Writer: Is the Golden Rule socialism?

To the editor:

When I was a very small boy in the United Kingdom, I used to see on the side of the front door of the church a sign that said Wednesday night is social night. I asked my mom what was a social night. She said it was a night where many of the people in the village met in the Sunday school room and carried food for the people to have a get together, meet old friends and get to know one another better and get friendly.

I have been called a fool for saying socialism is a friendly act, for people to help each other. Social medicine for all people, whether they have any money or not, could not be anything else but friendly to each other person who can’t afford to buy health insurance. The government is responsible to protect the people during war. I think the people should be under government protection when they become sick. Many people can’t afford health insurance. What do we do, let them wither away and die? "Love thy neighbor as thyself" must be some kind of a joke.

If there were ever a bad epidemic, the people surely would be calling for the government to do something about it. Probably the people who are so much against a government health plan would be the people mostly calling for the government to do something about it. Why do I care? I think everyone should be covered in case of sickness, if they are millionaires or in poverty. We are all at the mercy of bad times.

I think the poor with very little money are having a very hard time making ends meet. It shouldn’t have to be this way. We should all be willing to help each other through sickness and in health and the country would be better for it.

I know there are some people who don’t care how some of the people have to live because they can’t help themselves.

There are people who call socialism the next thing to communism. I think there is much difference between socialism and communism. I think the people of the United States would not even think of America turning to communism.

I still think all Americans should be able to get health care, and I think the only way to get it is with a good social system health care and make it work for everyone. If they are rich or don’t have a dime and make it work.

HARRY WARD

Danville