Sorry, ive lived all over this country and 40% below the poverty line is complete hogwash created using BS political statistics. Poverty in the USA means you own a car and live in a home. Poverty in other countries can mean you are nearly starving to death. 40% poverty? Ha. You would expect to tour the USA and see nearly half the population walking the streets begging for food. This is a complete joke. Keep using funny numbers and you'll never make your case. Thats why the EU vs USA study is so important. It doesnt use BS govt #'s like this but TANGIBLE comparisons, like homes, cars, TV's, etc. Positive savings rate, debt, etc, is a PERSONAL choice, not something the govt. can control. There is no point in comparing europeans that tend to save, to americans who tend to spend, because the govt has nothing to do with it. I save like crazy, because I choose to. So yes, it can be done in the USA too, not a govt problem. You claim the US is headed in the terrible direction, but the statistics in the EU vs USA study show that the US is pulling further ahead of european countries! The EU has the same problems as the USA, in regards to globalization, but its even worse, with their higher tax rates and govt. business choking rules and regulations.
Another interesting link showing unemployment rates in every country... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_unemployment_rate
Using wikipedia as a source for tax information is a joke. Any moron can enter whatever number he wants. Here is a chart of effective taxes as a part of GDP for euro countries and the USA.
Americans are so unhealthy simpel because they don't understand that food causes a lot of problems. Food amde here in the USA is really bad. Americans don't prevent, they get sick and they try to fix it. It's amazing how Americans spend so much money on diet pills which don't work, instead of going on diet and exersize. It's not jus that McDonald's is bad, there are many other products that are bad, but very few know that or understand that.
Nope, Euro taxes are quite higher. Take a look at the previous chart. Our tax systems differ quite a bit, some countries pay VAT out the ass, etc, and other taxes we dont have in the states. Look at taxes as a percentage of GDP, where its harder to play funny with the numbers and becomes clear just how insanely high Euro taxes are. Take a look at the chart, and remember, this study was done by the swedes.
Dude, Your California lifestyle is made off the backs of illegal immigrants who get paid shit wages, can't afford healthcare, and live in poverty. Your consumer goods are produced in Asian sweat shops, and your country is running up a massive unsupportable debt as it try's to maintain control of it's energy sources. You are absolutely missing the forest for the trees here.
Shame on American!!! You need to see other countries, especially in Japan and S.Korea. They have a great health insurance applying to every single person in their countries. I do not know why it is so complicated to benefit more people in this country. Health comes first than any other things. Let's realize which one is a priority for people.
Stop spewing nonsense, I had the same lifestyle in at least 6 other states. Im sick of this type of idiotic liberal propaganda. Is everyone brainwashed this easily?? As for asian sweat shops, are you going to tell me no EU countries import the very same shit??? Get real. For the record, illegal immigrants *ARE ILLEGAL* they dont deserve a god damn thing, THEY ARE CRIMINALS, so cry me a river.
Let's see... You argue that: 1. Because there might be less of it in other states that makes it OK. and 2. The fact that other countries take advantage of it makes it OK as well. and 3. Because they are here illegally that gives you the right to take advantage of them. Yep... your moral character comes through loud and clear.