Unfortunately, David Winmill's "It's all socialism" (Forum, Nov. 13) is a disheartening indication of the poor grasp the American public has on the economic history and future of our country. First, this country was founded with a capitalist economy, and throughout our history it has maintained that capitalist economy, albeit more and more regulated. The government had oversight of the economic system and what was happening, but it did not have direct control of the means of production. Only recently, when the federal government became directly involved in the operation of the banking and automobile industries, did we start to move toward a socialist economy.

Second, the laws and rules of a capitalist economy do not favor the wealthy; they favor individuals and corporations who are willing to work hard to provide an excellent service or product that the public demands. It just so happens that the people willing to do that end up being wealthy. So, if capitalist economic principles favor the hard-working and innovative, what do socialist economic principles favor?

Tony Clarke

Murray


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