On February 24th Senator Jessica de la Cruz posted on her official Facebook page “Mice die in mouse traps because they don’t understand why the cheese is free. It’s the same with socialism.” I was horrified when I read this. The image of the dead mouse just trying to eat stuck in my mind. What was she trying to say? That mice should use a monetary system to pay for food? And if it had no money, it didn’t deserve to eat? Or that the mouse should have known that the cheese in the trap is somehow different than the scrap of food it usually finds on the floor?
I am being obtuse, I do actually think I understand what she was trying to communicate. But what heartless way to describe her belief that socialism leads to unnecessary dependence on government. I am forced to explain her position for her, as the post seemed focused on cruel imagery. She equates a mouse in search of food with humans who, for whatever reason, find themselves in need.
What is referred to in this country as a “safety net” to make sure everyone can access food, shelter, and basic needs (a net that continues to have many holes) seems to be vilified in the Facebook posting as evil socialism. And people in need of the net, in this scenario, are the mice. A metaphor that appears deliberately cruel in its dehumanizing imagery.
Senator de la Cruz, we can agree to disagree on political ideology but I hope we agree that we believe that all humans deserve to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.
Betsy Alper
Burrillville
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This is how you get to DC these days: Cruelty is The Point. Jessica is well on her way.
Wow. What a stretch Betsy. Do you walk around looking for things to twist and become “offended” by? Those days are over!!!
It’s called “government cheese” for a reason!
It’s a perfect analogy for the mechanics and result of socialism.
Hope you find a comfort room and safe space to sit and reflect in while reading this. Enjoy your day 🙂
I think that Betsy’s letter shows her understanding of the difficulties of providing for a family on low-income wages and can very well understand her offense at Jessica’s well documented statement. It is also used by many members of the Republican Party and demonstrates lack of compassion. In my estimation, Betsy needs no safe space to sit and reflect, no do I. No one had to look for things to twist or as you state or become “offended” by. I wish that you had the courage to post your last name….but understand your concern for your own fragility. Maybe the safe space should be reserved for men and not outspoken women.
Are you misgendering me Mary ? How awful of you. Tony is a Women’s name as well. I think your comment violates the NRI policy as you, once again, are blindly taking shots at men – which you make it apparent that you despise.
Tony, well thank you so much for your honesty. No, I have a very good man and surround myself with men and women of the same caliber. I would assume then, that you agree with Jessica. I felt that your comment was insulting to Betsy and responded. As you know there is no policy that was violated. Thank you for showing us your true colors, Tony Brookfield and providing your real name.
This is an old meme that is criticizing socialism as a governmental structure rather than social services for individuals in a free economic society.