Minimum wage and socialism: Two topics are being discussed (heavy on the "cussed") by amateur critics and professional pundits alike. The first is the cost of raising the minimum wage, and the second is Bernie Sanders' socialism.

On the matter of the minimum wage, whatever cost you come up with (millions of dollars), stop for a minute and realize that the amount is equal to the number of dollars that the workers are currently being shorted. On the backs of the workers rests the economy.

About socialism, we all need to take a deep breath and realize Bernie is not talking about Soviet socialism. He is for American socialism, such as public works projects for renewing our infrastructure, Social Security and government health insurance (not government health care). The scaremongers such as syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer speak of socialism's century-long "dismal" failure, hoping we will forget the success of public water and sewer systems, public schools, health clinics, public safety officers, public fire departments, public libraries and so on -- all examples of American socialism. Socialism has succeeded where the economic system has failed. Social Security and Medicaid have been safety nets for millions of Americans.

Critics always refer to taxes as taking "other people's money" to pay for a needed government program. What they forget is where the rich got the money in the first place: the millions of dollars due to workers who are not paid a living wage and so must depend on government to make up the difference. If the private sector cannot pay a living wage to the workers, then government must tax to provide for needed programs.

Right now in Portland we face a crisis in housing. Many have no house to call home, and many with jobs cannot afford rents. The economic system has failed once again and taxes must be raised to pay for solutions. Unless, of course, the private sector comes up with a solution first. Who pays the tax? Those making the money, of course.

There would never be a need for socialism if our current system were as successful as the Krauthammers tell us it is.

Ancil Nance

Southeast Portland

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Minimum wage and socialism: The Oregon Legislature is about to take a disastrous step by increasing the minimum wage beyond what most entry level jobs are worth. It appears to be a desperate attempt to retain voters in the face of over 20 years of failed policies that cost our state hundreds of thousands of family wage jobs.

First of all, it will deny young people a place to start and learn how to work so they can advance as they mature. Second, it will cause a lot of small businesses to close, and their employees will end up on unemployment. Third, it will be a hardship for seniors and the middle class as they watch the costs of goods and services rise. And last but not least, once you implement Gov. Kate Brown's higher minimum wage plan, there is no going back. Brown will be gone, and once again Oregon will be stuck with a well-intended but not well-thought-through plan by people who don't really understand economics or how our economy works.

Red Vandehey

Hillsboro