I am baffled by the talk and actions coming from Republicans since the election. Republicans act as if the last eight years have been heaven on earth, and are now inundated with fear over what is to come with a new administration. It seems FOX News hasn’t slowed down its fear-mongering and propaganda.

Barack Obama is not a socialist or a terrorist. He is not even that liberal. He’s a smart, caring individual who wants to help make America better. He doesn’t have some crazy plan to make America a dictatorship or turn us over to our enemies. He doesn’t want to silence any voices.

He does have issues with gun violence, but no one is about to repeal the Second Amendment to the Constitution. It is included, in fact, to allow citizens to bear arms in order to protect themselves from their government, should they need to. But actual assault rifles in the hands of every Joe Schmoe? I’m not sure I’m even comfortable with that.

Obama’s policies will surely be more socialistic than the current administration’s. Surprisingly, Bush’s policies did include some socialistic aspects. However, these benefited the corporations at the expense of society (think of the bailout). Wouldn’t you rather help those who need help rather than further lining the pockets of wealthy men and women?

Spreading the wealth? Wow, that sounds like a great idea, since the top 1 percent or so of Americans own something like 95 percent of the wealth in America. How much richer can they get at the expense of all of us on the bottom? How top-heavy will it get until it all comes crashing down on everyone?

Obama is new, yes. I understand that change is always hard. But the majority of Americans thought a big change was needed, and so voted this man into the highest office in the nation. So let’s give him a chance.

Afraid of big government? The government Bush created was the largest. Afraid of higher taxes? Obama’s plan raises taxes on folks whose incomes are more than $250,000 and reduces them below that level.

Afraid of the collapse of the economy because of more regulations and less help for corporations? Fewer regulations and more tax breaks for corporations under Bush’s administration got us into this mess. Maybe we should try a different approach.

Afraid of “losing the war?” Obama won’t remove troops too hastily or without a great deal of planning; he will, however, regain the world’s trust and respect for the U.S. in dealing more diplomatically with other countries. And he will refocus America’s money and energy where we need it most right now: here at home.

So can’t we just calm down for a while? Obama isn’t even our president yet. Can we at least give him an opportunity to govern us before we decide how he is at it? Let’s take a break from the TV, the fear, the propaganda. Let’s appreciate what a great, supportive community we live in. And let’s remember what is so great about our nation, namely freedom, opportunity and the ability to change our direction when it needs changing.

Erin M. Moore

Astoria