Arizonans: Vote carefully amid accusations of socialism and communism

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What are your thoughts on allegations of socialism and communism against certain candidates in the 2026 midterm election? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — We have seen and heard a lot about both socialism and communism since the 2026 election has gotten heated up. Much of it is inaccurate at best.

Let me see if I can cut through some of the fog and nonsense spouted by the proponents of these philosophies to help our community understand just what I believe they’re being tricked into supporting.

Never forget that both are close on the same continuum, not opposites.

In 1917, a small group of revolutionaries led by Vladimir Lenin seized power in Russia. They promised a better, fairer world. Sound familiar? But soon after taking control, they began rounding up and executing anyone who stood in their way. Lenin even ordered his followers to hang landowners and seize their crops — so that for miles around, “people see, and tremble.”

Then, it is speculated that Stalin may have murdered Lenin, showing his true colors. Marxism began with promises of a perfect world, the worker’s paradise, and ended in fear, famine, despair and deaths estimated at 60 million to 100 million during the 20th century.

A century later, these dangerous ideas have been repackaged and rebranded. They’re taught in schools and promoted by celebrity politicians using words such as “equity,” “diversity” and “social justice.” The words sound harmless, but the ideas behind them are the same.

Will they end up with the same terrifying results? Unquestionably. That road has always led to the same end goal and has never varied from it. Remember, it always starts out small in nice, happy-sounding platitudes or sound bites — until it bites you.

Here’s a test: Look up who was risking their lives in Europe after the Soviets took over: those in the West trying to escape freedom or those escaping the tyranny and brutality of the communist nations?

Vote carefully!

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