The Welfare State: The Root of Europe’s Problems

Brussels Journal ^ | 3 August 2006 | By Fjordman

[shrinkermd]

I have heard comments from people who thought Fjordman was from Sweden, because I write at least as much about Sweden as I do about my own country, Norway. There are several reasons for this. The most important one is that Sweden is probably one of the worst, if not the worst, country in the Western world when it comes to Political Correctness. Norway is pretty bad, Sweden is absolutely insane. Which makes it fun to write about.

The other reason is that Sweden is the largest and best known of the Scandinavian countries. When people in Canada or the USA discuss the Scandinavian welfare state, they usually talk about the “Swedish model,” not the “Norwegian model.” The Swedish welfare state was presented during the Cold War as a middle way between capitalism and Communism. When this model of a society collapses – and it will collapse – it is thus not just the Swedish welfare state that will collapse but the symbol of Sweden, the showcase of an entire ideological world view.

[A. Pole]

A millennia of feudalism has left the Europeans deeply suspicious of those who accumulate too much wealth. Unfortunately, that ideology doesn't fit well in an opportunity oriented and entrepreneurial 21st century.

Yes, Europeans have long memory while "opportunity oriented and entrepreneurial 21st century" is still in our imagination.

[Billthedrill]

An excellent article, thanks for posting. I don't have a problem with the idea that a collective may care for its constituent members, the problem is that the collective cannot be allowed to take over their lives in return, whether it be State or Party or Mosque or Church.

And that's the real problem with the Welfare State. It isn't voluntary, and hence the only way to opt out of disagreeable portions of it is with one's feet. And since those responsible for the production that supports it are the ones most threatened by its power, we have a situation where economic, technical, and cultural progress is caught up in a permanent state of diminishing returns.

It seems to me that collectives succeed where (1) they are kept small, (2) membership is voluntary, and (3) there exists a variety of options for collective activity on the part of the individual members. The Welfare State and its big brothers socialism and communism meet none of these conditions.

[MARTIAL MONK]

Bump!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[socialismisinsidious]

Great article. Thanks for posting.

Unfortunately the loony left (aka: average member of the Democratic party) in this country would never read this and see themselves. One thing that the welfare state requires is conceit; "we can make it work".....the loony left believe that socialism will work when the right people (them) are in charge.
They do not see the inherent evil in the policies and are driven only by the ideology.

[Hawk1976]

Parts of America are just as infected with that syndrome.

I won't even drag in the immigration situation here.

[Tribune7]

Great article. Bump

[Lancey Howard]

Bookmarked.

This is an interesting read about America's future if the Democrats succeed in their agenda to turn the nation into a Euro-style, secular-socialist welfare state. And even if and when the rats finally do succeed, we normal, traditional, taxpaying American families (Republicans) can always take solace in our knowledge that we shall always have the Second Amendment.

The scumbag Democrats will NEVER get anywhere in eradicating that particular part of the Constitution, regardless of their constant assaults. That's the beauty of the Second Amendment - - it is its own safety valve.

[hinckley buzzard]

Sweden had very large national defense same was as Swiss. That is why Sweden has large and modern military industry.

They might have a healthy defense industry, but they don't appear to buy much of their own stuff. In 2004 Sweden had a defense budget of 5.9 billion dollars--less than the Netherlands. Pardon me if I'm not impressed.

[A. Pole]

In 2004 Sweden had a defense budget of 5.9 billion dollars--less than the Netherlands. Pardon me if I'm not impressed.

Sweden has much smaller population than Netherlands. 6 billion is quite high - as it is equivalent of 180 billion for USA. It is a lot of money for a country that does not keep bases all over world and does not have enemies.

And this is now, when Sweden was more socialist its military was getting more. You SHOULD be impressed. They follow Swiss model.