As the Democratic National Convention continues, the apparent leftward shift among Democrats continues to materialize, with the most glaring example of socialism becoming acceptable coming in the form of Vice President Kamala Harris's recent suggestion of implementing price controls. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) discussed the growing trend in a recent appearance on Fox Business's Evening Edit, saying they are privileged to preach socialist theory, yet "my constituents have lived the practice, and the practice is miserable."
Rep. Salazar reiterated her previous statements about the misguided admiration of young Americans for socialism, a result of socialists portraying themselves as morally superior. The Florida Congresswoman further underscored the real-time consequences of this ideology, pointing out that Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro is currently arresting dissidents and protesters following his apparent stolen election, thereby debunking the claim of moral superiority.
"We are hearing reports coming in that Maduro is sending thugs to go door-to-door to do knock-knock arrests, meaning that if you are seen or caught being seen at a protest, they will take your passport or arrest you for terrorism. They are throwing professors, mothers, children, [and] seniors into gulags," Rep. Salazar said.
Host Elizabeth MacDonald accentuated the point by playing a clip of a young man from Venezuela appearing at a Trump rally over the weekend in Pennsylvania, who warned about the dangers of socialism, followed by a CNN clip where analysts suggested Republicans have the most substantial chance of victory in November if they continue pushing how far to the left Kamala Harris is.
MacDonald then asked Salazar about her personal feelings regarding the encroachment of socialism into the United States. Salazar's response was candid and striking, as she admitted that the prospect of socialism 'scares' her.
"In the year 2000, we are talking about only 25 years ago, I remember that I was on the air, and I would tell people, 'Be careful, because [Hugo] Chavez is just like Fidel Castro.' And the Venezuelans would laugh and say, 'Oh no, you guys, the Cubans, are on an island. We, the Venezuelans, have the largest reserves of oil in the world,' which is true. And look what happened. 8 million people have left Venezuela and counting," Salzar concluded.
