Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Accusations of socialism directed toward the Democratic Party confuses social programs with socialism. Yes, the Democratic Party cares about all of our citizens and believes in providing a social safety net to mitigate inequality, but that is not socialism!

Government restriction of ownership is socialism and the Democratic Party believes in a vibrant and fair free market with private ownership as its cornerstone — exactly the opposite of socialism.

Democrats also believe that social programs are required to facilitate the well-being of all of our citizens. To achieve that it has created crucial programs, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps and the Affordable Care Act.

Voting for Biden/Harris, Bobby Scott and Mark Warner will help bring balance back to our country and facilitate the goal of achieving fulfilled lives for all of our citizens.

Joe Puglisi

Smithfield