Do I have to say it ?
Posted on 01/22/2007 11:36:44 PM PST by WesternCulture
I've said it before and I feel it ought to be said again and again:
- Don't let anyone tell you Sweden is a Socialist paradise and an example of how socialism can be "successful".
We've been moving towards Conservatism and Capitalism since the mid 1980's.
Still much left to do, though.
In any case, I feel optimistic.
To begin with, we have a Conservative government that, obviously, know what it is doing.
By the way, it ought to be noticed that many other parts of Europe are beginning to wake up out of their socialist slumber as well. Not at least some 85 million Germans who finally seem to realize what Pro-Capitalism can do to a country.
Hey, one day you might even hear of Swedes, Germans and other Europeans admitting that Ronald Reagan was a great predident and a true defender of Western Civilization!
The article:
"Top credit rating for Sweden
Sweden's credit rating has been classed as top notch by international agency Standard & Poors.
The country was given 'AAA' long-term and 'A-1+' short term sovereign credit ratings.
S&P credit analyst Ana Mates said the ratings are underpinned by robust consensus in favour of prudent macroeconomic policies, which have allowed Sweden to reduce its general government debt ratio, expected at around 30 percent of GDP by 2010, compared with more than 60 percent in 1999.
Established fiscal rules have served the country well, and are likely to be strengthened under the new government, the broker added.
The reforms proposed in the 2007 budget will further strengthen public finances by increasing the tax base and lowering the numbers claiming welfare benefits, although the general government surplus will decline in 2007, it said.
"In the medium term, Sweden's extremely strong credit standing should remain secure against most foreseeable downside economic, political, and financial risks," said Mates.
"The wealth and diversity of the Swedish economy should enable the country to weather external shocks and significant changes to its economic environment without major strains on economic stability," she added.
The main downside risk to the rating is the government's limited revenue flexibility, as a result of the very high tax burden embedded in its social model of a generous welfare state, Mates said.
Slippages in the government's efforts to keep spending in check and gradually reduce the tax burden could, over time, put downward pressure on the ratings, she added."
Good news.
Do I have to say it ?
If you want to bring back 2 out of 3, it's OK by me.
Good. I married someone who was born in Sweden.
Did I mention he's very cute and blonde and blue eyed too? Swedes are very very very good looking people.
"Good news."
I agree.
I feel Sweden is a country which deserves a good government.
Greetings to Florida from Sweden!
Been to Florida by the way. I have seldom met such nice and friendly people as I did in that magnificent part of the US.
Best of regards!
Prove it!
I get your point, but is the situation really all that bad today?
Swedish soldiers accomplished a lot in Congo back in the 1960's, but from what I have understood, Swedish soldiers have also performed well in, for instance, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
Since 1950, we've sent around 80 000 soldiers on peace keeping missions (The population of Sweden, today, is 9.1 millions)
Furthermore, we kind of supply the US with A LOT of useful military gear.
Sold you 300 000 Swedish "Carl Gustav" recoiless rifles and rocket launchers up till now...
Yes, we have certain PC politicians who say stupid things about the US, but we aren't exactly your worst of enemies.
"I sure don't give a damn what the Europeans think."
No, why would you?
The best way of safeguarding civilization is that of promoting endless quarreling and mud throwing between Europe and America.
"Good. I married someone who was born in Sweden.
Did I mention he's very cute and blonde and blue eyed too? Swedes are very very very good looking people."
Nice to hear that.
Personally, I think the best looking Swede is the Swedish chef of the Muppet Show.
Seriously, I hope your marriage will continue to be a happy one and that you'll find it in your heart to forgive your Swedish husband if he, once in a blue moon, has a drink of Absolut Vodka and thereafter embarks upon a viking voyage of raiding and looting.
You mean Sweden keeps its top credit rating, which we've had since well before the right bloc took power.
"You mean Sweden keeps its top credit rating, which we've had since well before the right bloc took power."
Sweden used to have a much poorer rating. Around 1994-1995, Swedish economy was in a, comparatively speaking, poor state.
Today it is blossoming and the Conservative government of Reinfeldt has received a lot of praise from all kind of institutions and experts in the fields of economy.
The swedes are wannabe vikings. Norwegians are teh real butt-kickers on the seas!
Rock on Norwegia! :)
Yes, we had a really bad rating in 94, right after the post-80s crash (which coincidentially happened during the last right-wing government of Sweden). Then after 12 years of Social Democratic government, Sweden had the highest rating. Look, I'm sure the new government will do some good, but giving them credit for this is down right silly.
That's interesting. You don't even realize that you and the "Eurotrash" who aggravate you so are flip-sides of the same coin.
"The swedes are wannabe vikings. Norwegians are teh real butt-kickers on the seas!"
Read some history!
Swedish Vikings colonized RUSSIA and the UKRAINE. Not exactly what I'd call small countries.
Furthermore, let's have a look at what Swedes did later on.
Did Denmark or Norway ever lay siege to GERMANY for 15 years during the 17th century?
Which country brought down an alliance consisting of Denmark, Poland and Russia to its knees (even though Russia won a phyrrus victory at Poltava)?
It wasn't Norway.
Wow, who pissed in your meuslix this morning?
Do you have a cranky attitude every day, or only the days you post on FR?
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