Most Americans do not know that so-called "socialized medicine" - along with several other social programs that make up the modern "welfare" state - were invented by none other than the famed German conservative Iron Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, a pragmatic, tax-hating fiscal conservative and Christian.

He called public welfare programs "applied Christianity," in whose defense he said: " The greatest burden for the working class is the uncertainty of life. They can never be certain that they will have a job, or that they will have health and the ability to work. We cannot protect a man from all sickness and misfortune. But it is our obligation, as a society, to provide assistance when he encounters these difficulties ... A rich society must care for the poor."

Bismarck was both very wise and pragmatic. As it has turned out, being charitable has been good for economies and entire countries.

Lanlan Hoo

Wheaton