LETTER: Don’t confuse government that cares for citizens with socialism

To Ozaukee Press:

During the presidential campaign cycle we are likely to be bombarded by discussions about socialism, medical care, capitalism, immigration and foreign policy. In my view, central to all of this is the continuation of our sacred democratic process. The U.S. has been and will continue to be a representative democracy whose economic engine is regulated capitalism to support social needs.

Despite the political distortions that are sure to rain down on us, there isn’t one Democratic candidate who wishes to eliminate our reliance on capitalism.         

The lead-up to the presidential election  is bound to include screams of socialism from opponents of government-funded health care. A government administered health care program is no more socialistic than our governmentally run military. Both are designed to benefit citizens. Making robust health insurance available to everyone is simply American.

While we live in a country that thrives on regulated capitalism, we are all better off because of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance and other government programs designed to help citizens enjoy the benefits of a democracy with capitalist economy.

John S. Strauss
Campton Hills, Ill