Bill Ellis: The big red scare [View all]

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http://www.timescall.com/columnists/opinion-local/ci_28690210/bill-ellis-big-red-scare

Beware! Be very afraid is the message George Will imparts in his commentary, "When history books make history," published in the Opinion page Aug. 9. But to me the overriding theme is the hubris, excessive pride, Will attaches to the power of writers. He singles out Robert Conquest, who, according to Will almost single-handedly brought down the Soviet Union with his honest and truthful description of the evils of communism under Joseph Stalin.

Understand there has been no communism except in theory, especially under the brutal dictatorship of Joseph Stalin. Everyone was not equal but there was a level of thugs at the top who were "more equal." Everyone else followed orders or got sent to gulags in Siberia, or were shot. No writers brought down the Soviet system, and neither did Ronald Reagan as has been claimed for him posthumously. No, the Soviet Union collapsed in utter failure with a corrupt government, a failed economy and by investing in an arms race resulting in total disregard of its people.

By some estimates, Stalin had more than 20 million citizens murdered in order to instill his brand of communism. Stalin was guilty of "moral obtuseness," meaning he said one thing and always did what he wanted which usually resulted in breaking treaties and murdering anyone who got out of line. Liar and hypocrite are the most polite words we can associate with Stalin.

Yet, in his meandering punditry of 700 words, Will brands U. S. Sen. Bernie Sanders with moral obtuseness. That is one writer's hubris run amok. It is also disgustingly false.

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