Readers Write: Mar. 16

Writer wrong about European countries

It never ceases to amaze me how little your letter-writers know about the world outside the U.S., although from their tone you would think they were experts. For example the letter (“Socialist system won’t work in the U.S.,” March 9) claims that the European countries that have had socialist governments are falling apart economically. That is just not true and, in fact, those very countries he mentions are frequently cited as the very best places to live in the world. Their political systems provide a safe environment, encouraging individual growth through world-class schools while providing an adequate social safety net for the less-fortunate, which the vast majority of their citizens are prepared to pay for. The writer also is incorrect in the population comparison with Texas and California. The total population of the European countries he cites, is significantly higher than either the populations of Texas or even California.

I do agree with your correspondent that socialism is unlikely to ever happen in this country for obvious reasons, but let’s get the facts correct about the experience in Europe.