Socialism in the West brings high living standards

Charles Krauthammer and right-wing politicians refer to socialism as a system to be feared and associated with communism. Some incorrectly associate Bernie Sanders’ democratic socialism with communism, with one letter writer recently asserting Sanders is “peddling poison — communism” (“Youths’ infatuation with Bernie Sanders is naive, dangerous,” March 2).

But if you look at the nine most socialist nations in the West, you find they have, to varying degrees, a socialist economic structure that provides high living standards, free markets and share similarities with the welfare system in the United States.

Not one of these represents a failure of socialism: Denmark leaves the U.S. in the dust. Finland has one of the world’s best education systems. The Netherlands has minimal government control over the economy and a thriving welfare system. Canada has free markets and provides free health and medical care. Sweden has an effective welfare system. Norway has one of the highest standards of living in all of Europe. Ireland has one of the best welfare systems in the world. New Zealand’s welfare system is wide-ranging. Belgium has most of the same social security benefits offered by New Zealand.

Fear not, Americans, if you have a Social Security card and graduated from a public school or university, you are certified socialist.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Socialism in the West brings high living standards."