More truth coming out about Obama.

[z31maniac]

I can get three months of payed vacation every year so that I can spend some time with my family.

The job market there, is so competitive, that companies are giving twice the federally mandated amount of vacation?

That's pretty impressive.

Germany has a similar unemployemnt rate to the US, and yet, one someone loses a job, the gov't automatically has another one to people in?


yes, there are good things about Europe, but it I wanted a European lifestyle, I would move there.

[Ryan Stewart]

So strong unions, high taxes, universal health care and heavily subsidized college education (1000 euro enrolment charge per year). You dirty pinko leftist, you should be ashamed if yourself.

The only issue is those things are dying in that country thanks to the "grey revolution" going on. The only reason its held on as long as it has is due to the work ethic those people have.

Apply the same rules to people who are lazy and you get Greece. Most Americans are closer to the Greek than the Germans.

[herbivor]

yes, there are good things about Europe, but it I wanted a European lifestyle, I would move there.

No you wouldn't. I want a European life style, but it's not so easy for me to move there. Family and responsibility are the major things holding me back, but even if they weren't it's not so easy to immigrate there or speak the language or assimilate into the culture, or find a job. I'm sure there are a lot of people that would like to move to a better country (and there are many better countries and governments than the USA by the way), but it's not easy if not near impossible for most.

[nando]

surprise! another obama = communist mccarthyism thread from joshh!

[z31maniac]

No you wouldn't. I want a European life style, but it's not so easy for me to move there. Family and responsibility are the major things holding me back, but even if they weren't it's not so easy to immigrate there or speak the language or assimilate into the culture, or find a job. I'm sure there are a lot of people that would like to move to a better country (and there are many better countries and governments than the USA by the way), but it's not easy if not near impossible for most.

Sure I would. I would save money, learn the language/immigration requirements of the country I wanted to move there and work at making it happen.

I know it's hard to believe that everyone is not helpless.

But I don't want to live in Europe. I just want to go visit. ;)

[gwb72tii]

actually some european countries will not allow you to immigrate and work because it takes a job away from somebody else. my son cooks and want's to train under a certain chef in france and cannot because of their policies.
and herb, you just said it yourself. you'd like th european lifestyle but you might have a hard time finding a job? ha ha. not much to like.

[herbivor]

Sure I would. I would save money, learn the language/immigration requirements of the country I wanted to move there and work at making it happen.

I know it's hard to believe that everyone is not helpless.

But I don't want to live in Europe. I just want to go visit. ;)

You are an exceptional person, quite lucky actually, and represent a small percentage of the population. That doesn't mean everyone else is as fortunate as you or have the same opportunities to live like you do, wherever they want. That also does not mean that those people, myself included, made horrible decisions in life or are not smart enough to have your opportunities. For the vast majority, their quality of life is a matter of circumstantial luck and not determined based on just their work ethic or intelligence as you may want to believe.

[mrsleeve]

Herbie. You again make my stomache trun in disgust

[z31maniac]

You are an exceptional person, quite lucky actually, and represent a small percentage of the population. That doesn't mean everyone else is as fortunate as you or have the same opportunities to live like you do, wherever they want. That also does not mean that those people, myself included, made horrible decisions in life or are not smart enough to have your opportunities. For the vast majority, their quality of life is a matter of circumstantial luck and not determined based on just their work ethic or intelligence as you may want to believe.

I've grown up in one of the poorest states in the country with a poor education system, from divorced parents, grew up in a trailer park......wah wah wah. So what?

Guess you haven't read about the girl out on the east coast who has been accepted to Harvard law while finishing her senior year of high school.

I went to college, got a degree, got a job and have been busting my ass ever since.

So how is me working hard, being fortunate/lucky?

Are some people unlucky? Sure. Are most? Probably not.


And actually regardless of any of that junk that system of goverance is completely unstainable. I think that's the most important thing to realize.

[herbivor]

I've grown up in one of the poorest states in the country with a poor education system, from divorced parents, grew up in a trailer park......wah wah wah. So what?

Guess you haven't read about the girl out on the east coast who has been accepted to Harvard law while finishing her senior year of high school.

