Sound Off SEPTEMBER 2024 |
Newsmax.com The FACTOR
Elon Musk and the Battle for America’s Soul
0924PageOne_v8.indd 1 8/13/24 10:10 AM
ELON MUSK’S BATTLE FOR FREE SPEECH Elon Musk’s path from a leftist environmentalist to right-wing standard-bearer comes as no surprise to someone like me who was brought up under communism in Eastern Europe. I saw firsthand the power of governments to shape ideas and, indeed, whole societies, through the control of information. In Musk’s case, it was the apartheid government of
South Africa that used censorship and disinformation to lie to its people about the appalling way it was treating Black citizens. In Romania, the government used the same tactics to instill fear among the population and turn citizens against each other in order to stay in power. Sadly, we have seen the same thing starting to happen in America. Musk is right: Free speech is essential for our democracy’s survival, even if we don’t like everything that is said. doron braverman Yorktown, N.Y.
KEY PRIORITY The GOP isn’t focusing on the real problem in Washington — flushing out the deep state. (“The Rise of Blue-Collar Republicans,” Sept.) As Teamsters Union President Sean O’Brien said at the Republican convention: “The American people aren’t stupid; they know the system is broken. We all know how Washington is run. Working people have no chance of winning this fight.” The GOP that catered to the country club set and the Wall Street crowd may be dead and buried in the Trump era, but that doesn’t mean conservatives can rest easy. The Washington swamp is still alive and well, and I’m not sure even Donald Trump understands just how resilient it is.
jacques roland Detroit, Mich.
HARRIS THREAT Kamala Harris’ Marxist-socialist plans are scary for middle-class Americans. She’ll ensure there are only two classes of people if she wins — the elites and the poor. You can tell this is exactly what she wants every time she utters
4 NEWSMAX | OCTOBER 2024
the word “equity.” How is America going to pay for “free” everything, including Social Security for illegal immigrants? Middle-income earners will be decimated. (“Harris a Threat to U.S.,” Sept.)
janet wenz Palm City, Fla.
Who came up with the term Bidenomics? Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of the line from the movie The Hunt for Red October. “Listen, I’m a politician, which means I’m a cheat and a liar, and when I’m not kissing babies, I’m stealing their lollipops. But it also means I keep my options open.” (“Bidenomics Wallops Consumers,” Aug.) tom asmussen Sun City West, Ariz.
JAN. 6 JUSTICE If Donald Trump is elected president, I hope that the innocent people convicted on Jan. 6 charges will sue the government and receive millions of dollars in damages. It’s the least they deserve as victims of this Democrat witch hunt. (“Justice Dept.
Out to Destroy Conservatives,” Aug.) bill whitlow Winder, Ga.
RFK JR. INFLUENCE I’m glad Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed Donald Trump. I hope he will use his influence to push to secure our borders, reduce deficit spending, investigate bad vaccines and chemical- laden foods, and allow Israel what it needs to finish its job against Hamas terrorists. (“Third Party Candidates Pose Risk in Swing States,” June) rollin shafer Brimfield, Ill.
HONEST COMPARISON Kamala Harris has a feel-good ad airing about how it’s all about being able to afford a home, as well as affordably retire. Former President Trump should make his own ad to thank her for reminding everyone how good it was during his administration compared to how bad it will be under a Harris presidency. becky zimmerman Chatham, Mich.
CLEAR CHOICE After Nov. 5, whoever wins, we’ll know what to expect. Trump is a leader. The left had no leader, and our nation has been without one for the past three-and-a-half years. (“Trump’s First 100 Days,” July) dennis chrisman New Oxford, Pa.
POPULISM ON RISE The average, decent, law-abiding person is fed up with those running for office, whose promises never come to fruition, while playing fast and loose with the rule of law. So called “populism” eliminates such nonsense, which is why it’s an ever-burgeoning political phenomenon. (“Populism on Rise in Europe,” Aug.)
jorge bavierem Santa Fe, N.M.
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