In a speech Nikita Khrushchev gave in 1962 in Romania, he said that, “The United States will eventually fly the Communist red flag … the American people will hoist it themselves.” With the direction this country is going, is Khrushchev’s prediction going to be right?

We hear from people like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who are promoting socialism. It seems to fall on ears that do not understand the consequences of it. Many of theses people are led to believe that democratic socialism means all the liberty and prosperity that we enjoy today, plus a bunch of free stuff. These people are led to believe that the only changes in their lives under socialism would be the addition of free college, free health care, lots of public housing, guaranteed pensions and generous welfare programs. Sweden, Germany and Norway are often cited as examples of a welfare state.

Those who are in favor of a small government respond that the amount of taxation and regulation required to maintain this kind of system will hamper innovation and entrepreneurialism, strangle growth and job creation and drive most of us into poverty, Venezuela being a perfect example.

What has happened to patriotism in our country? It has become a disgrace by some to pledge allegiance to the flag, to sing the national anthem, and to have prayer in schools. Look what has happened in the sports world, with players kneeling down at football games instead showing allegiance to our country.

Is all lost? No. Let us stand up for those principles that our country was built on. We have the best country in the world. Let’s keep it that way. Let’s prove Khrushchev wrong. Let’s stand up for our country and defend it with all we have within us.

 

Rowland Hastings

Augusta