OPINION:
In 1970, I escaped the red “paradise” of what was socialist Czechoslovakia to come to the United States as a political refugee. Since then, America has offered me a life of freedom unspoiled by fear - the dominant feeling of the people in my old country. Unfortunately, I feel the fear re-emerging after 40 years of life in the United States.
One of the worst sins of socialism was that the leftist media, controlled by the government, daily shoved down the throat of the ordinary people the lie of a “classless society.” This lie from the mouths of apparatchiks and their collaborators in media became truth for the ignorant. Those governing under socialism were counting on this ignorance - and fear.
The scenario of socialism in which I lived for 30 years of my life is recurring. No, the lie this time isn’t coming from some communist politburo or the Kremlin; it is coming from the White House. All false promises of the last presidential campaign have been dropped overboard or conveniently forgotten. The will of the majority, so overwhelmingly expressed in November’s midterm elections, is being arrogantly ignored. Countless regulations tie up growth of our businesses and government interference in our lives reaches everywhere, with Obamacare being the most visible example of this unwelcome development.
The best minds of the political left are intent on inventing the most effective tactics for scaring the vulnerable. Those who have become used to being pampered by the welfare state don’t have to be further manipulated - they have accepted their life of dependency and will always cast their vote for their own security.
Through its history, this country has always found its way confronting adversity and this is another moment to make a hard choice. The mishaps of the recent past - including mindless spending - must come to an end. The possibility of shutting down the government instead of continuing on the way to certain destruction is in the hands of our Congress. I just hope that our representatives will fulfill the obligation given to them last year - even if that means a shutdown.
I have already lost one country to the lie of socialism. I don’t want to lose this one, too.
PETER MOTYKA
Cumming, Ga.
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