Letter to the editor: Capitalism is on the right side

In his letter “Socialism vs. fascism” (Jan. 16, TribLIVE), Larry Joseph falsely describes fascism on the far right, next to capitalism. According to the Webster’s dictionary definition, capitalism is an economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit. Communism is any theory or system of common ownership of property. Socialism is a theory or system of ownership by society rather than individuals. Fascism is a system of government characterized by dictatorial, belligerent nationalism, and racism.

The term “Nazi” is derived from the German name of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, established as a hybrid of socialism and fascism and built up by Hitler in the 1920s and ’30s. On a spectrum of government control, capitalism stands on the right, with a minimal amount of government control. Communism and socialism virtually are the same, both requiring fascist-like government control to squelch individual freedoms. The extreme right would be anarchy (not fascism), in which there are no government controls.

Capitalism has been the main economic force in the USA, resulting in the most freedom and prosperity in history. It is on the right side, whereas communism, socialism, fascism (on the left) and anarchy (extreme right) are all simply wrong.

Dr. Joel Last

Greensburg