Letter: America already has plenty of socialism

Why are people afraid of the word “socialism”? Without democratic socialism we wouldn’t have our professional firefighters, paramedics, police, FBI, teachers, military and all the other local, state and federal employees, politicians included.

We all love our Social Security and Medicare. Getting all this in the private sector is almost impossible. Government is supposed to take care of its citizens, not the other way around.

Along with these services, we should have a single payer medical system, for all. This would eliminate medical insurance premiums and would control lower co-pays as well. As for the pharmaceutical industry, the government can hold their feet to the fire, without insurance company intrusion.

For this reason, I can see only one presidential candidate whose concern for us all has been his objective throughout his career. Bernie Sanders is noted for his informed decisions, policies, compromises in Congress and his lifelong integrity and concern for all.

Socialism in conjunction with capitalism is a perfect combination for America. These changes can be paid for by raising the FICA withholding cap to $2 million. A person making $118,000 pays the same as one making 10 times that amount and more. Why?

Another note is that Sanders, when asked during a debate “What or who do you think poses the biggest threat to the USA?” was the only one saying North Korea. The very next day they test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile. I guess he knows more than the rest.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Letter: America already has plenty of socialism."