[Eric in the Ozarks]

Not sure if this is the correct term, however, when our Swedish relatives visited us from Vastevik several years ago, they knew that Gus had also sent money back to Sweden to the landowner he previously worked for to settle his ‘account.’ In the US, this was known as “the company store,” syndrome. (Work your tail off but you can never get out from under the debt owed to your employer.)

[WesternCulture]

“Not sure if this is the correct term, however, when our Swedish relatives visited us from Vastevik several years ago, they knew that Gus had also sent money back to Sweden to the landowner he previously worked for to settle his ‘account.’ In the US, this was known as “the company store,” syndrome. (Work your tail off but you can never get out from under the debt owed to your employer.)”

- Luckily enough, neither Swedes or Americans usually find themselves in such situations nowadays.

On the other hand, my impression is that in both countries, a lot of people feel their lives are being “owned by the banks”.

Personally, I don't hate the banks. Without banks Capitalism couldn't function, but I try and avoid getting too involved with them.

I'm poor for being Swedish, but at least I've enjoyed the experience of paying with cash for purchases like a nice (although used) Volvo and a big plasma TV.

My point here is that apart from the fact that products like these really DO bring quality to your life, it feels even better to actually OWN things in the old fashioned way like only middle class/upper class folks used to do in those days.

That was before the introduction of the credit card (- not to speak of the wonderful Scandinavian invention of the SMS/Text messaging loan, a 21st century phenomena which is just as insane as it sounds like; there are cases of 18 year olds being granted 20 loans at annual percentage rates of 700-800% from different creditors on a single day just by applying for a quick loan through a text message!)

By the way, I guess the Swedish town where your Swedish relatives live is Västervik. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I have a vague memory of you and I discussing Västervik earlier on this forum and also one of providing you with a link to a site containing nice photos from there.

Anyhow, Västervik is a beautiful part of the world, just like the Ozarks is (I love lakes!).

Västervik:

http://www.fotocommunity.com/search?q=v%E4stervik

The Ozarks:

http://www.fotocommunity.com/search?q=ozark

Best of regards from old Sweden to you and everyone in America of our common ancestry, brothers and sisters eternally present in our Nordic hearts,

WesternCulture