the lifeblood of many seniors and disabled people.

I worked 43 years and am now retired. I did not feel oppressed at any time while I paid my taxes to support this wonderful country. I’m quite happy to collect that Social Security check.

The real drain on America is not working citizens who allow Social Security and Medicare to deduct money that is accrued with 3% overhead for these terrific programs.

If you want to see is a system that is not working and provides free stuff, then evaluate what President Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans did in passing those 2017 tax breaks and subsidies to filthy rich oil and gas corporations, or consider the dozens of corporations — including Amazon — that pay no taxes but use the infrastructure of citizens every day they conduct their business to enrich themselves at public expense.

Founders warned about parties

Our country is threatened not so much by outside forces as by the two-party political system. This is not just my opinion.

George Washington lamented in his farewell address that political party wrangling “agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another.” And Thomas Jefferson swore, “If I could not go to heaven but with a party, I would not go there at all.”

John Adams said in a letter to Jonathan Jackson, “There is nothing I dread so much, as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil, under our Constitution.”

Defeat Trump for Republicans’ sake

In 1968, Sen. Eugene McCarthy, a Democrat from Minnesota, entered the New Hampshire primary against President Lyndon Johnson. McCarthy’s sole issue was the Vietnam War. He received very little publicity and even less money. When he totaled 42% of the vote, people realized there was significant opposition to the war, if only someone would challenge the president.

Johnson decided not to run, and Richard Nixon was elected.

I am waiting for the same story for today’s Republican Party. If someone challenges President Donald Trump, we might see that there is a lot of latent opposition in the party just waiting to vote for someone else.

Many Republicans I know would love to be rid of Trump. They need someone of status to step up.

This teacher can help others

After reading Julie Horner’s April 25 letter to the editor, “Not being smart with smartphones,” I was saddened to consider the loss of a very experienced educator because of her current work challenges. (9A)

I understand her decision and wish her the very best in her new endeavor. Her skills can be used immediately and effectively in numerous occupations.

Thank you, Julie, for being a teacher for 28 years, and for the impact you have had on the lives of your students.