Naturalized American speaks

I came to this country in 1968 from a former communist country. I hope you can understand my message. I became a citizen and learned the language of this greatest, not perfect, country on earth. And great it must be, or we wouldn't see thousands of people coming legally and, sadly, illegally every year.

Read my letter carefully and think long and hard about the personal truth of which I speak. Take heed; we are treading in dangerous waters.

I was 20 years old when I left Hungary. I was only able to vote one time. My ID was checked. I was given a piece paper and put it into the box when I was finished. Sounds okay, right? Well, almost. I had to make my mark right by the only person's name was on the list. I did not have a choice. This was not a secret ballot- my name and address were on the piece of paper. The voting record in Hungary was 95 percent. The other 5 percent were either dead or took a chance of facing punishment or possible death because of not voting.

My most memorable time in America was becoming a citizen. I passed my test and became an American citizen. I was so proud, and I am still proud. The American people can never know the feeling, never having lived without freedom.

My second most memorable time was when I voted for the first time. I couldn't wait. I went to the polling place and proudly announced "This is my first time." I looked at the ballot and felt tears running down my face. I have choices.

Now that I have told you all this, I will get to the point of my letter. I see changes in this country, and it is frightening. We have one woman running for president who, based on my experience, is openly a Marxist and socialist in her beliefs and philosophies. Please check for yourself.

Then look at history. Changes start with the children in school, the way they are taught and what they are allowed to teach. I don't even want to get into this. And then taking God out from everywhere slowly. Don't tell me you can't see it.

I don't care who your God is or even if you have none. But this great country was founded for its freedoms and faith. Socialist reasoning sounds right if you've never lived under communism, but that's where it starts and you will fall for it.

Remember Marx said, "Take away the faith of the people and you can control them."

And lastly, loss of choices. One cable company- you watch what they say- one phone company, so on and so on, no competition. When government starts doing it all for you, before you know it you don't have any say and you don't even remember when you lost your rights. Get out and vote. Be proud to be American. Love your country. Honor those that have given so much to help you keep these freedoms. Be strong and winners, just like you want your kids to be: American, proud, loving, strong and winners. Magda Hoppe Moorpark