Letter to the editor: Health care, socialism & capitalism

While reading Walter Williams’ column “We have no ‘right’ to health care” (March 13, TribLIVE), I thought it puzzling to find the term “moral decency” used as an argument against health care for all.

I disagree with the author’s premise, and I believe there is a solid argument that free-market economics does not lend itself to health care.

The current covid-19 pandemic is the most glaring example of societal (socialism) needs over individual (capitalism) needs in health care. Supply and demand does not apply to our “individual right to life.”

Williams uses the tired old argument of capitalism vs. socialism. When will we stop pitting one against the other and accept the fact that both have advantages in our country? I do not like the socialism demanded by professional sports, but I do like having my children educated in public schools and driving on paved roads. I do not like the vulture capitalism of price-gouging for essential medications, but I do like the vibrancy of a regulated free market providing us goods and services.

In practice, capitalism vs. socialism is not a zero-sum game, but profits over people in health care seems to be. What’s your priority?

Mary Kay Nafaa

North Huntingdon