FIRSTLY TO equate socialism with communism invites the reply that conservatism is akin to fascism.

Neither is correct and only demonstrates the ignorance of the writer.

The socialists I know believe that fundamentally humankind is good and in the right environment will develop into humane people.

Conservatives, in contrast, believe human beings are evil (this is know as the Garden of Eden syndrome).

Everything we really value in our society was achieved by the struggles of those early pioneers - mainly socialists - who fought and, indeed, often died to make our society more humane.

A primary example of this is the NHS where we need to note and remember that it was the Conservatives who voted five times against the NHS Parliamentary Bill (1948) in its passage through the House.

Universal suffrage - the right to vote - was also vigorously opposed by the Conservative element in our society.

The list can be extended many times.

It is not envy as G.J. Cleaver claims, it is compassion and understanding for our fellow human beings.

The right wing will never accept that but that will not stop the enlightened progress of people across the world - unless, of course, the 'Barmy Right' destroys us all with another one of their periodic wars.

David A.J. Fullman

Alveston