In reply to Mr. Sullivans letter (Neighb News, 10/25/18) let me say if he thinks socialism is so great why doesn’t he try living in Russia or China. They are socialist countries, the government controls every thing.
First and foremost I am a thankful American. I respect the service men and women who fought and died protecting the freedoms we enjoy and the police who protect our civil liberties.
WE are a representative democracy, our form of government is unique. In n other nation have so many people enjoyed the freedoms and opportunities we have.
LIke I said in my last letter I have been a working man for 55+ years starting when I was 10 years old delivering groceryies and newspapers
I am a trade graduate in the machine trade, served a tool and die apprenticeship at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Hartford Conn., worked as a machinist and toolmaker until I was 24. Left for Alaska, lived there until I was about 30, worked whereever I could find employment as a cannery worker, unloading shrimp boats, a welder working in the construction of a cannery, a mechanic for a rancher, machinist in a machine shop. Lastly as a fisherman on a shrimp boat. I was able to do this because I was fortunate to live in a country were I had these opportunities.
Let me set this straight: For the most part I respect and appreciate the police, firemen, teachers, and other public employees who serve us. For the most part they are hard working dedicated men and women, who serve us. That being said, let’s recognize who supports them, it’s the private sector, the factories, farms, forestry, fishing, oil, refineries, hospitals and the countless services we depend on. But let’s give full credit to the tradesmen and women, and professionals whose skills and expertise make this possible. Let’s understand these skills are not easily acquired. It takes a lot of time and effort to become a journeyman carpenter, electrician, machinist, doctor, nurse, or any other skill trade or professional. You have to earn it.
What I’m saying is it’s the private sector that supports the public sector. Competition is the fairest system were you either fail or succeed depending upon your skills, work ethic, and drive.
Like I said in my last letter, in theory socialism sounds good, but it soon degenerates into a rigidly controlled system were a few gain control and there is no freedom. I certainly recognize the need for some of the government services. Being retired I depend on Social Cecurity and Medicare.
I believed I payed my fair share. I have worked 55+ years, I still pay taxes, real estate included. That being said I don’t believe in the cradle to grave philosophy of socialism.
Which brings me to this point while some government regulations are necessary, I am a strong believer in the free enterprise, capitalistic system were you either succeed or fail depending upon your skills and work ethic. While some regulation and control is necessary socialism leads to more and more government oversight and control, less freedom and self reliance. Like I said in my last letter, Communism is a good example of socialistic government where thereis no freedom. Just look to Russia, Cuba ,Argentina, or any other Communist country. Where Communism socialism is full blown. You may point out point countries like Germany, Sweden, Switzerland that are socialistic they only exist because we protect them.
You probably guessed it by now, I am a strong Trump supporter. Well you’re right. I didn’t like him at first but he won me over. The reason that Trump won and succeeded in his run for the presidency is that he was a voice for the forgotten Americans, the coal miners, steel workers, aluminum workers, factory workers, countless manufacturing workers, and the manufacturing plants, which were closed down and shipped over seas because of the inept or the uncaring administrations of both the Clintons and Obamas and the disastrous trade deals they agreed too.
When Obama was confronted with the loss of all these manufacturing jobs, 400,000 in number, the best he could offer was: “what do you want me to do wave a magic wand and bring back.”*
Well guess what Trump not only brought them back he added a additional 400,000 jobs. Unemployment is at record low levels, black Hispanic and women’s unemployment are at their lowest levels. Major manufacturing and Auto plants are coming back to our country. I am seeing help wanted signs that I haven’t seen in years.
Let me lay out a few examples of Trumps presidency. He is a strong supporter of the military, he has secured the funding necessary to rebuild it and to provide a pay increase, the first in years. Also he has implemented real change in the Veterans Administration, veterans can go to a private doctor or hospital and finally incompetent people can be fired. He has restored respect for both the military and presidency of the United States.
Look at the contrast in foreign policy. It was just a short time ago that we as a nation were cowering before North Korea’s Kim Jong-un. Kim is a brutal dictator, he killed his own half brother, he enslaved and killed many others. He seemed like he was on an unstoppable mission to develop his nuclear arsenal and the missiles to deliver them,
What did Trump do? He told him he had a bigger nuclear button and his worked. He was afraid of the possibility of the military option. He came to the negotiating table.
Consider Iraq. Against all his top military advisors and president Bush, Obama pulled our troops out. Look at the terrible consequences, ISIS came in on a rampage, thousands were slaughtered many of them Christians.
Consider Syria’s President. Obama warns Assad not to use the poison gas, it was going to be a red line. He uses it, Obama does nothing. He used it when Trump is President, Trump launches 56 cruise missells
It’s doubtful that many Presidents have achieved so much success in so short a span of time. He has followed through on his promise to make America great again
John Pond, Fairhaven
*Editor’s note: What President Obama actually did was ask Mr. Trump, “What magic wand do you have?” when Mr. Trump said he would bring back manufacturing jobs from overseas. U.S. manufacturing jobs have increased under President Trump, continuing the same trend that started in 2010, under President Obama. These positions are widely reported as home grown and not “returned” from overseas.
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