Southern California Rep. Mike Levin, a Democrat, has some explaining to do.
Levin owes his constituents an explanation for his Sept. 1 vote against H. Res. 1490, a nonbinding House resolution condemning socialism in all its forms.
Levin voted no on the resolution, which passed 220-192. In all, 211 Republicans, eight Democrats and one independent voted yes; 192 Democrats voted no. Does this mean Levin and other Democrats support replacing capitalism with socialism in America? What does this say about Levin, who is running for a fifth term in Congress representing Southern Californians?
How big is the Democratic tent? Is it big enough to invite socialists and communists under it, even to fill seats in Congress? What would the founders say on America’s 250th birthday? How do Levin’s constituents feel about this? Why did the press keep quiet about this important vote?
Levin frequently emphasizes his commitment to veterans, public service and the defense of American democratic values. Those commitments make this vote particularly worthy of explanation. Many Americans, including veterans and families who have sacrificed to defend constitutional government and individual liberty, would reasonably want to know why their representative opposed a resolution denouncing socialism.
Why couldn’t Levin’s office explain his vote when asked by phone?
Constituents also deserve clear answers about Levin’s votes on other important issues, including border security, illegal immigration, election integrity and voter identification, the protection of women’s sports and women’s private spaces, American energy production, and support for Israel and the Jewish people following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.
Voters should review the record, ask direct questions and make their own judgment at the ballot box. Elected officials owe the public more than silence on consequential votes.
At least now we know who Levin truly is and what he and his party support — and do not support.
Elena Thompson is a Leucadia resident.
