To the editor:

It has been exactly 130 years since the Prime Minister of Prussia, the conservative aristocratic Junker Otto von Bismarck (it does not get any more conservative than that, he was called the “Iron Chancellor”), introduced health insurance for all Germans. He also introduced old age, sickness and accident insurance and other social legislation to stimulate the German economy. He knew that a happy worker was a good worker. He also promoted education, knowing that a healthy and educated worker was even better for the German economy.

The last time I read about how the Germans are doing, Bismarck’s policies seem to have been successful. I guess the difference between our neo-conservative Tea Party representatives in Congress and Bismarck is that Bismarck had brains, was wise, had foresight, and was a true Realpolitiker. They don’t make it like that anymore.

JAMES U. BEHREND

Bainbridge Island