OPINION:
By definition, socialism is “a system of social organization in which the means of production and distribution of goods are owned and controlled collectively or by the government,” according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary.
As of July, the Trump administration had taken ownership of more than 20 private firms, according to the Cato Institute (“Meet the wealthy new investor taking equity stakes in defense companies: The Pentagon,” Web, July 15). I am not in favor of this practice.
If the administration wants to encourage our industrial base for defense and critical minerals, I recommend that it turn to its investment in corporate independent research and development, which the military has supported through negotiations for many years.
People were interested in these podcasts
American industry was devoted almost entirely to the military during World War II and was encouraged to put a man in space after Russia’s success in 1959.
I believe we can do the same with our industrial base — without turning to socialism.
DICK BAUERBACH
Patagonia, Arizona
Please read our comment policy before commenting.