When is 'socialism' acceptable?: A letter to the editor

Re: "Hearing illustrates obstacles in flood insurance: Scalise supports wind coverage," Page A8, April 22.

Republican Congressman Steve Scalise is always good for a laugh.

After opposing federal health care reform because, he says, it is socialized insurance, destroys capitalism and attacks the fundamentals of a free society, Congressman Scalise is arguing for the expansion of the National Flood Insurance Program to cover wind damage.

The federal government subsidizes and provides national flood coverage because private, free-market, insurance companies will not provide the product.

They don't provide the product because the economic risk is too high. This is the same reason health insurance companies deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.

Yet, Congressman Scalise wants to expand federal property insurance by creating federal wind insurance, because private insurance companies want to get out of the market.

Congressman Scalise is supporting "socialized" property insurance. This entails an expansion of the federal government, its bureaucracy and thereby taxes, because taxes subsidize federal property insurance.

This is hypocritical. The congressman will need to explain to his tea party supporters when "socialism" is acceptable and when it is not.

Miles Trapolin
New Orleans