-----  Democracy + socialism ?

 

The Bulletin's recent editorial on the US election and on the accusations of "socialism" by the most hostile Republican candidates, is one to keep -- or to re-print regularly. Nice work, and this in our little community weekly!  

You asked why "socialism" seems such a dirty accusation in the US when those self-styled socialists (Bernie and Elizabeth Warren) principally wanted to copy Canada's health care system and limit religious/political (charter) schools.  Good question, Bulletin.  Aren't we all "socialists" since we use Canadian health care (of course  Right-wingers all go to the US for private health care)? These Free-Enterprisers must also refuse to use the post office, libraries, and local fire departments, because they are in essence "socialistic".   Schools, public water & sewage, police protection -- all socialistic!

You asked "What is so threatening from socialists?  A special tax on the super-super wealthy? A more equitable corporate tax rate? More funding for environmental protection? For green-industry conversion?  Real support for public broadcasting, the arts, and cultural industries?"  Many commentators have asked why hard-working people support the obscene profit-taking by our wealthiest minority -- why do working folks so often vote against their own interests?

Because this is one more scare tactic to keep us all in line.  That is the base of American hostility to reform, but fortunately it is not always successful and we look to the US to pull itself back together ... somehow!  My best wishes to them. 

Andy Black

Aylmer nord