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I'am curious to see how this influences other western European countries since Sweden is viewed as a model for Social Democracy(moderate socialism).
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Sweden is selling the stakes in a bid to reduce state ownership in companies, cut debt and lower taxes. As with proceeds from other sales so far, the government said it will use the Vasakronan funds to pay off debt.
I can see where this thread is going to go: straight to a lengthy, name calling debate over capitalism vs. socialism. I'll just get my two cents in here before it gets to all of that.
True, Sweden is a pretty socialist country, and it seems to work quite well for them. The US is a mostly capitalist country and it works for us. The difference, and the reason why that socialist model could never work here, is that Sweden is still largely a homogenous country whereas the US is most certainly not. IMO, largely homogenous nations are much more suited to having a social system. A nation of immigrants, the US, is not.
The difference, and the reason why that socialist model could never work here, is that Sweden is still largely a homogenous country
How exactly does being homogenous affect the ability of a country in being able to do what the Scandinavian countries are doing?
Also many real socialist don't consider the Scandinavian countries to be socialist. They consider countries like Sweden to be capitalist but with a "smiley face". Real socialism involves the public or gov't ownership of all industries. That's why I pointed out that Sweden is considered a "social democracy".
How exactly does being homogenous affect the ability of a country in being able to do what the Scandinavian countries are doing?
Also many real socialist don't consider the Scandinavian countries to be socialist. They consider countries like Sweden to be capitalist but with a "smiley face". Real socialism involves the public or gov't ownership of all industries. That's why I pointed out that Sweden is considered a "social democracy".
Becuase in a society of millions of different beliefs and ideologies, it's wrong to try to force a standard of governance upon everyone. The Founding Fathers intended us to be multi-cultural and hence limited government. The more free a society, the more multi-culturalism works. Europe is going to be in for a massive "Shock to the System" when they find their African/Muslim newcomers do not approve of their liberalized lifestyles and ideologies. Sweden being homogenous, it's easier to settle on a universal standard of caring and governance. Japan is the ultamite example of this.
How exactly does being homogenous affect the ability of a country in being able to do what the Scandinavian countries are doing?
It is just my opinion that the more homogenous society is, the more there is a general feeling of belonging and of an obligation to stick together. Call it a tribal connection or whatever you want. Like I said, it's just my opinion.
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Also many real socialist don't consider the Scandinavian countries to be socialist. They consider countries like Sweden to be capitalist but with a "smiley face". Real socialism involves the public or gov't ownership of all industries. That's why I pointed out that Sweden is considered a "social democracy".
That's interesting, because I consider many "real socialists" to be outright marxists.
Granted, Sweden is not even close to having the same levels of socialism that it had it the past. But it is still by and large a nation with many socialist characteristics such as cradle to grave welfare (52% of their GDP at one point went towards welfare), universal healthcare, extremely high taxes, and tons of regulation, and a workforce that is 80% unionized. They have started to liberalize since the late 90s and as a result have seen their economy improve greatly with more businesses and entrepreneurs flourishing there than in the past.
How exactly does being homogenous affect the ability of a country in being able to do what the Scandinavian countries are doing?
Also many real socialist don't consider the Scandinavian countries to be socialist. They consider countries like Sweden to be capitalist but with a "smiley face". Real socialism involves the public or gov't ownership of all industries. That's why I pointed out that Sweden is considered a "social democracy".
Public or government ownership of all industries is not socialism, it's communism.
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