Scandinavia has shown better economic way

Democracy does not require capitalism. The Scandinavian countries have shown us a better way to serve more people under a mixed economic system, predominated by socialism.

True wisdom would advise that the fairest, most inclusive and least corruptible organizing principles be selected from socialism, capitalism and communism.

The problem with radical or market capitalism is that there is little restraint placed upon those aspects of human nature which drive us toward vast ownership, great accumulation of capital and fearful behavior which damages the heart.

These compensators for psychological or spiritual deficiencies seem to burn to own, control and use, but do nothing to establish a more equitable society. In fact, disturbed members of the ownership class give billions to corrupt politicians who then protect their treasure from the people who might instead benefit greatly from distribution of wealth and capital.

This attitude of protecting one’s excess, by obstructing or preventing reforms, represents a pernicious purpose. It was this very poisonous attitude which prevailed among those who fashioned our Constitution.

It was this fearful attitude which prompted them to create a maze of legislative hurdles, precedent for biased courts and beholden presidents, which made reforms, at the expense of the ruling class, rare, if not impossible.

To prevent the diminishment of capital, power or profit, America’s shameless autocrats fight to prevent unionization, environmental protections, universal health care and other social programs or legislation.

In the minds of the frightened oligarchs, property rights trump human needs. Almost always.

Raphael O’Suna

Haiku

■ The Maui News welcomes letters on subjects of general interest. Letters must not exceed 250 words, and all letters are subject to editing. Handwritten letters are not accepted. Writers are limited to two published letters per month. No poetry. Letters may be submitted via the Virtual Newsroom on The Maui News website (www.mauinews.com), or via email (opinions@mauinews.com). Letters must include the writer’s name, community and a telephone number where the writer can be reached.