Before this debate goes much further, we need to get a couple things straight.

One is that no matter what we think about the subject, Brian P. Moore is a very brave man for boldly and articulately stating his beliefs about the advantages of socialism, and Hernando Today is a brave newspaper for publishing his views.

The other is the mere fact we are able to read such contrary views is a testament to the strength and power of our society. There are many countries in the world where such statements would be considered treason and result in the arrest and imprisonment, or worse, of the writer.

Having said that, I believe Moore has a very hard sell ahead of him if he believes anyone reading his views will be the least bit inclined to swap what we have for what he proposes.

Yes, Russian communism might not have been a “socialist” society, but consider its very name: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Yes, Germany under Adolf Hitler might not have been a “socialist” society, but the word Nazi in German is the name for the National Socialist Party. Both became powerful influences on world events, but eventually crumbled and died an awful and expensive death.

Moore says: “Under socialism, it is not the government that takes care of its populace, but it is his/her fellow citizens and co-workers who create the policies and conditions for its community and working environment. It is they who establish local criteria through local independent boards, commissions and councils, acting in a democratic fashion.”

I don’t usually get caught up in the overheated rhetoric of the moment, but I have to say, “What claptrap!”

How is that so different from the “fellow citizens and co-workers” of Hernando County who elect and argue with our “independent boards, commissions and councils, acting in a democratic fashion?”

I cannot even imagine the chaos that would ensue if “… under health, it will be the regional council, made up of nurses, doctors, consumers and senior citizens in our central western Florida area, who will determine the full range of medical, dental and medical health services; plus the compensation levels for the salaried nurses, doctors, and medical providers!“ What idiocy!

Yes, it’s true millions of people around the world die each day from various diseases, and it’s true there are millions of people, many of them in our own country, living in poverty. In much of the world “insurance” is not even in the vocabulary.

And where does this lead us? To the inescapable conclusion that what Jesus said was true then and is still true today: “The poor you will always have with you.”

Throughout all of human history, from the first murder to the present crises and catastrophes, we have faced famine, depression, wars and rumors of wars, countless examples of man’s inhumanity to man and all the other cliches, and we have devised countless schemes to either avoid them or deal with them.

I suppose you’ve noticed, they’re all still with us, despite our best efforts.

Right now, the United States still shines as the beacon to which all are drawn, the example of the power of free enterprise (and a free press) for all the world to follow, and the demonstration that if allowed to function freely, the human spirit will find ways to feed the hungry, heal the sick, shelter the homeless and bring light into the darkest corners - and still land humans on the moon, provide mindless entertainment in the form of “reality shows,” “American Idol,” “Survivor,” and the Super Bowl. Even the poorest Americans live better than most of the so-called “Third World.”

Will socialism provide the same?

Taking from the rich and successful and giving it to the poor and incompetent is not the way to solve the problems. Allowing those with energy, imagination and determination to grow and emerge provides the strength and power of the capitalistic system: Attempting to level everyone with control given to “regional councils” does not.

No, Mr. Moore, even this moderate Democrat can’t buy your arguments. Thanks, but no thanks.

Gail B. Leatherwood

Spring Hill