Darned welfare countries.

[norwayman]

Norway, stated for having the highest quality of life, with a very low unimployment rate, with no real enemies and where the people have been at piece for decade. A wealthy country where the only real problem is the fact that the winter lasts too long leading some people to become depressed and comite suicide.

Sweden, almost identical, just a little less wealthy, but still with a higher quality of life then that of 99% of the world. People there are healthier more relaxed there then in most of the rest of the world.

Denmark = The same.

Holland, slightly less wealthy, with a slightly higher crime rate and a slightly larger unimployment rate. Still, per person, it's a richer country then 99% of the world just like the other countries I mentioned. Most people have work, the streets, most people don't own guns mostly because they don't feel the need to. And despite soft drugs and prostitution being legal there, there are relativly few problems in the country.

What do all these countries have in common?

Their welfare countries.

The rich get taxed more then the poor, the goverment helps people find work, there is a proper functioning system to help the poor and unimployed. Poor people are entitled to medical treatment, just like everyone else. Sure the taxes are higher because of it, but on average, more people are living a comfortable life then in say, the USA where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

So why are you all so busy critizing Welfare countries when it's been proven that the biggest welfare countries are those with the highest quality of life?

 

[benjdm]

Jealosy. Pure jealosy.

(Best port call of my navy career was 7 days in Bergen. Norway rules.)

 

[proudman]

Jealosy. Pure jealosy.

(Best port call of my navy career was 7 days in Bergen. Norway rules.)

That's not true at all. Why would we be jellous of any other country in the world? We are the richest and most powerful nation in the world, Norway and the rest of those pansy countries have nothing on us. If the Tali Alquada's invade we'll be the first person they call.

Those countries are mostly seqular anyway, why would we want to be anything like them.

 

[Toboe]

That's not true at all. Why would we be jellous of any other country in the world? We are the richest and most powerful nation in the world, Norway and the rest of those pansy countries have nothing on us. If the Tali Alquada's invade we'll be the first person they call.

Those countries are mostly seqular anyway, why would we want to be anything like them.

Aren't we a "secular" country as well. Last time I checked america wasn't a christian State.

 

[Stuco]

Norway, stated for having the highest quality of life, with a very low unimployment rate, with no real enemies and where the people have been at piece for decade. A wealthy country where the only real problem is the fact that the winter lasts too long leading some people to become depressed and comite suicide.

Sweden, almost identical, just a little less wealthy, but still with a higher quality of life then that of 99% of the world. People there are healthier more relaxed there then in most of the rest of the world.

Denmark = The same.

Holland, slightly less wealthy, with a slightly higher crime rate and a slightly larger unimployment rate. Still, per person, it's a richer country then 99% of the world just like the other countries I mentioned. Most people have work, the streets, most people don't own guns mostly because they don't feel the need to. And despite soft drugs and prostitution being legal there, there are relativly few problems in the country.

What do all these countries have in common?

Their welfare countries.

The rich get taxed more then the poor, the goverment helps people find work, there is a proper functioning system to help the poor and unimployed. Poor people are entitled to medical treatment, just like everyone else. Sure the taxes are higher because of it, but on average, more people are living a comfortable life then in say, the USA where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

So why are you all so busy critizing Welfare countries when it's been proven that the biggest welfare countries are those with the highest quality of life?

Cause it is all just refined Communisim.

 

[Stuco]

Aren't we a "secular" country as well. Last time I checked america wasn't a christian State.

Our christian populatinon is a little higher than theres. But yes we are becoming just like them.

 

[Toboe]

Our christian populatinon is a little higher than theres. But yes we are becoming just like them.

............How is that a bad thing.

 

[Stuco]

............How is that a bad thing.

Youll see.

 

[whyohwhy]

Cause it is all just refined Communisim.

Obviously. Anything which doesn't run in our capatalistic exploition of the vonerable type manner, must be comunism, even if it works and the people are happy. We must bomb them.

 

[pantsman52]

Cause it is all just refined Communisim.

Well, if it's working better than what the US has, what does that have to say for Capitalism?

 

[pantsman52]

That's not true at all. Why would we be jellous of any other country in the world? We are the richest and most powerful nation in the world, Norway and the rest of those pansy countries have nothing on us. If the Tali Alquada's invade we'll be the first person they call.

Those countries are mostly seqular anyway, why would we want to be anything like them.

Theres more to a country than how big it's military is.

 

[Lokisdottir]

I would love to move to one of the Scandinavian countries. I think there's no place in the world I'd rather be. But I don't think I could bear being so far away from my friends and family here in the States. :/

 

[Velo Princesse]

Norway, stated for having the highest quality of life, with a very low unimployment rate, with no real enemies and where the people have been at piece for decade. A wealthy country where the only real problem is the fact that the winter lasts too long leading some people to become depressed and comite suicide.

