With the 2020 election on the horizon, it’s apparent the battle will be over the “isms”. Socialism, communism, progressivism, fascism, capitalism and the list goes on. So what’s the difference among them?
Capitalism, in its purist form, is the only form of government where individuals create wealth and keep 100 percent. All others confiscate and consume, and at some point 100 percent, of the wealth individuals create.
The founders knew this and wrote the Constitution based on the capitalist form of life. So what is the duty of the government under capitalism? It’s a relationship between man and state that is contractual and reciprocal! Responsible people pay their bills.
Constitutionally, the government’s rightful duty is the protection of its citizens’ right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. There is no guarantee of happiness, only the freedom to pursue it. Neither entity hurts the other, nor steals their belongings, and all keep their promises.
History proves there has never been a way of life that has served mankind better. The poorest among us live better than all other nations of the world today and in the past. So why would anyone want any other “ism”?
Ed Huber
Copperhill
Cohen hearing exposes the GOP
The Trump presidency gives us a peek behind the Republican facade into its heart of darkness. The party has traditionally waved the flag of “family values.” Now it seemingly approves of multiple sexual affairs and hush money payments to women. It seemingly supports ripping children from their families and locking them in cages.
Traditionally, Republicans have treated the Constitution as a sacrosanct holy document. Now it is just a piece of paper that any Republican autocrat can ignore.
Trump has transformed the party of Lincoln, author of the Emancipation Proclamation, into a party for tone-deaf, old, white men like U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, R-North Carolina, who brings a black woman to the Cohen hearing and uses her as a prop. Then he is so stupid and unaware he is shocked and tearful when the African-American congresswomen on the panel call out his racism.
The GOP on display at the Cohen hearing is a party for bigots, liars, fact-deniers and spineless politicians who are willing to sabotage national security for personal gain.
Terry Stulce
Ooltewah
10 Commandments update is needed
A note for those who have left the church or organized religion: The 10 Commandments have been amended.
Thou shalt not kill. (Now this only refers to the unborn; otherwise shoot first, ask questions later.)
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife. (Now this is taken literally. If it is not your neighbor’s wife, it’s OK, especially if you are rich, powerful or elected. See also Thou shall not commit adultery.)
Thou shall not bear false witness. (Now this – lying – is amended to unless you are, again, rich, powerful or elected, but also male.)
Please note that parts of the Bible are being ignored. Love thy neighbor as yourself should continue (but only if they are exactly like you).
There are so many verses in the Bible calling us to care for the poor, the sick, the stranger that appear to be redacted, we may need another version. Maybe we can all start living one of the current versions like the rich, powerful and elected.
Sandra Rice
Sewanee