I appreciate Gene Orr for highlighting in his letter the value of our public parks, libraries, schools and emergency services (Herald, Jan. 4.). These help make Durango a wonderful place to live. I think most of us, across the political spectrum, agree with Gene on this.
At the same time, it’s important that we use clear language. Socialism is not simply the government providing services. It’s an economic system where the government owns or controls the major means of production. That is very different from a market economy with strong public foundations.
Economists Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, recent Nobel Prize winners, show in “Why Nations Fail” that across time and around the planet, diverse societies thrive when they embrace inclusive institutions that protect the rule of law, open markets and well-designed public programs.
Inclusive institutions generate broad opportunity and a stable tax base that make high-quality public services possible. When institutions remain open, accountable and pluralistic, both markets and public services reinforce each other to build and protect shared prosperity.
Even in divided times, I think we can come together around this proven path to human flourishing.
Bob Ewing
Durango
