“Just a ‘few’ thoughts for suggested consideration as we hear and otherwise witness more and more about the growing support for “Communism” (and its steppingstone “Socialism”) in U.S. political chatter.”
At the time I and countless others were blessed to enter the world on U.S. soil, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was about midway through his third term as U.S. President . . . and dealing with the early years of U.S. involvement in World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor. FDR’s “third term” of course broke the long-standing ‘two-terms precedent’ set by George Washington, and controversy over FDR’s decision to seek a third term contributed to later passage of the 22nd Amendment to U.S. Constitution, now limiting presidents to two full terms.
Yes, like the many millions of very fortunate others arriving here before and after us . . . I and so many others were and remain ever-so-blessed to have been born in the U.S. . . . in “America”! Especially considering that at the time we joined humankind there were “other places” . . . that is, in addition to the U.S., the World reportedly also consisted of about 98 or so other recognized sovereign states (countries), including major powers such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, . . . AND the Soviet Union (i.e., the USSR, i.e., the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).
At this point is seems especially noteworthy that the USSR was at the time the largest country in the World by area . . . a federation established in 1922 of some 15 republics, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and others . . . ALL governed under a “communist system” led by the “Communist Party” . . . a USSR that of course ultimately collapsed and officially dissolved in 1991 (i.e., after only a relatively mere 69 years or so), due to public dissent brought about by economic stagnation and other inefficiencies, etc. As an estimated 100 million deaths are in turn attributable to 20th-century communist regimes, such as the Soviet Union, China, Cambodia, North Korea, etc., from executions, famines, forced labor, and other repressive policies, etc. With also the historical fact that Socialism is a tried and proven steppingstone to Communism.
Whereas, in considerable contrast, the U.S. has earned the individual liberty/freedom envy of the World . . . and has thus far survived some 250 years of formidable challenges from a mix and multitude of both foreign and domestic threats! As to this day countless suffering human beings struggle to escape Communist regimes and other failed governments for a chance of legal (or if necessary, illegal) entry into the U.S. . . . our ever-so-precious individual liberty sustaining U.S. Constitutional “Republic”!
Yes, our U.S. Constitutional “Republic” . . . as it would seem a bit puzzling (if not concerning) that so many among us continue to use the misleading term “our democracy.” Especially those within the ranks of our government. And especially since there is very sound reason why our United States Pledge of Allegiance refers to our country as a Republic and our Declaration of Independence and Constitution do not mention the word democracy.
Our country’s founders were of course very aware of the failures of prior democracies, such as ancient Athens and Rome. They feared creating a government having too many similarities to a pure democracy. They especially recognized the importance of ensuring the right of political dissent and protecting minority groups and individuals from the tyranny of the majority. They knew that a pure democracy could result in mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people could take away the rights of the other forty-nine. And, through their experience, insight, and great wisdom, they put in place a one-of-its-kind constitutional republic—not a pure democracy.
In so doing they passed to us a very special form of government where sovereignty deliberately rests with We the People. Where we may act on our own or through our elected representatives to deal with issues, where our government is a servant of its people—where our government’s power comes from and is limited by its citizens.
Of course of our Constitutional Republic does include some likeness to a democracy, such as our use of democratic processes to elect our representatives, pass new laws, etc. However, as opposed to a democracy, our U.S. Constitution limits our government’s power and spells out how our government is to be structured. As a result, our Constitutional Republic is divided into three separate but equal branches of government. The Executive (Presidency), Legislative (Congress), and Judicial (Courts). Our Constitution establishes that no branch has absolute power, therefore providing special checks and balances on our government system and protection for the “rule of law.”
Hence, our U.S. Constitution is the life-blood of our truly unique and ever so precious “Republic”—especially designed to recognize and protect our unalienable (God-given) Rights of Life, Liberty, and pursuit of Happiness. An “individual liberty” safe-haven we must unfailingly protect and preserve. A most crucial responsibility that must begin with our having a fact-based understanding of, and due appreciation for, the true by-design nature and intent of—not “our democracy”—but, rather, “our constitutional republic.” One we must not let fall prey to foreign and domestic threats—none the least, that of an ever-growing government too often loaded with self-serving, self-perpetuating, power and influence craving officials.
Such as, but not limited to, old long-standing Communist-spewing U.S. Congressman Bernie Sanders and NY City’s proudly elected Democrat-Socialist (i.e., Communist) Mayor, Zohran Mamdani . . . along with in-kind others promoting and/or otherwise supporting Communism and its steppingstone Socialism . . . fueled by a shameful and most troubling spread of ignorance, apathy, complacency, denial, greed, and counter-productive fear within “We the People”!
All making the following quotation often attributed to President Ronald Reagan ever so meaningful and prophetic . . . “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where We the People were free.”
It has often been written that, at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, “What have we got, a republic or a monarch?” Reportedly, his response was, “A republic if you can keep it.”
---William James Moore 07/26/2026.
