Arrow-right Camera

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Sanders’ platform familiar

The message in Bernie Sanders’ TV ads rings familiar. After a bit of searching I found out why.

“Everyone shall have the right to education.” “Everyone shall have the right to health protection and medical aid.” “Everyone shall be guaranteed social security at the expense of the State in old age …” “Everyone shall have the right to rest and license.” “Everyone shall have the right to labour … without any discrimination … and not lower than minimum wages and salaries established by the federal law, as well as the right to protection against unemployment.” “Everyone shall be obliged to preserve nature and the environment…” and “The economic activity aimed at monopolization and unfair competition shall not be allowed.”

Sound like a Bernie Sanders’ stump speech, or even planks of the Democrat platform? Hardly. The previous are excerpts from “Rights and Freedoms of Man and Citizens,” which is the second chapter of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

Do supporters of Bernie and the Democrats realize this vision isn’t revolutionary, but a repeat of the failed policies and beliefs of Communism? The choice this November is crucial. Will our country turn back toward the Constitution, or will we continue toward certain failure and destruction?

Doug Belcher

Spokane

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

  • No more than 250 words
  • We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
  • We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
  • With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
  • The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form
Submit your letter here
Mail
Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Fax
(509) 459-3815

Read more about how we crafted our Letters to the Editor policy