To the editor:
I would like to thank Gene Jonas for his Letter to the Editor on Feb. 18 defining Capitalism and Socialism through the lens of the worker.
I assume this discussion is in response to Bernie Sanders view of America. A great letter, but it has little to do with Bernie’s position on Democratic Socialism, primarily demonstrated in Scandinavian countries these days.
Having lived in Denmark, I can endorse first hand, that Democratic Socialism is, in fact, Capitalism, but with a social responsibility to one’s fellow citizens. They take care of each other. And that is agreed to democratically and with the welfare of all in mind. They live in a civilized way, respect each other and share in the success that the Danish social society provides. Are taxes high? Of course. But the return on that investment is a healthy economy and citizenry. Affluent, well-educated and one of the happiest countries on the planet. That is what Bernie is talking about.
Americans love Socialism. They haven’t met a socialist program they didn’t like. (Social Security, Medicare, Obamacare, police and fire protection, public education, PBS, etc.).
We love “Socialism.” We just don’t like the word.
Lee Janko
Peterborough