[RAY]

My Swede acquaintances say their system is better because they don't have any poor people. Yet they don't want to return home - expect for the pull of their families who remain in Sweden.

[DainBramage]

I still have a love for poor blondes.

[fishtank]

bflr

[Chgogal]

Bingo! Just had a friend return from Spain for a short visit. She will be going back for another three years. She's amazed at all the choices we Americans enjoy, not only in Chicago but up in Minnesota, Wisconsin and down in Arizona.

We have it so good. Too bad the Blue states just don't get it.

[Publius6961]

BUMP!

Full report saved for later examination. I am so happy someone finally did this to shut up those delusional whiners. This will generate a lot of food for thought.

The firt two thoughts that the summary generated for me were these:
Europe universally has adopted the worst elements of Fascism and Communism. The "benevolent" parts if you wish. This makes the second part inevitable.
The results spreads the misery, not the results of excellence and innovation.

The world may criticize the US zeal for work, but as the report clearly shows, globally, there is still no free lunch.

Finally, this should sober up the one worlders; big time. In a rational world, this would be a thousand-post thread.

[Egon]

Perspective Ping.

[gridlock]

Our rednecks live better than their gentry. But we should try to be more like them.

Yep... We'll get right on that...

[stm]

Doesn't Sweden also have one of the highest suicide and alcoholism rates of all the European nations as well? I thougt I read that somewhere a couple of years back.

[Red Badger]

And THEY deign to tell us how to run our country? No wonder they scream KYOTO!....

[AngloSaxon]

"The richest EU country—Ireland"

This bit alone condemns this article to the 'absolute crap' pile.

[AnalogReigns]

I spent most of last summer in central Germany.

Yes, the individual standard of living is much less than here, but the Europeans I know would say (if you could get them to admit it) that the quality of life was better. Excellent food (real bread, coffee, beer,wine, cheese, etc.), more time off with family, less cars and traffic, more regular exercise (BICYCLES everywhere), lots of parks and free public amenities, (nearly) free higher education--all these things make for a very nice way of life over there.

Yes they are (democratic) socialists, yes their economies are awful...but being there, I understand why there has been so much war for the territory--its a beautiful place.

[KeyWest]

bttt

[Tolik]

Interesting article PING!

This ping list is not author-specific for articles I'd like to share. Some for perfect moral clarity, some for provocative thoughts; or simply interesting articles I'd hate to miss myself. (I don't have to agree with the author 100% to feel the need to share an article.) I will try not to abuse the ping list and not to annoy you too much, but on some days there is more of good stuff that is worthy attention. I keep separate PING lists for my favorite authors Victor Davis Hanson, Lee Harris, David Warren, Orson Scott Card. You are welcome in or out, just freepmail me (and note which PING list you are talking about).

[Maceman]

Gee, things must be getting better in Sweden. According to this article from 2002, Sweden would be the very poorest state in the Union.

You think things are getting better there, or is it just that at least one of these studies is wrong?

[Spirited]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/functions/print.php?StoryID=20031227-085037-6600r

[A Cyrenian]

bump

[PGalt]

Interesting article. Thanks. Only the 5(Ra^ther) poorest? If Grey Davis ran it, he could make it #1.

[Spirited]

"UK is EU 'richest'"

http://www.eupolitix.com/EN/News/200407/6bfe1f3a-20d0-4fbc-9149-0c8b06de2a21.htm

[A Ruckus of Dogs]

Then, stuff with generous entitlements, massive tax burdens, rigid labor markets, and regulation-mad bureaucracies

Except for rigid labor markets, the US is fast approaching the rest of the list.

[AZLiberty]

The purpose of Islamic immigration is to complete the conversion of Europe into a Third World continent.