Several letters in MWR protested the “socialist” views of those criticizing your president. Let me offer a Canadian view. I’m puzzled by the ease with which some proposals of your political candidates can be labeled “socialist.” One of these is in relation to health care. If government has a role in building roads for all to use, in providing protection against crime for all, in setting up trade rules that should benefit all, in setting forth educational standards applicable to all, why should universal health care be dismissed as socialist? Canada has enjoyed universal health care for decades. It isn’t perfect, but we don’t have to worry whether some ailment or condition could plunge us into financial ruin. Everyone has the right to medical care. I had a health concern this year that involved removal of a kidney and a five-day hospital stay, and no financial statement followed me home.

Millions of Americans are without health-care coverage. Are Canadians socialist because this basic need is met for all? If governments exist for the good of all, why shouldn’t followers of Jesus approve of this?

Harold Jantz, Winnipeg, Man.