Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I take issue with Ms. Thompson’s letter of Aug. 30 (“I am a patriotic Democrat,” Readers Write). I don’t know where she got her facts from, but they are greatly distorted and false.

First she states the claims of socialism are false and misleading. Well, here is the definition:

Socialism (noun) 1. A theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole; 2. Procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.

What else do the Democrats advocate than playing Robin Hood by taking from one person and giving to another? “Spread the wealth,” as Joe Biden said. The Republicans are not cold hearted and wish to “throw grandma over the cliff” as the Dems like to portray. Rather we see the need to modify Social Security, Medicare and welfare before it’s too late. All the Dems want to do is raise taxes. Soon there won’t be anyone to “take the money from.” The Affordable Care Act takes millions from Medicare. The Paul Ryan plan would not affect anyone currently on Social Security or Medicare, or anyone over the age of 55.

We do not want to take from those who can’t provide for themselves, we have compassion; however, there should be limits and restrictions. In other words, you’re not going to lie around on the couch watching TV and using your free cell phone, collect an EBT card, free rent, when you are quite capable of getting out and working. Even if it’s community service like cleaning up along the road and digging drainage ditches, you should earn your meal. The Dems just want to give a handout, not a hand up.

I’m not sure where Ms. Thompson got the idea that Republicans are against abortion when a woman’s life is in danger or the event of rape. Yes, some people feel that way, but it is not the Republican platform.

I don’t know if Ms. Thompson has ever been out West to see what the oil fields look like, but if she did, she would be surprised to see what little space they use. Once a site is drilled, the finished oil well takes up no more space than the average lot in a subdivision. Thousands of jobs are created in the process. All one needs to do is look at North Dakota to see the low unemployment rate of 3 percent. By the way, they have a Republican governor. There is currently an oil boom going on in the Western part of the state. Due to people flocking out there for the jobs being created, there is also a construction boom happening. In the small town of Williston, N.D., you see Help Wanted signs all over town with sign-on bonuses being offered even at the local McDonald’s. It is estimated there is enough oil in the Bakken Shale Reserve alone to keep us energy independent for the next 20 years or more.

In conclusion, I do not question Ms. Thompson’s patriotism, but I do question her understanding of the Republican platform, goals and vision for this great country. Remember, everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, but there are no guarantees of success. You are the deciding factor in what happens in your life, it should not be the government. Therefore, I urge everyone to vote Republican this Nov. 6th.

Steve Head

Gloucester, Va.