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Socialism vs. social programs

A letter on March 6, 2020, to the editor about the need for progressive politics by Duwane Huffaker (“We need progressive politics”) was spot on! He wrote an excellent description of why people such as Senators Sanders and Warren are not socialists, they are advocates for implementing the fundamental purposes and guiding principles stated in the preamble of the U.S. Consitution.

One of these principles is “to provide for the general welfare” of our great country. They are advocating health care for all, free public education to obtain a skill to become a knowledgeable and productive member of society great and the necessary social programs to improve the general welfare.

Social programs are those services that are available to all citizens. They are schools, roads, police and fire protection, Social Security and Medicare. Socialism is an economic philosophy where the workers of the world own the means of production. I have never heard any Democrat advocate such an action.

Democrats want to pay for their social programs by creating a more equitable tax system while the Republicans want to cut Social Security and Medicare. To paraphrase President Harry Truman, “Any time a program is proposed to benefit all the citizens the Republicans cry, SOCIALISM!” (Emphasis added) Mr. Huffaker and I agree with President Truman.

Dave Daugharty

Cheney

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