We must make no mistake: “Progressivism,” “liberalism,” “socialism,” “communism” and “collectivism” all come under the umbrella of neofeudalism. All of these political entities denote systems in which we, the citizens, are reduced to a master-slave relationship to the state.

The state, as the master, provides us with the necessities and protection, while we assume the status of the grateful serf. We are to bow willingly to the collective society, ruled, by the way, by a great helmsman who is lord of the manor; and we are supposed to keep our mouths shut!

The resistance of those who stand for the liberties guaranteed by our Constitution are in a real war against the forces that would enslave us to the state. It is a fight of liberty against tyranny! The statists use the great emotional strategy of fear of the unknown and the uncontrolled to keep us in subjection. They are skilled at spinning the date to keep us from thinking clearly about the ultimate results.

The United States of America has already “progressed” a long way down this road. Whereas we were a united nation of brave individuals who could face the future with confidence and determination, we have now become the cowering masses afraid of our own shadows.

There is a person (Globe blogger Duane Graham) who styles himself “the erstwhile conservative.” The word erstwhile simply means “formerly.” So, he seems to be saying, “I was formerly a conservative, but now, I have become enlightened through education and wisdom and now, therefore, I am a liberal.” I can truthfully call myself an erstwhile liberal. I certainly feel that I have been enlightened to the inherent danger of slavery represented by what is currently known as “liberalism.”

I would encourage everyone to open their eyes and to be aware of what is being foisted upon us in the name of compassion and concern. Don’t be taken in by slick oratory!

Riley T. Jay

Seneca