Misuderstanding of socialism

The writer of the “Misunderstanding of socialism (June 1)” letter is apparently lacking understanding of socialism and capitalism. Roads, bridges and airports are not the product of socialism, as they are funded by user fees (gas taxes, etc.), so they are more the product of capitalism.

Our socially funded schools are doing a relatively poor job of educating our students despite the highest cost per student funding on the planet. Social Security is now taking more than seven times the percentage of people’s income than originally but is in the red and likely to bankrupt this country with the assistance of more of the other socialist programs that keep growing faster all the time. That’s socialism’s “benefits.”

The writer’s definition of communism is also wrong as communism, like socialism, works toward dictating what people can buy, how they run their business and who they hire and fire, and how much they pay their workers, including benefits, among other things which are definitely not capitalism.

Lastly, this country started as a democratically elected republic but is getting to be more of an oligarchy because of people who favor socialism and not the rule of law per the Constitution.

Jay Logan

Spokane