Gaslighting

This letter is in response to Mr. Ed Kahl’s letter to the editor in the July 7 Daily Journal. I will address his comments shortly.

Before doing so, I want to point out what I believe are examples of political messaging that fit the definition of gaslighting. Over the past several years, Americans have repeatedly been told that elections are rigged, that immigrants are responsible for widespread crime and are taking jobs from citizens, that schools are performing gender-transition surgeries on children, and that certain government projects are not being funded with taxpayer dollars. Whether or not people accept these claims, many have been disputed or lack supporting evidence, yet they continue to be repeated. When assertions are made often enough despite contrary evidence, they can cause people to question what is actually true.

In his letter, Mr. Kahl wrote, “How ironic that the Democrat Party is developing a Communist wing.” This appears to reflect the latest message being amplified by President Trump following the recent election of a self-described democratic socialist candidate in New York City. The president has repeatedly warned that communism is taking over America, beginning in New York.

However, socialism and communism are not the same thing. They are distinct political and economic systems with important differences. The United States already has a number of programs with socialist characteristics that millions of Americans rely on, including Social Security, Medicare and public education. Supporting such programs does not make the United States a communist country.

Political disagreements are healthy in a democracy.

But we all benefit when debates are based on accurate definitions and factual information rather than rhetoric that blurs important distinctions.

Maggie Freydoz

Belmont