Concern

Aug 2, 2022
Aug 2, 2022 Updated Apr 13, 2025
3

Editor,

I have noticed that some elected officials, including my district Councilmember James Coleman, and candidates for office identify as Progressive Democratic Socialists. The labels Progressive and Democratic don’t concern me much but the label “Socialist” gives me great concern. Here’s why: The dictionary defines socialists as advocates for government control/ownership of industry, production and distribution of goods, advocate for and promotion for radical social reform; a society of no ownership of private property. Having served as an elected official for 18 years and having fought to retain local controls, I have seen a constant assault on city governments’ local autonomy, with Sacramento becoming more involved in issues that should be resolved at the local level and with transparency and community input. I don’t know about you, but I certainly do not want a “Progressive Democratic Socialist” representing me. I urge you to fully know and understand what a candidate for office really stands for.

(3) comments

edkahl Aug 2, 2022 3:30pm

Thank you for reminding people about this. There is no such thing as democratic socialism. The Nazi Party initially billed themselves as socialist (National Socialist German Workers Party) but were really totalitarians. Americans are’t going to give up their freedoms and pay 65% in taxes which most Socialistic government demand.

Jorg Aug 5, 2022 9:56am

Ed: Which socialist countries with 65% taxes do you refer to, and how did you arrive at the 65-figure?

Jorg Aug 6, 2022 9:20am

Ed: We are still waiting for your response! Too hard to explain? Try anyway ...

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