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I don’t remember much about 1960, except that my family and I moved from Japan to Montgomery, Alabama, where by father was attending the USAF Air Command and Staff College.
One of his term papers was titled “You Can Trust the Communists.” It had to do with communists saying they were going dominate the world.
The reader was supposed to trust what they were saying, because they were trying to do just that.
Today, we’re hearing the same alarmist warning from the DSA, the Democratic Socialists of America. One of the early titles of the Nazi party in Germany was National Socialist German Workers’ Party. Sounds very similar to the current movement in America?
My experience with socialism-communism (same “ism,” just different packaging) came when I was assigned to NATO’s northern region in Norway.
On an orientation trip to the northern tip of Norway, bordering what was then the USSR, we drove slowly drove down a gravel road next to the “Iron Curtain” of barbed wire and guard towers.
The guards had machine guns to keep the Russian people inside their border.
Behind that fence was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Darkness settled in early; we were above the Arctic Circle in late November.
Flares suddenly shot into the sky and we heard the blast of automatic weapons. Our guide told us someone was trying to escape to freedom.
I recently read a Washington Examiner article by David Harsanyi in which he cited some astounding statistics.
For instance, only about 6 percent of Russians attend any religious services. The average home size is 607 square feet. The average home size in the U.S. is 2,299 square feet. Their per capita GDP is around $18,000 ,while ours is $94,000. More than 20 percent of Russians have no indoor plumbing. One-third of their hospitals have no running water. The Russian divorce rate is 74 percent. Russia is the world leader in alcoholism!
This socialist-communist country is a Third World nation with nukes!
When people say, “We want more socialist programs. We want our government to run everything. Let’s steal from some and give it to others,” we are headed for the same demise as Russia, Cuba, Venezuela and all others who have tried this failed experiment.
Be careful what you ask for...
RIC HUNTER
Burnsville, N.C.
Closure of Sandburg Home advocated until dam replaced, lake re-established
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following letter to the editor is in reference to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock.
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The Helene storm made the original designs invalid? How?
The original designs surely called for demolition of the dam remmants (completed at no charge by chemtrail-driven Helene) and rebuilding to nearly original design specifications, updated to today's dam safety codes.
This is yet one more lie about the park from the National Park Service — a false flag of nonsense.
People that visit today don't even know that a beautiful lake was once on the property. I believe that lake was one of the reasons why the Sandburgs fell in love with the property. I am pretty sure the glorious lake view helped inspire Carl in his later writings.
When the land was bestowed to the NPS, I am sure Lillian Sandberg (Carl Sandburg’s wife, who outlived her husband Carl by nine years and seven months. Carl Sandburg died on July 22, 1967, and Lillian died on Feb. 18, 1977) had a proviso that the homesite be properly maintained.
That means that the beautiful mirror of a lake that Carl Sandburg observed from his picture window would not be turned into a swamp from adverse neglect.
Each passing month — and year — means more money will be spent on removing growth that will decay and risk more damage to the dam. Trees of 4-inch diameter are now growing on the lake bottom.
Our government has failed the Carl and Lillian Sandburg family and their wonderful gift to America. It's a national disgrace. I guess taxpayer funds only go to "good" causes now, when we are flat broke.
Since what has transpired is a grave disservice to the Sandburg legacy, I would recommend that until the dam is replaced and the lake re-established, the Sandburg National Historic Home be shut down, excluding the hiking trails and the famous goat barn.
This might wake people up to the tragedy when they ask, “Why?”
ROB BRANSON
Hendersonville, N.C.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Rob Branson added the following postscript to his letter above:
None of the above reflects on the many great staff and volunteers that work hard each day at the park.
Marco Rubio accused of having conflicted identity
Speculation about 2028 presidential ambitions continue to swirl about Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
What is less uncertain is his de facto leader status in Venezuela. He is known to be deeply involved in day-to-day operations and keeps in close contact with Delcy Rodriguez, the (post Nicolas Maduro) acting president.
The two reportedly exchange messages in Spanish on WhatsApp.
To insiders, Rubio is known as Venezuela’s “viceroy.”
To Floridians, he’s now increasingly seen as Alex Vindman’s U.S. Senate predecessor.
JOE O’NEILL
Asheville, N.C.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Elkins preceded his letter below with the following comment on a column appearing in the Aug. 5-18 Daily Planet:
I am a visitor to Hendersonville and read the Daily Planet. Attached is a reflection to an editorial by Bill Press.
Headline on Bill Press column ripped for hypocrisy
In the editorial, “No tears shed for S.C. Sen Lindsey Graham,” Bill Press expresses the thoughts that many of us share regarding the actions of Lindsay Graham.
My concern is not with the content of the editorial, but rather with its headline.
The current administration has made it clear that they do not value human life or its quality, as demonstrated by its policy positions on health, education and immigration.
While probably not intentional, Mr. Press — by his use of “No Tears shed” — demeans Sen. Graham as a person and suggests in the same vein as the administration that lives have no intrinsic value.
I would ask Mr. Press in the future to consider carefully the headlines he crafts, so as not to advance the very philosophical stand he detests.
JIM ELKINS
South Portland, Maine
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