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Whoa Whoa Whoa! Responding to the Guest Opinion of John Strobel (Coeur d’Alene Press Op/Ed page A5, Feb. 14) “Socialism: Not what you might think it is.”

First of all, I take great offense to the words “American Socialism,” just as I do to “earned income tax credit,” “entitlements” and “political correctness.” Please, please do not attempt to portray socialism as a positive factor in America, rather than the nightmare it always was, is and will be.

Mr. Strobel speaks of Social Security as socialistic. I disagree. American workers pay into a fund all of their working lives — pay in a little, get out a little — pay in a lot, get out a lot. Seems fair and capitalistic to me. Under socialism you pay in a lot, get out a little — pay in a little and get out a lot — and if you don’t pay in anything, you are still “entitled” to it!

Mr. Strobel refers to services such as fire protection, roads, schools, etc., provided to our nation as socialistic. Sir, all of this comes from taxes provided by hardworking Americans who go to work every day, feeling blessed to be living the American dream, certainly not expecting others to pay for their health care or kids’ college degrees.

Mr. Strobel quoted Elizabeth Warren saying she was a capitalist to the core. WOW. I don’t suppose “Pocahontas” would dare tell a lie!

Regarding his statement, “Socialism is critical to making capitalism thrive,” my response is, to quote Margaret Thatcher, the late, great Prime Minister of Great Britain, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.”

I rest my case!

MARVIN GEORGE MILLER

Coeur d’Alene