Milford chronicle., 1961-04-28
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A SINGLE STEP

Proponents of the proposal to provide
federal medical aid to everyone over 65 re-
ceiving benefits under social security deny
that this would be an opening wedge to So
cialized medicine. The Socialist Party of the
United States apparently thinks otherwise.
This party, of course, favors complete
socialization of medicine as well as COM
plete socialization of just about every facet
of American life 1t has now issued a
pamphlet which describes program for
bringing about socialized medicine on a bit
by-bit basis. The first bit would be the So
cial security concept of medical aid to the
elderly.
Norman Thomas, long the principal voice
of socialism in this country, has made that
clear. He says the bill in question is "in-
sufficient" and 'timid start" But he adj
vocates its support-and with good reason,
considering his views and objectives. AS
the old Chinese proverb- has it, the longest
journey begins with a single step. And a
program of socialization must also begin in
a limited way. But the limitations would
inevitably grow fewer and fewer as time
wore on. If one group-arbitrariy defined
regardless of needs to have its medical
care bills paid for by the federal govern
ment, other groups will demand and receive
the same handouts. So, little by little, so
cialized medicine will be brought about.
uals have every right to their position. Those
who take a different view also have the
right and the obligation, to fight their pro-
posals.
This is not a matter of denying medical
services to elderly people whose own re-
sources are inadequate. The federal-state
cooperation measure passed by the last Con-
gress provides for aid to all who need it,
whether they are under social security or
not. This is the proper way to meet the
problem.
SHALL WE TURN BACK THE CLOCK
The Teamsters Union has been conduct
ing an aggressive campaign to halt piggy
backing"-the transportation of truck-trail-
ers on railroad fiat cars. In particular, it is
trying to end the movement of new automo-
biles by piggybacking.
In the course of this campaign, many
charges have been made. One is that the
Interstate Commerce Commission is stated
with men who are strongly biased in favor
of the railroads. This is strange piece of
news" indeed. As of the beginning of this
year, only two of the 10 commissioners ,serv-
ing had worked for railroads-and these for
only brief periods many years ago. The pres
ent commissioners include a former member
of Congress, and former lieutenant gov
ernor and judge. Others served as assistant
attorneys general in states. All but one have
legal backgrounds.
In moving new automobiles by piggy
back, the railroads offer rates about so per
cent lower than those of trucking companies.
The union material infers that piggyback
movements are being subsidized by other
freight. Actually, piggyback is profitable
operation, an dthe lower railroad rates re-
suit from impressive advances in technolo-
gy-dieselization, centralized traffic control,
automatic freightyards, new loading and un-
loading methods. Specially designed tri-lev-
ell RAILROAD cars are now in use that can car
ry Is large-sized cars or 18 compacts.
Why has piggyback become so popular?
The answer is simple-because it offers bet
ter transportation at lower cost, something
that directly and indirectly benefits us all.
1t is an example Of how railroads, given the
opportunity can make use of their inherent
advantages. 1t is major step forward in
the arts of transportation. The railroads
are simply meeting competition with COM
petition.