This letter is in response to the March 24, 2020 article entitled “Virus.” I am not going to discuss the substance of the author’s ramblings because it doesn’t deserve to be dignified with a response. I would like to, however, address his concerns about “socialist communism” because he is not the only person in Jefferson County who fears the socialist boogeyman.
I am assuming the author doesn’t personally interact with Democrats, because Democrats are not a monolith of Marxist ideologues, despite what he may hear on Fox News or Info Wars. To equate Democrats with socialism is ironic from my perspective because the Democratic Party is eager to nominate a man who is 10 years past his prime, clearly experiencing cognitive decline, and (like the previous nominee) extremely close to big business interests. All this rather than nominate a populist FDR-style social democrat to face President Trump in November. FDR was such a popular president that he won election to the office four times! We had to amend the Constitution to establish term limits for presidents after he died in office. FDR/Wallace could not earn the nomination in today’s establishment-Democratic Party.
Jefferson County’s last worry should be about socialism invading the community. The Red Army’s tanks will never be seen rolling down U.S. 90. Sir, you can’t even get capitalism to come to Jefferson County. Even when the opportunity for capital to be invested in the community presents itself, residents come out with pitchforks decrying any attempt at “economic development.” It doesn’t matter if it’s a sports complex, a bike trail, a solar energy farm, or a transportation corridor, the county is opposed to it. Does anyone wonder why many residents drive to Thomasville or Tallahassee to participate in everyday commerce? Monticello can’t even get a Starbucks or a Publix, and many residents are completely fine with it. So be it.
Lastly, please spare Jefferson County the embarrassment of being associated with such outrageous rhetoric and deranged conspiracy peddling.
Anthony J. Charles