I read with interest a recent letter from Rachel Imthurn. I then did some research. I learned to do this from the teachers I had growing up, and I expect the teachers in modern government and history classes to teach their students how to research and not what to research. As for the students’ interest in Bernie Sanders - could it be possible that they too want something different in their government and society, just as the Trump supporters say they were looking for when they cast their vote for him?

Now for the reason I wanted to pen this letter: The failure of social democracy. Imthurn wrote that "Socialism is a failed policy that has never worked in any country at any time in history." Through my research, I built this list of countries that, for the most, part follow a Socialist policy: China, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and Ireland. I dare her to say these countries have failed. It would be news to them.

These countries are considered to have very low unemployment, their educational systems are ranked to be some of the best in the world and they provide excellent health care for all of their citizens. I am personally acquainted with families from some of these counties, and through our discussions, they seem quite proud of their governments.

I will continue to support Bernie Sanders. I believe Bernie Sanders is an extremely caring, patriotic and informed senator who has put the welfare, health and education of all of our citizens at the forefront of his political work.Shirley Burniston, Topeka