Next time somebody uses Germany as an example of how "Socialism" can thrive...

[Fiyero]

Originally Posted by Hot_Handz

Norway and Sweden are culturally homogeneous....present the dynamic in America with that of Sweden (predominantly blonde haired, blue eyes, speak Swedish, Lutheran etc. etc.)

Not a very diverse country.

And the same applies to Norway and Austria.

I'm not saying their exact system would work here. Part of the problem with the US is we are too big and diverse. You can't appease everyone, and trying to efficiently manage a country of this size is a huge undertaking. But you guys continue to claim that socialistic policies are evil and failures everywhere. The fact that most of 1st World countries have those type of policies, many of whom are doing quite well and top the rankings of best places to live prove they aren't evil assuming the demographics allow such policies.

Switzerland might be your lone example. But let's talk about Switzerland...

I have been to Zurich, it's an iceberg...and I'm not talking about the temperate climate, and the people of Switzerland are VERY odd. It's a very strange place, almost as if it's in a vacuum. One thing I find very odd about Switzerland is, they cannot enter the international market, at least competitively, because the cost of labor is through the roof....

But yet, they manage to be one of the richest nations on the globe.

There isn't that many people buying chocolate and watches....

Zurich is one of the leading financial centers in the world. Banking and Finance are the main contributors to its success, as well as having the highest quality of living in the world, excellent education, service industry, safety, etc.

They also have legislation right now on the table that is trying to argue the merits of incest.

18 States in the US allow 1st Cousins to marry, and incest is rampant in the Bible. Not that it's something i particular support, but Switzerland isn't exactly abnormal.

Prostitution is legal @ 16. So, are you OK with your daughter leaving home at her freewill @ age 16? Especially to be a prostitute?

Prostitution is legal in many parts of the world. Amsterdam being a famous example. Many people have no problem with prostitution.

The country is also culturally divided between three major demographics...Italian, German and French. There is a language barrier between all of them....the place is not a melting pot.

I wouldn't call it a "barrier". Most Swiss nationals speak multiple languages. Most Europeans do for that matter. Unlike Americans, Europeans actually consider learning multiple languages to be beneficial. Most European schools require students to study more than one language. Usually English, French, and German. I consider that a huge perk of Europe, not a negative. But then I love foreign languages.

Not to mention all the other veils of mystery surrounding the country as it is.

Just because it has a different culture doesn't make it bad. Zurich and Geneva are year after year ranked as 2 of the best cities in the world to live. Their only downside is they are also 2 of the world's most expensive cities.