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Socialism-Capitalism Balance

To the Editor:

As a reply to Andrew Van Abs March 20 letter to the editor, Bastions of Rampant Socialism, I would ask why his example does not include the cost to taxpayers when the laissez-fare capitalism of big banks runs amok. We are besieged by commentators who rail that socialist policies are the truest form of evil, and as Mr. Van Abs puts it, will drive Vermont into ruin.

Our United States, as well as its counties, cities, towns and communities, are made up of social, governmental and economic structures that are a combination of both socialistic and capitalistic systems. If we tip the balance toward capitalism, we get such exploitative practices as predatory home loans, too big to fail banking and vast inequalities between classes. Tip the balance toward socialism, and we begin to lose individual freedoms and the ability to use drive and determination to control our destinies.

The United States appears to be, at least on economic terms, out of balance, as the wealthy are enjoying the immense fruits of the economic recovery, while the rest of us are getting little more than scraps, and even those are on the chopping block. I agree with Mr. Van Abs that a governing body that is fiscally responsible is most desirable for current and future generations. However, we need to use a balanced approach when using socialistic and capitalistic approaches. Generalized name-calling creates an us-versus-them scenario that prohibits citizens from appreciating that our government, our economy and our society are unique, and should not be pigeonholed, lest we teeter toward a bastion of capitalism or socialism.

James Dixon

Thetford

Objection to Co-op Letter

To the Editor:

I did not appreciate Co-op board president Margaret Dryes letter (My Statement About the Co-op, March 20) chastising their candidates who would campaign for one of the four open Co-op board seats. There are no their candidates, there are our Co-op member candidates. Some are sitting on the board and some are seeking to join the board. Inviting interested Co-op members to campaign for a board position is not only appropriate, it is absolutely essential to guarantee Co-op core principles of transparency and accountability. Asking questions and looking for a real dialogue is not politicizing, it is being responsible.

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Socialism-Capitalism Balance