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The U.S. and Europe really aren't that different anymore. Both have governments that take a lot in taxes, regulate whatever they can, and make more and more laws.
here is one the US has that europe doesnt, for the most part, the right to a speedy trial. in europe you can be tossed into jail until such time as the judiciary decides to take your case. here in america, depending on jusridiction, there is a limited time in which to arraign someone or the charges get dropped automatically.
1. Hong Kong 9.09 8.98 9.04
2. Switzerland 9.40 8.19 8.80
3. Finland 9.42 7.84 8.63
4. Denmark 9.58 7.66 8.62
5. New Zealand 8.97 8.25 8.61
6. Canada 9.20 8.00 8.60
7. Australia 9.23 7.87 8.55
8. Ireland 9.28 7.80 8.54
9. United Kingdom 9.22 7.81 8.51
10. Sweden 9.53 7.47 8.50
11. Norway 9.43 7.52 8.48
12. Austria 9.42 7.48 8.45
12. Germany 9.34 7.55 8.45
13. Iceland 9.37 7.43 8.40
14. Netherlands 9.34 7.45 8.40
16. Malta 9.14 7.63 8.38
17. Luxembourg 9.34 7.40 8.37
18. Chile 8.81 7.84 8.32
19. Mauritius 8.46 8.09 8.28 20. United States of America 8.71 7.81 8.26
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In addition, it includes indicators on rule of law, crime and violence, freedom of movement, and legal discrimination against same-sex relationships. We also include five variables pertaining to women’s freedom that are found in various categories
of the index.
I have lived in the UK for a period, and as an American I would go back if I could. For me, personally I felt the quality of life was higher. Good infrastructure, people seem to be better informed about the world at large (BBC v. US news outlets), the NHS was fine (I used it and had no complaints whereas now in the US I have no insurance because I cannot afford it), and the higher taxes didn't seem that oppressive. VAT...some goods are more expensive than in the US but some good were cheaper. People still seemed to enjoy shopping and had money to travel.
I cannot speak to the continent (Europe proper) but Britain is a great place to live, and I felt as free there if not more so than I do back home.
I have spent much time in France and did not feel free there at all. Cops randomly detain and search people and cars, pedestrians and especially motorists, without probable cause. They have the right to do that and it has happened to almost every single french person at least once.
No free speech. Disrespect the president you could be tossed in jail and that has happened (the UE actually repealed that law recently). Of course, no speech that could be interpreted as hate speech.
No carry of any kind, however people get beat and stabbed all the time by groups of thugs, mostly of Arab origin. If you dare defending yourself with any kind of weapon, you will be incarcerated, guaranteed. They might release you after some time if the judge determines you were acting in self defense, which almost never happens.
No freedom of religion. The government will ban any religious attire they dislike (usually female muslim clothing). Once in a while the sight of jewish kippas will make them throw a tantrum in the media.
No freedom to enjoy your hard earned wealth. Wealthy people routinely pay 66% income tax or more. The estate tax system is way worse than it is in the US. The middle class is taxed to the verge of suffocation.
The French State wants the power to dictate your speech, your attitude, the way you express your beliefs, and the list always grows. It also wants most of your money. It is illegal now to pay in cash for transactions over 1000 euros.
Because of the socialist system and the high taxes, salaries are so low it is almost not worth working unless you are upper class. The middle class and poorer classes enjoy almost exactly the same lifestyle. Many people milk the system, and apply for public housing since it is usually of very good quality. Social insurance will pay most of the rent, sometimes entirely, and the household (even a healthy, single male) will receive welfare and free healthcare, including dental. Who am I to blame them ? Don't hate the player...
If your property is squatted by trespassers, you will not be able to evict them. It will take a year at least (seriously), before you could get it back.
Overall, the winners at this game, those who enjoy and defend the french socialist society the most, are government employees, the working class, minorities (I am a minority), and young women.
Most of Europe is this way, except on the economy. Despite the taxes, many countries with a culture of hard work enjoy a good economy due to the presence of few cheaters. Not France.
Last edited by Sorel36; 01-29-2016 at 10:52 PM..
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