Rich Elfers is right that words do matter in (“Words Matter…” published Oct. 2, 2019). Mr. Elfers takes Republicans to task for what he perceives as their mischaracterization of the progressive message as socialist. But, oh yes, words do matter.

All of the Democratic candidates for president are in favor of free medical care for illegal aliens, free Medicare for everyone, free college education, reparations for anyone who feels grieved, and that’s just their warm-up act. Their proposals would cost hundreds of trillions of dollars. Do their words matter? I think so.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez proposes a Green New Deal (nifty words aren’t they?). In reality the GND is two separate proposals. The first is climate related, the second and profoundly larger element is the essential reconstitution of our nations’s social programs: universal health care, guaranteed jobs (if one chooses to work!), guaranteed housing, food security, just to name a few items. Estimates for the cost of the GND over the first ten years is $93 trillion. Do AOC’s words matter? I think so. (Keep in mind, the entire annual US GDP is just $20 trillion).

Mr. Elfers believes that property rights would protect us from the threat of socialism… it’s a lovely and quaint concept but withers under the realities of history and the vicissitudes human nature. Yes, words do matter. Let’s unpack what the progressives are saying and shine a bright light on those words, Mr. Elfers.

Brian DiNielli

Enumclaw