To the editor:
I lived under socialism in the 1950s and escaped from it during the bloody Hungarian Revolution in 1956. Socialism in that form stinks.
After the Nevada caucuses, Sen. Bernie Sanders is looking more like the inevitable Democratic Party presidential nominee, but he has no chance against President Trump if his message is perceived as “socialism.”
Words matter. Perceptions matter.
If the self-described democratic socialist secures the nomination, he should do everything he can to distance himself from the concept of “socialism” as opposed to “democratic socialism.” Sanders’ plan of increased spending on healthcare, infrastructure and education (supported by practically all European governments) is not the same as Soviet-style (or Venezuelan or Cuban) socialism.
Unless Sanders can make this clear enough for at least 51% of voting Americans, we will have another four years of Trump.
Thomas Seres, Van Nuys
Note from KBJ: Another four years of Trump is a good thing, Thomas. What is wrong with you?
