Letter: Socialism? Hardly

I am getting sick and tired of people writing about "socialism” without having the slightest idea of what the word means (”America marches towards Socialism,” letter to the editor, Daily Journal, April 8). Don’t these word challenged writers have access to a dictionary, or is there a certain pride associated with not knowing the meaning of a word perceived as "bad”?

Socialism is simply "a political and economic theory which advocates that the community as a whole should own and control the means of production, distribution and exchange.” The word is often confused with the concept of social welfare, which simply means that the society takes care of those in need, which distinguishes an advanced society from those that neglect their people and let the rich and powerful prey on the unfortunate rest. So, what does affordable health care for all have to do with "socialism”?

The health and welfare of the population at large is of national concern and have a direct impact on the nation’s economy, not to mention its ethical foundation. All the health care reform has done is to take the first step in the right direction so that the US can eventually catch up with the other industrialized democracies in the world, none of which is practicing "socialism.” With the heavy burden of an expensive, unnecessary health insurance industry, we are actually paying more for less health care than the more advanced countries, yet letting millions go without adequate health care. Cut out this "socialism” nonsense and quit flaunting your ignorance, fellow letter writers!  

Jorg Aadahl

San Mateo