LETTERS: Sanders’ version of socialist programs worth pursuing

Sanders and 'S' word

At gatherings I've attended for supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders, some have expressed concern that a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist can't become the party's presidential nominee. Bill Maher, on his HBO show, expressed similar concerns during an interview with Sen. Sanders.

A recent Gallup poll showed less than 50 percent of Americans would vote for a socialist candidate. By contrast, the same poll said 58 percent of Americans would vote for an atheist.

During the Cold War, the word "socialism" became associated with communism and the bogeymen of that era, the Soviet Union and China. Today, polls show many older Americans are still influenced by that period, while many younger Americans are open to the idea of socialism. Recently, a socialist city councilwoman in Seattle, Kshama Sawant, successfully spearheaded the fight for a $15 minimum wage there.

Real socialism would require government takeover of the banks, democratizing the workplace, ending the wars, etc. What Sen. Sanders proposes is a new New Deal, socialist programs within our capitalist framework to include strengthening Social Security, reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act, a progressive income tax — programs with a proven track record that helped produce the greatest middle class the world has ever seen.

Sen. Sanders goes further, adding free tuition at public colleges, Medicare for all and paid family leave. Sen. Sanders' proposals amount to socialist programs without socialism, and polls show Americans overwhelmingly agree with such programs. As Sen. Sanders says, "Enough is enough." It's time to stop being frightened of the "S" word.

Ross Tanenbaum

Henderson

More Cops tax

Regarding the More Cops tax approved by the Clark County Commission in September, while I understand that many people don't want to pay more taxes, an increase of less than a tenth of a cent hardly sounds like a lot. I know many people, including myself, are struggling at times to get by, but many of the daily items we need would only cost a couple of pennies extra with this small tax increase.

It's important that we have enough police officers to cover this highly populated area. One must also consider the danger of the job and that a limited police force could cause more deaths or injury for police officers and civilians. If people disagree with the tax increase, then they should look for alternatives to provide to our officials.

Lori Poling

Las Vegas

High-speed rail

Regarding all the articles pertaining to high-speed rail between Las Vegas and Victorville, Calif., this is a train to nowhere. I have seen suggestions for high-speed rail to Anaheim, which is a good idea. But how about San Diego?

I have continually written to Sen. Harry Reid with the suggestion of a less ambitious project, such as high-speed rail from Southern Nevada to Northern Nevada, with stops in Carson City, Lake Tahoe and Reno. I would definitely use it for tourism purposes. This would keep tourism dollars within Nevada and help the economy.

This option could also be useful for legislators in Southern Nevada traveling to Carson City when the Legislature is in session. Wouldn't that be a savings to taxpayers, instead of flying?

I never received a reply from Sen. Reid nor any staff member. Is it because Sen. Reid has no interest in helping Nevada? Why isn't this option ever explored by journalists at the Review-Journal? All options should be discussed. Where government is concerned, it seems representatives have tunnel vision. Government officials don't always know best, as we've seen with Obamacare.

It is time to listen to the people, not play politics. Consult the people who may have to pay for it, not just a select few.

Marlene Drozd

Las Vegas

Volkswagen fraud

Regarding the brief on Volkswagen's emissions scandal ("VW says 8 million EU vehicles affected," Oct. 6 Review-Journal), the Nevada attorney general should ban the sales of all autos involved in this scam. Further, the state's Department of Motor Vehicles should suspend all registrations of affected vehicles, and the state's Division of Insurance should advise all carriers to cancel policies on affected vehicles.

The cars are total polluters (which Volkswagen admitted) and are not what the customers paid for. This is fraud. The real question is: What is Nevada doing to protect the air we breathe?

Robert Foust

Las Vegas

VA solution

I've been reading the Review-Journal's editorials against the Department of Veterans Affairs since the editorial page started this crusade ("Construction criticism," Sunday Review-Journal). I've also been reading the R-J's anti-Obamacare editorials. So, what do you really want — to throw veterans' health care out on the streets, after you and your cohorts dismantle the civilian health care system?

Veterans need guaranteed health care, and your way just won't cut it. Let me offer a solution to the VA's construction incompetence: Make one government agency responsible for all government construction. Medical administrators are not competent enough to build anything, much less billion-dollar projects.

Bill Brzezinski

North Las Vegas