Letter: Practical solutions, not sound bites
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Political rhetoric is rampant. The word “liberal” has been equated with socialism, with the implication of association with communist Russia and China, but not Sweden, Germany or Norway. It has been only recently, in the wake of the financial meltdown, that capitalism, which in the minds of many was akin to motherhood and apple pie, has taken some hits.
The truth is that socialism and capitalism are both economic systems that in their purist forms don’t work.
Unchecked socialism can create reduced initiative, creativity and effort. Unchecked capitalism can create monopolies, greed and a complete disregard for the welfare of the public in general, and the most vulnerable specifically. Think Ebenezer Scrooge before his redemption.
We need an approach, and a dialogue, that blends both of these economic systems to extract the best from each, and a balance between the extremes.
Our time should be spent in questioning how we construct our various programs, and in negotiating practical solutions.
Those who have all the answers need not apply, as the thoughts that make clever sound bites appealing to one end or the other of the political spectrum rarely result in practical solutions.
Raymond T. Denny
LA CENTER
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