It is baffling that some people feel they can hurl the word socialist at someone as a slur to insult and demean that person when in fact the U.S. is a mixed economy. It works according to an economic system that features characteristics of both capitalism and socialism. Most advanced countries have a mixed economic system that protects some private property and permits a level of economic freedom in the use of capital, but also allows for governments to intervene in economic activities in order to achieve social aims and for the public good. At its core, socialism is when a society does things for the common good.

Capitalism and socialism can work well together. They prevent one another from becoming too extreme, too radical. Extreme socialism leads to concentration of power which leads to tyranny. Extreme capitalism leads to concentration of wealth which leads to tyranny.

Taking up a collection in church to help a family whose house burned down is socialism. North Dakota’s publicly owned bank is socialism. Municipally owned sports stadiums, our military, postal service, police and fire departments, public schools and parks, public infrastructure, Social Security and Medicare — all are socialistic.

We are all beneficiaries of a capitalist, socialist society.

Joanne Garing

North Huntingdon

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