I went to college, got a degree, got a job and have been busting my ass ever since.

So how is me working hard, being fortunate/lucky?

Are some people unlucky? Sure. Are most? Probably not.


And actually regardless of any of that junk that system of goverance is completely unstainable. I think that's the most important thing to realize.

I did hear about the homeless to Harvard girl. She was naturally intelligent, which is helpful, but she also had lots of support to get her there, not something everyone has, as I said.

Congratulations on your success. Our stories of growing up and becoming successful are pretty similar, but I also consider myself pretty lucky that I'm more intelligent than the average person and I had some great mentors at just the right time that pointed me in the right direction. Had they not been there, or had I been slightly dumber, I don't think I would be where I am today. The difference between us is that I do not consider my success something that I obtain without the help from others, whereas you do.

Regarding Europe, yeah some governments are unsustainable, but the ones that seam to be fairing the best economically and rated highest amongst first world countries in nearly everything, are also democratic socialists. The conservatives in our country on the other hand are trying to take similar actions as Ireland has to cut costs and reduce debt. Look at what has happened to Ireland as a result and you'll see those decisions have been unwise.

[z31maniac]

The difference between us is that I do not consider my success something that I obtain without the help from others, whereas you do.

I've definitely had help, but I'm still responsible for the outcome. Good or bad.

My sister was put in the exact same situation as me, at nearly 27, unmarried with 3 kids, is she just now starting to pull herself out of it. All the same opportunities, smart........she made stupid choices.

[Morrison]

That's a another problem America has currently. Babies are considered a status symbol now, at least among many Americans. Look at the Duggars with their 19 or 20 or however many kids they have now. If those were cats, she'd be a crazy cat lady, but instead she's revered as a good Christian woman who loves children. Without the show, there's no way they'd be able to financially support a family that size. And even with it, is each kid really getting the attention/parenting they need?

You can be 17, unmarried, and pregnant in America and still garner "congratulations" and accolades. WTF? Shouldn't this be viewed as shameful or at least indifferent for fucks sake?

In my opinion the only time a "congratulations" should be in order is if you've been married for at least 3-5 years, and have a stable financial means to take care of it.

By the way, I'm not saying your sister is necessarily like any of the above since I don't know her or her circumstances.

[z31maniac]

Nope, she's pretty much a dumbass.

Dropped out of a college to follow a deadbeat loser, moved to California, found a dead end job, got preggers, moved back, then had a few more...........

[LBJefferies]

Yes. I have lived there, and I have lived better there. Are there trade offs. Yes. There are things you can do and get here that you can not in Europe, but that applies the other way around as well.
In Germany I can go to school for free through college and get a GREAT education and not just an ok one. I can severely injure my self or get cancer with out having to worry that the hospital bills will put me and my family on the street. I can get three months of payed vacation every year so that I can spend some time with my family. If I loose my job the government will set me up with a job, even if it is not the one I want to do I know I will have a roof over my head.
I am not trying to say the grass is greener on the other side of the ocean. Germany and the rest of Europe has many problems, but that does not mean that America can not learn something from places like Germany. They could learn a few things from us as well. People should stop being so stubborn and close minded. Open your mind to other ideas, it does not mean you need to except them or even like them but you might learn something you will be surprised about. All this McCarthyism is not healthy.

I am not going to deny that Germany sounds great. Quite frankly it is great, I have been there. But all of these things you listed place a huge burden on the economy. High wages, extensive health benefits, 3 months of vacation, high taxes, etc. All of these things make the cost of hiring employees and running a business very high. When these things happen, jobs are sent overseas, all of a sudden there are less jobs and money to be paying for all the benefits, and the system collapses. It sounds fantastic in principle, to be able to provide necessities and luxuries to everyone, but it does not work in the long run. In order for society to flourish, people need to be working for themselves and their own survival.

[nando]

Nope, she's pretty much a dumbass.

Dropped out of a college to follow a deadbeat loser, moved to California, found a dead end job, got preggers, moved back, then had a few more...........

doh!

glad I waited until I was 30 to have kids. can't imagine having them when I was 20 like half of my peers.. now I can have fun with them :)