European “socialists” may not be such socialists after all
Bronx: To the Voice of Josephine Kay: Democratic socialism is the realization of socialism through the democratic process. Your statement that “an accurate estimate of governments that can be called democratic socialist are Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands” is incorrect.
In 2015, Danish Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen gave a speech at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in which he specifically stated that Denmark is not a socialist country. When the Social Democrats in Sweden ramped up their program in full force in the 1960s, government spending led to soaring taxes and inflation, while productivity and innovation plummeted. Between 1970 and 1995, not a single net private sector job was created. Ultimately, in 1990, Sweden, like other Scandinavian countries, suffered a spectacular collapse. Sweden's Social Democratic finance minister, Kjell-Olof Feldt, concluded that the experiment with socialism was “unsustainable, rotten and perverted.” He said: “This whole democratic socialism thing was absolutely impossible. It just didn't work. There was no other way but market reforms.”
Center-right reforms were introduced, such as tax cuts, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and pensions and social security. Vouchers for private education were made available and private healthcare became a popular alternative. There is also no minimum wage. The current Social Security system is generally paid for by the middle class, which is taxed at almost 60%. There is also a sales tax of 25%, known as VAT.
Perhaps former Social Democratic industry minister Björn Rosengren said it best when he said: “The Social Democratic formula for success is socialist rhetoric but center-right policies.” Charles T. Compton
Nonresident
Bronx: Maria Bonsanti Voice: Andrew Cuomo doesn't like the city. Remember, he left years ago and only came back to run for mayor. He loves only himself, just like his son President Trump. Curtis Sliwa should be appointed animal welfare officer. V. Tvirli
American way
San Francisco: The election of Zoran Mamdani is about more than just representation. This is a democratic outcome rooted in New York's civic tradition of expanding the circle of people who will lead. His victory should not be reduced only to identity. This demonstrates the practical power of democracy when it is accessible, inclusive and open to merit. America faces real threats: voter suppression, polarization, algorithm-driven disinformation, and exclusionary rhetoric. But New York's choice shows that this country's future does not have to be based on fear. It can be evidence-based or policy-based. Diverse leaders make better public policy because they reflect the complexity of their city. Even the symbolic roles of First and Second Lady now reflect the immigrant experience. Government legitimacy increases when those who govern are seen as being governed. If we protect voting rights, expand access to the ballot, and preserve civic participation, this nation can still get better. Democracy works best when more voices can be heard. Abe Gelagai
Pendulum swing
Staten Island: Pundits analyzing the mayoral election results are missing the point. Ten months ago, Mamdani was an unknown member of the Albany Legislature. This was also the beginning of the second Trump administration. Cuomo announced in March that he was running for mayor, and polls showed him winning by a landslide. As Trump began to implement his agenda, the polls began to change. Mamdani's campaign, noticing the change, has energized young voters. As Trump implemented much of his agenda, opinion polls swung in Mamdani's favor. Yes, New Yorkers elected Mamdani mayor, but it seems to me that New York voters felt that a vote for Mamdani was a vote against Trump. In 2018, during the first Trump administration, New York elected many progressive and socialist politicians. In 2022, under the Biden administration, a group of socialist politicians were excluded from the ballot. In 2025 the cycle began again. Vincent Ragosta
More True Movement
Whiting, NJ: Speaker Marion Friedman tells us that New York is going down the toilet because of an ignorant electorate. Funny, I've been thinking the same thing about our country since Trump was elected. The difference is that the last election was much more conclusive than the 2024 election. Bill McConnell
Luxury
Melbourne, Australia: Auction house Sotheby's is selling a solid gold toilet with a starting price of likely $10 million. Since the country is called “America”, this could be a great Christmas gift for Trump. Judging by photos of his bathroom and secret document vault at Mar-a-Lago, the current closet lacks the glamor we've come to expect and isn't even gilded with gold. There were a lot of people willing to buy huge amounts of his meme coins or whatever in order to attend his fancy dinner and bask in his golden glory. However, you will need money to hire movers since it weighs about 220 pounds, as well as a plumber to install it. Okay, now raise your hand quickly because this one is going to sell fast. Dennis Fitzgerald
Overcome the smell?
Scranton, Pennsylvania: What Made This Man collapse in the Oval Office recently? It was John Hinckley who shot and killed Ronald Reagan in 1981. Since the President was said to have a foul aura, it is possible that Don Stinkley killed the victim. Vin Morabito
Villains
Oak Ridge, New Jersey: What kind of scoundrel is Trump? His administration appealed the order to fund the SNAP program, which will prevent people in the US from going hungry, but this scoundrel kills random “drug traffickers” in international waters without retribution and sends National Guard troops against US citizens. His entire administration is a bunch of scoundrels. What if we have to follow the rules? No, he's just playing King Herod! He and his people are pieces of crap. Jim Heimbuch
Key workers
Brooklyn: Unpaid air traffic controllers are overworked and stressed. I would be afraid to fly in such conditions as there have already been several dangerous situations. Perhaps if members of Congress did not receive unearned salaries, there could be money to pay comptrollers and funds to cover SNAP benefits. L. Veneroni
Clinging to power
Pearl River, New York: Chuck Schumer has nothing to lose by not opening up the government. He knows that the socialist KLA is going to challenge him for the Senate seat and win. It's ready, stick a fork in it. He never cared about New Yorkers or his constituents. He always strived for power and money in his pocket, nothing more. Good riddance to him and Nancy Pelosi. Let them both live miserable lives and suffer because of all the dirty money they made. Robert Brennan
Stepping back
Waltham, Massachusetts: This is the official call for Schumer's resignation as Senate Minority Leader. His recent concession—offering a one-year extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidy without providing SNAP restoration, Medicaid continuity, federal worker protections or rhetorical clout—was not the result of negotiations. It was a disaster. He led with giving, not demanding. He failed to name the moral cost of closure and allowed Republicans to dismiss the proposal as ideological extremism. This is not a tactical error, this is a violation of leadership. This is an insult to the American people and an obedient step towards wayward retreat on the part of the Democrats. Schumer's decision signals that the party is willing to trade dignity for optics and control for delay. Millions of people face hunger, eviction and lack of health care. The failure of the Democratic Party leadership to hold the line, name the price, and protect the vulnerable requires responsibility, not retreat, as well as conviction, fortitude, and attitude. Helen Masloka
Ch'kn parmed and dangerous
Windsor, Connecticut: Now that the jury is in Washington, D.C. freed subway attacker Sean Dunn What will you anti-Trump, law-and-order liberals say after his brutal attack on a US Customs and Border Protection agent when the next victim of Dunn's Sandwich attack dies? Jonathan Brewster
Good
Charlotte, North Carolina: I loved the last line of announcer John Kern's letter: “I'll be in D.C. for Thanksgiving this year, and I'll be very careful how I interact with people carrying takeout.” I couldn't stop laughing and I hadn't even gotten to the comics yet. Barbara Haynes