Sweden, almost identical, just a little less wealthy, but still with a higher quality of life then that of 99% of the world. People there are healthier more relaxed there then in most of the rest of the world.

Denmark = The same.

Holland, slightly less wealthy, with a slightly higher crime rate and a slightly larger unimployment rate. Still, per person, it's a richer country then 99% of the world just like the other countries I mentioned. Most people have work, the streets, most people don't own guns mostly because they don't feel the need to. And despite soft drugs and prostitution being legal there, there are relativly few problems in the country.

What do all these countries have in common?

Their welfare countries.

The rich get taxed more then the poor, the goverment helps people find work, there is a proper functioning system to help the poor and unimployed. Poor people are entitled to medical treatment, just like everyone else. Sure the taxes are higher because of it, but on average, more people are living a comfortable life then in say, the USA where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

So why are you all so busy critizing Welfare countries when it's been proven that the biggest welfare countries are those with the highest quality of life?

I think that when Americans criticize welfare we are not criticizing other countries, but rather the issues we have w/ our welfare system.

 

[kedaman]

I would love to move to one of the Scandinavian countries. I think there's no place in the world I'd rather be. But I don't think I could bear being so far away from my friends and family here in the States. :/

You can always come for a visit still

 

[Eudaimonist]

Sweden, almost identical, just a little less wealthy, but still with a higher quality of life then that of 99% of the world. People there are healthier more relaxed there then in most of the rest of the world.

Sweden has high unemployment and high taxes, and while it is a first world country, it's no paradise. I would vote out the Social Democrats if I could, in favor of something more liberal (by which I mean more free market and lower in taxation). I worry for Sweden. :/

American Socialism -- errr, I mean America's mixed economy -- really isn't so bad in comparison. Actually, America stands up quite well, especially considering it taxes so much for military purposes. If America didn't have to have such a large military, it would probably be doing superbly well economically.

 

[Yusuf Evans]

The U.S. is the richest country in the world, followed by Japan, and that is no accident. Granted, allot of rich people are greedy, and some of those are very powerful in this country. Yet, look at the size of our nation, compared to those you metioned. They dont' have populations as big as ours, and they also don't have the responsibility to the world that we do. We are a very young nation compared to most other countries, to include the Scandanavian countries you so bravely defended. I also read that someone wishes they could move there, except they would miss their family and friends. I say that is bogus. If the economy is so great, you can easily get a job there, and save for a plane ticket with no problem of visitint your family, and you can always make new friends.

We do not criticize welfare as much as we criticize those who abuse it. How about those who keep on having babies, just so they can keep living off of the governemnt and not attempt to look for a job? How about the drug dealers who use the government provided housing as their own shipping and recieving facility for their business? Are you telling me that they are entitled to what oters may need who are in actual dire need of assistance?

 

[Arkanin]

That's not true at all. Why would we be jellous of any other country in the world? We are the richest and most powerful nation in the world, Norway and the rest of those pansy countries have nothing on us.

Norway definitely has much more awesome per square mile than the U.S. You'll see what I mean if you ever go there. Personally, I find the US to be too uniformally Cleveland.

 

[seraphofapples]

being from the singularly unique position, where I AM on welfare, and I CAN comment to the effect, welfare is NOT communism!

Both the American Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms tells us that we have the right to FOOD, water, AND SHELTER! The government MUST provide these if people cannot provide it for themselves.

This isn't communism, this is social democracy. Its making sure that everyone is treated with dignity and freedom.

Its what separates us from Facist societies, that take money from the poor, put them in jails, starve and use them.

I'm unable to work, or take unemployment insurance, so I'm on welfare so I have a place to live and food to eat. I'm grateful to God for every day I have, because there are people in non-democratic countries who are left to starve and die by their governments. I thank God I have welfare! If not, what would I do? People who say welfare=communism REALLY should read the bible about what God says about giving to the poor and needy, cause you can't have been reading the bible much if you say its communism.

 

[jsfox]

Both the American Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms tells us that we have the right to FOOD, water, AND SHELTER! The government MUST provide these if people cannot provide it for themselves.

Ah, could you please tell me where.

 

[jsfox]

There are a great many things that Europe does much better than the US. This is not necessarily one of them. First of all, the standard of living (financially) in the US is generally higher than Europe. Two people working similar jobs - The one in the US wields more economic power and can purchase more stuff (including cars, houses, electronics, etc.). The US healthcare system is far superior which is why you see so many people from Europe (and the rest of the world) come here for medical needs.

Most EU countries are faltering under their welfare systems and are dramatically scaling back. I believe that Norway is the one exception to this.

Sweden and Norway both have a very homogeneous population with a generally high work ethic overall. They have a better chance at being able to make a high level welfare system work. Countries with higher diversity in their populations or with higher percentages of poor will have greater difficulties.