And the best country to live in is ...

[jayem]

The US constitution is a solid argument against socialism.

That kinda depends on how the Supreme Court construes it. I think any Constitutional barrier to tax supported social welfare programs was overcome decades ago. SCOTUS ruled back in the 30s that the general welfare clause in Article I, Section 8 allows Congress to tax and spend for what it considers to be the general welfare of the country. That's how SS was found to be constitutional. Medicare and the Federal part of Medicaid are clearly tax-supported social welfare programs. They've never been challenged on constitutional grounds. Do you really think there's a snowball's chance that any Supreme Court will overturn Medicare?

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

Levels of class difference in society have no relation to quality of life? :o

No, the number of reach people per capita doesn't affect my quality of life.
]

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

Did it ever occur to you that the reason why pockets of poverty have been eradicated in Norway while they haven't in the US have something to do with things like universal health care, more job security, stronger educational systems, etc.?

There's no reason why the US can't eliminate its pockets of poverty if they use the same methods that are used elsewhere.

The US has pockets of poverty because of culture within those pockets, not because of lack of social programs. Norway, Sweden, et cetera don't have those pockets in the same number that the US has. In fact, their pockets of poverty are related to the immigrants which they deny opportunities and social programs too, so that they can support their failing social policies.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

Norways GDP per capita, on a purchasing power parity basis divided by population is ($ 59,300) considerably higher than, say, the US GDP per capita ($ 46,900).

Norway is also using the Euro, which is currently trading at 1.5 times what the US is... when just several years ago it was 1:1, before it was devalued for economic growth by exporting. Within the two countries, the value remains the same... so the overal economic product divided by the population remains the same.

Norway knows no illiteracy, whereas 1% of the US populace cannot read and write.

The US does not have a 99.0% literacy rate. We say "99%" because we have a substantial immigrant population that is from third world countries who don't know how to read. In fact, the US and Norway are several of the many developed nations that no longer take literacy surveys anymore.

Norway offers the best quality life to all Norwegians, not just for the priveleged upper crust.

You obviously don't know the US very well.

 

[azmurath]

The US constitution is a solid argument against socialism.

Where does the Constitution conflict with socialism?

 

[FrenchAffair]

Please..... the US is the best place to live. Everyone knows that; especially the coasts.

Far from.

 

[FrenchAffair]

Notice that the top countries are typically small. I think that's something which needs to be pointed out. Larger countries are typically harder to govern and have pockets of poverty which lowers the standard of living index. This isn't to say that Norway isn't a great place to live, but to point out that the US is probably lousy not because the average American is worse off than Norwegians (or Swedes etc) but that there are pockets of deep poverty in the US which has yet to be eradicated. Truth to tell, I'd be surprised if any large size countries make it to the top of the list. Ok, Japan is ranked relatively high because they are much more homogeneous and have a smaller number of traditionally oppressed minorities (as compared to the US).

Size has nothing to do with it when it's done per capita as these statics are. The issues in America have much deeper roots than "size".

 

[FrenchAffair]

The US constitution is a solid argument against socialism.

The same constitution that allowed for slavery and segregation, didn't regonize women are equal to men and allows for the imprisonment and torture of humans in Cuba?

Very solid argument.

 

[lordbt]

That kinda depends on how the Supreme Court construes it. I think any Constitutional barrier to tax supported social welfare programs was overcome decades ago. SCOTUS ruled back in the 30s that the general welfare clause in Article I, Section 8 allows Congress to tax and spend for what it considers to be the general welfare of the country.

Well, that sort of amount to a blank check now doesnt it. If Congress gets to decide what the general welfare of the country is, there is no limit on its power. That is the exact opposite of what the Constitution was supposed to do. The Constitution limits the power of congress to those duties enumerated in it. Now, there is no limit.

 

[wpiman2]

Size has nothing to do with it when it's done per capita as these statics are. The issues in America have much deeper roots than "size".

Then Luxembourg wins; it has the highest per capita income of any nation.

 

[canukian]

Notice that the top countries are typically small. I think that's something which needs to be pointed out. Larger countries are typically harder to govern and have pockets of poverty which lowers the standard of living index. This isn't to say that Norway isn't a great place to live, but to point out that the US is probably lousy not because the average American is worse off than Norwegians (or Swedes etc) but that there are pockets of deep poverty in the US which has yet to be eradicated. Truth to tell, I'd be surprised if any large size countries make it to the top of the list. Ok, Japan is ranked relatively high because they are much more homogeneous and have a smaller number of traditionally oppressed minorities (as compared to the US).

a good post. norway also has oil. aparently the weather was not a big consideration.

 

[FrenchAffair]

Then Luxembourg wins; it has the highest per capita income of any nation.

If the contest is "what nation has the highest per capita income" yea Luxembourg wins. But that isn't what this thread is about.

 

[canukian]

Well; I'd guess I will admit I'd much prefer to live in Sweden than the US South or Midwest. When I think of the US; I think of California and the Northeast.

I think I'd take living in Communist China over Texas.

i guess thats why so many iliegal imigrants are flocking to china from texas? do you know how tough life is in china? i dont believe you mean that.

 

[canukian]

If thta was the case, surely China would come out on top every time!

it's not a vote, ya know.

 

[canukian]

In that case Australia should logicly be much lower. but guess they're the exception that proves the rule Also read in a swedish newspaper that the numbers they are basing this on is from 2007 so it's befor the current economic problems hit.

im not sure i follow you. you meam australia has large pockets of povery and minorities?

 

[FrenchAffair]

i guess thats why so many iliegal imigrants are flocking to china from texas? do you know how tough life is in china? i dont believe you mean that.

China has a lot of illegal immigrants, life in China is hard for lower class and unedcuated workers, but for the middle and upper class it is prob one of the best states to live in if you want to make money.

 

[canukian]

A document made by rich people at the dawn of a society created for protecting the property rights of said people? A solid argument if you are wealthy and want to retain your privilege I guess.

people come from everywhere in the world to the us, pennyless, and get filth rich. get a grip.

 

[canukian]

China has a lot of illegal immigrants, life in China is hard for lower class and unedcuated workers, but for the middle and upper class it is prob one of the best states to live in if you want to make money.

you ignore what i said. people do not flock from texas to china. yes people flock from n. korea to china, when they have enough money to bribe the border guards.

the guy said he would rather live in china than texas. how foolish a thing is that to say?

 

[The Lady Kate]

people come from everywhere in the world to the us, pennyless, and get filth rich. get a grip.

And many more of them end up digging ditches for a living... it all actually kind of evens out.

 

[SpiritualAntiseptic]

And many more of them end up digging ditches for a living... it all actually kind of evens out.

And they have English classes available to them and promotion opportunities. Not forgetting that their kids will have access to an education system that can take them anywhere they wish.

That is the huge difference between how the US and Europe treat immigrants. European immigrants are expected to remain out of sight and cleaning up their offices at night. Americans respect immigrants that are successful.

Some people here have talked about the best country to live in. If I wasn't white, and I was poor, Norway and the whole of Europe would be the last place I'd want to go to for a better quality of life.