We already have socialist programs

This is in response to the letter from Mr. Laszlo Stephan (April 24) entitled "Limbaugh called for socialism to fail."

Defining socialism as government control or intervention in the private sector in order to influence a social or economic outcome, apparently Mr. Laszlo does not realize the United States has had socialist programs long before Obama took office.

Subsidies to the oil, agriculture industries, Medicare, and Social Security, to name a few, are all socialist programs. The Scandinavian countries are all socialist democracies (emphasis on democracy) and are, in many ways, better off than we are. I would suggest that Mr. Laszlo abrogate his rights under the socialist programs of Social Security and Medicare.

Michael D. Lee

Wheeling