The problem with that is that the old European welfare state is on the verge of total and utter collapse, probably within the next five to ten years or so (our American welfare state is in danger in some ways itself, but the situation is not nearly as dire here). What will take place in Old Europe once that happens is uncertain at this point, but I guarantee it won't be pretty. We're on the cusp of some very interesting, and possibly frighteningly violent, times ahead of us.
We have the ability to correct ourselves when the welfare state gets too overpowering. We did with the welfare reform bill, and it's likely that we will make more progress with SS and Medicare/Medicaid reforms soon.
America attracts people who want to become rich. And many of the people born here want the same thing. Welfare states don't offer that chance. There are a lot of Americans who want to take care of the needy, but not very many of them want to give up their chances of becoming wealthy.
What Steyn doesn't add is that all the third world crazies WILL chose to go to Europe, because they're subzidized by the welfare state.....
Replied jpl:
The problem with that is that the old European welfare state is on the verge of total and utter collapse, probably within the next five to ten years or so (our American welfare state is in danger in some ways itself, but the situation is not nearly as dire here). What will take place in Old Europe once that happens is uncertain at this point, but I guarantee it won't be pretty. We're on the cusp of some very interesting, and possibly frighteningly violent, times ahead of us.
The welfare stampede is self-defeating for this very reason. By sheer numbers they will destroy the institutions that are subsidizing them. I don't see how Steyn's 'Austro-Swedish' scenario can ever be realized.
'Eurabia' or some other third-world equivalent is Europe's far more likely future.
[Insert standard followup comment regarding America's potential similar future]