Bruce Randall’s letter “Socialism is empty promises” (Our Readers’ Views, Sept. 24) showed a widespread misconception about socialism: equating it with communism and totalitarianism.
In fact, many of the functions of our government can be considered socialism. In other words, many governments are not strictly of a single ideology but a blend of several hybrids that better address the needs of our complex world. In the U.S. we are seeing the consequences of our so-called democracy, which has resulted in a less obvious version of the rule of elites than the one Mr. Randall fears. Elections can be bought, voter turnout suppressed, districts gerrymandered and foreign governments exerting election influence, while the working class sees their prospects for a middle class lifestyle fade. The homeless population is growing as more citizens are unable to afford housing. Now we see blatant corruption at the highest level of our government.
My point here is not to disparage capitalism but to say that adherence to any single political ideology does not serve us well. Times like these require pulling the best ideas from all forms of government and not getting bogged down with labels, especially when they are used erroneously to support one’s beliefs.
