The letter, “‘Sustainable jobs’ a socialist concept” (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 11), claimed that guaranteeing everyone a minimum wage is a liberal idea to change the democratic government of the U.S. to socialism.

The letter pointed to Venezuela as an example of socialism. However, many factors contribute to the dire situation of Venezuela, especially government incompetence, corruption and immorality.

Furthermore, there are countries that lean toward socialism in many ways, yet have very successful democracies and economies, including Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. Socialism is not necessarily antithetical to democracy.

The bottom line: Human beings everywhere deserve the opportunity and support to earn a decent living in order to obtain the basic necessities of water, food, shelter and medicine, plus ideally enjoy life too — not just struggle to barely survive.

Poranee Natadecha

Hawaii Kai

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