This page was last updated on May 21, 2004.

Moderates need own party; Eric Craft; Beaver County Times; May 14, 2004.

I responded to this letter with a letter to the editor of my own, but the Times chose not to print it.  No reason was given.  Below is the text of the letter I submitted.

In his letter (“Moderates need own party,” May 14), Eric Craft said some politicians “are so far right that they should be wearing jack boots.”

The idea that “right” principles lead toward oppression is a popular fabrication by liberals trying to hide the oppressive tendencies of “left” – so-called liberal and progressive – principles.  Liberalism and progressivism are euphemisms for communism, fascism, and socialism.

History and current events tell us “jackboot wearers” follow left principles.  Hitler, Mao, Mussolini, and Stalin fell into this category.  Kim Jong Il of North Korea and the Taliban are among current examples.

Countries operating under true conservative and/or libertarian principles oppress no one.  Individual liberty, free markets, limited government, and rule of law do not foster oppression of the people.

Regardless of how others label him, or how he labels himself, a person who oppresses is not a true conservative.

Mr. Craft implies he is a “moderate.”  I find self-described moderates, centrists, et cetera tend to be liberals unwilling to identify themselves.  For example, despite all rating groups – conservative and liberal – ranking him among the most liberal members of the U.S. Senate based on his voting record, Sen. Kerry refused to answer the question, “Are you a liberal?” during a primary debate.  I don’t know Mr. Craft, so this rule of thumb may not apply to him.

© 2004 Robert W. Cox, all rights reserved.