We can find a beneficial balance for capitalism, socialism

In response to Mike Miller’s letter to the editor regarding the overblown fears of Democrats and socialism:

I agree with Mr. Miller. We need not fear. The fear creates conflict.

We are nearly 90 years into a period in which we have had a mixed economy and it has produced the greatest economy the world has yet experienced. A healthy balance of capitalist systems cooperating with socialist systems (fire, police, military, Social Security, etc.) has evened out the extreme swings of boom-and-bust economies which has benefited wealthy and poor alike. The downturns have mostly been brought on by the unwise deregulation of stabilizing factors in our banking and savings and loan sectors. The balance between our two economic systems may not now be perfect, but with better cooperation it could be made more perfect.

We need to find a way to give opportunities to those who have been left behind to become more productive and wealthy enough so they are able to purchase the goods that the wealthier produce.

The wealthy in our country have the most to lose if we degenerate into such an imbalance of wealth that it forces the masses to revolt. The wealthy must help out to prevent over reaction.

If we react correctly, we will continue our mixed economy and embrace capitalism and socialism with a healthy balance for the benefit to all.

Don Martinson

Edmonds