Opinion Editor’s Note: Star Tribune Opinion Published letters readers online and in print every day. To contribute, click here.
•••
Matthew Beckman is right to note that Minnesota DFL leaders have become accustomed to far-left socialist ideas in recent years (“The peak of hypocrisy in the DFL” Exchange of opinions, October 27). This year, the Democratic trio at the state Capitol have waged a war on private enterprise and transformed Minnesota into one of the worst places to do business in America. It is difficult to imagine a state more hostile to the commercial sector than this one.
But where Beckman goes completely wrong is in claiming that Minnesota’s growing embrace of socialism is somehow a positive development for people here. Does he have no understanding of history?
After World War II, Britain attempted socialism. His government took control of most of the economy, expanded redistribution programs and imposed crushing taxes. As a result, the country was nicknamed “the sick man of Europe” and, from 1950 to 1975, it had the worst investment and productivity record of any major industrial country in the world. But tired of mediocre prosperity, the United Kingdom returned to privatization and free markets in the 1980s. During this decade, the British economy grew faster than that of almost all other economies In Europe, inflation fell and around 3.3 million new jobs were created, improving the lives of everyone in the UK.
The reality is that there has never been a greater force in history than capitalism for reducing poverty and strengthening the middle class. In 1981, 42% of the world’s population lived in extreme poverty; today, only about 10% do. Free markets have lifted more than a billion people out of poverty – while still-tested socialism in countries like Cuba and Venezuela has pushed millions more.
Beckman and many in the DFL want to see Minnesota shift even further to the left. They would do well to remember that it was free enterprise and entrepreneurs – not government programs and bureaucrats – who created the prosperity Minnesotans enjoy today. But that legacy is quickly evaporating as the North Star State continues its path toward economically stagnant socialism.
Andy Brehm, St. Paul
DEAN PHILLIPS
I can’t touch this
I read with interest the words of Dean Phillips run for president and about his campaign bus (front page, October 27). His signature slogan – “Everyone is Invited,” accompanied by “Make America Affordable Again” – is failing on the right. Nothing less than the original battle slogan “Make America Great Again” is a sucker.
Sorry, Dean, this direct plagiarism costs nothing, even with your deep pockets. Save your money like the rest of us.
Janet Kay, Burnsville
MPLS. NON-ADOPTION OF THE FIFTH ROOM
Victor Martinez responds
I was disappointed in the Star Tribune editorial board decision to avoid being endorsed in my race for Minneapolis City Council in the Fifth District (October 26). But I am more deeply troubled by the idea that I “don’t belong” among my neighbors because of my “conservative” views. Minneapolis is a proudly progressive city and we should not discriminate against religious institutions or individuals.
The Assemblies of God Church is largely led by women and minorities around the world. We are at the forefront of many difficult social issues, including reducing poverty and substance abuse, eliminating sex trafficking, serving people in prison and much more.
Our call to service is shared by many other churches and denominations in the Fifth Ward and throughout our city. We are not alone in our beliefs or in our work.
I want my neighbors to know that I will stand up for truth, justice and equality for all. Everyone will always have a place at my table. My mother raised me with a spirit willing to compromise, and my living faith reinforces those beliefs every day.
Minneapolis is paralyzed by strict ideology, indecision and conflict. Big ideas don’t matter when our lives are full of daily fears, personal losses, and economic insecurity. We need leaders who may not agree on every issue, but who live with open arms and love their neighbors enough to always find common ground.
Victor Martinez, Minneapolis