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Complexities overlooked

The Spokesman-Review

I have a simple question to ask related to a letter titled “ ‘Ism’ isn’t the way to go” (May 14).

A number of isms (Nazism, fascism, communism and now socialism or “Obama socialism”) are grouped together. Do we also then include another “ism”: capitalism? This appears to be a totally oversimplistic and inaccurate approach to a term including “ism” within its scope and can easily make a reason for being opposed to any movement which includes that phrase.

The author of the letter refers to Milton Friedman; I am very acquainted with the writings of Friedman and many other economists, since I taught in a related area for nearly 40 years. My problem with the letter is the oversimplification of a term and the prejudice to which it can lead in a broader context.

Dorothy Z. Price

Pullman

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