As we careen towards socialism, keep this in mind

[OnceWasLost]

Norway is a socialist utopia sighted as a wonderful example of how the ideals of socialism work well. Although the country has free markets mixed with a government welfare system the tax burden on the individual is enormous. They are getting fed up with it, and yet we have advocates for such a system here. :doh The article is interesting, it seems people are tired of the oppressive tax system.


Tax Rates (Basic View)

Individual: 28% (Then progressive for higher incomes)
VAT: 23% (additional sales tax on consumer goods)

http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article1891543.ece

[dlocal]

interesting

[Cory]

Of course you are aware that the average person living in these nations auctually aprrove of it, right? Otherwise the system would've been changed by now as the conservitave parties would've won the elections.

[OnceWasLost]

Of course you are aware that the average person living in these nations auctually aprrove of it, right? Otherwise the system would've been changed by now as the conservitave parties would've won the elections.

Well, Sarkozy has proposed just that, since it cannot be sustained as is. He ran on this and the socialist candidate lost. So, we will see if he can get his reforms.

As for Norway, there is growing resentment as they see their taxes increase, and discretionary income decrease. People are afraid to have benefits taken away, since it's all they know, but to say they like it? The people all over Europe, who can afford, it pay for private care.

[Stinker]

Maybe (SOME..country club Reps)the Republicans should have been more responsible, and less greedy.

Instead, the wealthy shipped our jobs over seas,sold whatever they could sell, and spit on our nation and its people.

If we do go down the democratic socialist pathway, someones greed will hold a great deal of the responsibility.

When family's struggle to pay medical bills, and our jobs are at risk, can you blame them for wanting help when they need it?

Greeeeeeeed destroys good things.

Its fine to make a profit, but keep the opportunity's here, not bring them over there.

[OnceWasLost]

We can't lay all that at the feet of the wealthy. I know personally businesses that could not compete here in the states due to taxation, wages, and insurance. They had a decision to outsource or close all together. The person I know in particular had only those options. It is easy to paint with a broad brush, but that covers only a small part.

Government regulation causes more businesses to leave than most people even know. California has lost so much industry because the cost of doing business is so restrictive that they look elsewhere that is more hospitable.

Socialism is hardly an answer, it is actually a competition killer, ask yourself, what does Norway lead the world in? France? Any socialist country for that matter.

We are the free market engine of the world and there is no close second. If we go the socialist route we become another also ran ultimately.

[Stinker]

We can't lay all that at the feet of the wealthy. I know personally businesses that could not compete here in the states due to taxation, wages, and insurance. They had a decision to outsource or close all together. The person I know in particular had only those options. It is easy to paint with a broad brush, but that covers only a small part.

Government regulation causes more businesses to leave than most people even know. California has lost so much industry because the cost of doing business is so restrictive that they look elsewhere that is more hospitable.

Socialism is hardly an answer, that is a real competition killer, what does Norway lead the world in? France? Any socialist country for that matter.

We are the free market engine of the world and there is no close second. If we go that route we become another also ran ultimately.

A free market that puts the American people first is the answer.

[OnceWasLost]

A free market that puts the American people first is the answer.

Well we can find stinkers :lol2 (pun intended) in the free market, but I feel they are in the vast minority. Small business make the engine run, and that fuels a free market, not big business. They are for the most part you next door neighbors, and that's why it works.

Big business is an easy target but they are not the reason to make a case for socialism.

[Pagemistress]

My neighbor is a socialist (she's from Canada) and she and I get into many interesting discussions about this. I believe that most socialists really think they are doing good, not realizing that the good they try to do can be corrupted.

The basis of socialist policies is to help the "poor". The problem with that is the policies are never about helping the poor to better themselves...only to take from the "rich" and redistribute the "wealth". It boils down to taking money I earned and giving it to someone who did not earn it.

My socialist friend was horrified at the idea that I might have to return to work after my twins are 2 years old. In her opinion, the government should pay me so I could stay home. I asked her why she felt that taxpayers were obligated to support me...after all, I am the one who had the children, and if circumstances force me to go back to work sooner than I'd like...well why is that everyone else's problem? If I were to get such "assistance", is that really fair to the hardworking people whose taxes are going towards this?

Believe me...I'm not talking about true charity nor am I saying that we don't have a responsibility to help others. Of course we do. But it dismays me to hear people who think that those who choose not to work or better themselves should be somehow entitled to the fruits of those who do.

I'm not sure if I'm saying it right... :rolls

[OnceWasLost]

Pagemistress,

I am also baffled at the mentality, that people should support you to stay home. Already you will likely need to work to make ends meet, since taxes cause that to be a necessity. I am with you, if we had less people looking for someone else to do for us, we would be in much better shape. :thumb