Socialism usually refers to an economic system, a political movement and a social theory. Most socialists believe that the national or local government, rather than individuals should own a nation’s resources, operate and control use and run their basic services. Socialism means the people own the land, factories and other basic means of production. Some socialists, unlike the totalitarian socialism practiced by the communists from 1917 to their recent demise advocated a duel economic system with both government ownership as well as some private ownership, however the private ownership would be strictly regulated by the government. Socialism may sound good in theory however, history demonstrates that countries that have practiced this economic system have been unable to compete successfully with the countries that have operated the free enterprise or capitalistic economic system. The personal incentives for increased production, personal advancement and profit often is not found in a socialistic operated economy has resulted in a declining living standards in virtually every country that has implemented this economic system. Without the incentives of profits resulting in greater effort and increased production and the unrestricted opportunities for personal achievement and advancement inherent in the capitalistic and free enterprise system everyone is more likely to be of the attitude of “let George do it” thus personal creativity and maximum effort is often diminished and mediocrity and the status quo becomes acceptable. Many Democratic politicians today are calling for a socialized medical care system for the United States. This type of system usually compels every citizen to join a government health program. In some countries the government owns and operates all medical and hospital services. In those countries the government employs all health personnel, including doctors, dentists and nurses. Many of the former communist countries had this type of health care programs. Cuba still operates this type of system. Do you ever hear of Americans going to Cuba for their health care? Better than 50 countries today have to a degree, a government sponsored socialized health care system in which the people may contribute a flat sum or a percentage of their wages. Often their employer will be required to match this amount with the government making a contribution. When an individual needs medicare, the government uses the collected money to pay the doctors, nurses and hospital bills etc. Many people oppose socialized health care and compulsory health insurance for the same reasons as they oppose economic socialism, arguing that the quality of health care is diminished and that it restricts the freedom of the patients, doctors, nurses, etc. In many such systems, patients often are unable to choose their doctors or get instant care, often waiting for weeks and months to get vital treatments. Many argue that it often becomes a political tool for politicians and is lacking in incentives for the health care providers to deliver prompt and quality care. Others cite in countries that offer socialized health care patients that have serious medical problems, often find it necessary to go to other countries like the United States to receive the advanced care and treatments they need. Canada implemented a socialized health care system a few years ago. Thousands of Canadians come to the United States each year because they are unable to receive the prompt and advanced health care they need in their socialized system. Thousands of doctors and nurses and other health care providers have fled Canada as well because of the personal restrictive and bureaucratic nature of socialized medicine. The United States has the best health care system in the world. We however must fine tune it instead of socializing it. We must stifle the escalating cost, get more enrolled in an insurance program through private insurance companies and encourage Americans to become aware of good health practices. Socialism whether it be economic socialism or socialized medical care begets a humongous lethargic bureaucracy, mediocrity and often develops a lackadaiscal attitude among health care personnel due to the above stated reasons. We certainly don’t want this attitude exhibited by our doctors, nurses, etc. Under the Russian brand of totalitarian socialized health care, life expectancy has fallen to an average of about 57 years. Whereas, under our excellent privately operated health care system, the longevity of Americans is approaching 80 years. Bob Deaton, 75 Parson Dr. Jackson, Kentucky 41339