Recently, letters have been published concerning the ever-growing divide between our two political parties. None of these letters addressed the elephant in the room — socialism. Sadly, we no longer have the Democratic Party of days gone by, as that party has been co-opted and is now the Democratic Socialist Party. This is evidenced by such agendas as redistribution of wealth, leveling the playing field, social justice, social equality, etc.

Many of their rank and file, such as Hillary Clinton, choose to hide behind the designation of “modern day progressive.” Therefore, the ever-growing divide between the two parties concerns the nation’s future. Do we become a socialist state, where the government controls all aspects of our lives, or do we continue as a republic, where the people exercise control?

Francis Beffert

Everett