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The problem with a United Europe is it reduces the possibility of open war and the money to be made by the warmongers and profiteers.
Yea, that's a good point. It's historically the bloodiest continent on the planet, and many Euro's that i know have expressed the same sentiments that you have. The Union basically protects them from themselves.
Yea, that's a good point. It's historically the bloodiest continent on the planet, and many Euro's that i know have expressed the same sentiments that you have. The Union basically protects them from themselves.
I reckon the fact that they are all democracies has something to do with it. Democracies do not fight other democracies. Never happens.
And <ahem> dare I say, a supportive American presence certainly did not hurt either.
Oh, I see. So it only bothers you when conservative Americans disagree with liberal European policies, but you're fine when liberal Europeans and Canadians disagree with conservative American policies. Well, at least you admit your double standard, I'll give you credit for that I guess.
Once Norway runs out of oil and natural gasses their welfare system will collapse
Very true, but with oil prices above $80/barrel today they can really rake in the cash. It was only 13 years ago that oil was selling for under $20/barrel. So as long as they have not increased their welfare spending beyond 400% over the last decade, they should still be in the black.
No. To me it's about how an overly generous welfare system can be targeted for the types of scams like was reported in the original link. I have no problems with welfare that is prioritized and well monitored. I think Norway should prioritize their welfare according to people's actual needs.
I don't think Norway needs our advice. It's a completely different situation. It has long been a homogeneous population with largely unified cultural and religious beliefs. My friends in Norway recognize that their structure would not work in the US and question how our system is able to do as well as it can given all the variables in terms of cultural and religious beliefs as well as wide differences in income.
Norway is a beautiful country and their system currently works for them. However, they are beginning to question the ability of their structure being able to handle a changing population that includes immigrants that have cultural and religious beliefs that run contrary to most Norwegians.
Norway will be fine without oil money. Their social welfare programs are funded by high taxes including a wealth tax. That's right, if you have a lot of money, the government extracts a percentage of your holdings each year even if you have no "income".
The oil money is put into a trust fund for pensions. They already have plenty enough to pay for the people they have and their oil is still pumping.
What's interesting is that their policies - government run healthcare, education, and retirement - actually make it a really great place to start a business. They rank very high in terms of entrepreneurship, since those exact issues - healthcare, education, and retirement - are what bankrupt many small businesses here.
You have to get it out of your head that welfare programs "encourage" laziness on a grand scale. Yes, there are people that will game the system, but most don't want to live a subsistence lifestyle unless they have no other choice.
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