Doomsayer exaggerates on socialism

In his opposition to federal grants for the Open Land Trust, the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, and the National Wild Turkey Federation ("Nation is sliding toward socialism," Nov 8), Andy Windham refers to socialistic and communistic predictions by Norman Thomas and Nikita Khrushchev. It should be pointed out that Norman Thomas, a pretty harmless man in the long run, is dead. Nikita Khrushchev, a not-so-harmless man, is dead. The Soviet Union is dead. American high-schoolers take part in stock market games. President Bush has nominated a thoroughly competent person to head the Federal Reserve.

Apparently, Mr. Windham believes government grants are socialistic. Well, in the United States we are free to consider the intent of such programs, rather than their usefulness in perpetuating an ideology. It seems to me that the protection and encouragement of historical and environmental resources serve a rather noble purpose independent of political agendas.

So before we starting arming ourselves against hordes of godless turkeys on horseback charging through protected lands demanding "socialism or death," here's one more prediction: It's just not going to happen.

Bruce Brown, Augusta