I live in Finland, a Nordic social-welfare state. We have great benefits and no one is homeless, everyone has health care, university studies are free (actually you are paid to study), we have 10.5 months of paid maternity leave, free day care and social security for the elderly. We are still free and a large percentage of Finns participate in democratic decision making. The state doesn't tell you whom you can marry, etc. We enjoy freedom and a quality of life is very high. Why does this type of society have such negative connotations for Americans?
Other - Cultures & Groups - 13 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Wow....thats sounds great but over here in America I think they call that socialism.....Unfortunately America is full of selfish people who believe in stepping all over someone else to get what they want. This is the reason why we hardly have any allies now.
2 :
I'll be on my way in a few minutes.
3 :
Americans erroneously call that "Socialism".
4 :
some peoples self worth and hardon is achieved by having more than the next person. they will hate to see everybody enjoying the same things. they like to feel superior. which is why alot of americans will fight tooth and nail not to have your more humane system
5 :
Because it actually helps poor people get ahead, instead of keeping them in their place
6 :
It's socialism for a reason. This country already relies on resources, and technology from other countries, as much as they rely on our military. This cost money, and people are worried about getting free money and not working for it? We need the businesses created in this country, so many are closing down thank to this economy failure, this is what happens when people expect everything free, mainly liberals, that lazy suggestion that free public schooling, or free market leads to laziness, and further more people taking for granted what's feed to them. Like government money, free education yet many of these kids are dropping out of school or not learning anything. Trust there is a reason for "Unfair" laws passed that people whine about. Judicator is correct. It's a shame to see people crying over who has money and who doesn't yet many of the rich or upper class citizens give to charities, aid Africa, parts of Asia and other countries. And why is religion the subject to some of these rants? Many Atheist follow cults or bizarre acts of spirituality that teaches them nothing on preparing them selves for events in real life.
7 :
That sounds like a great place to live. Americans don't understand the concept of true freedom. Don't get me wrong alot of americans don't contradict themselves but many do. They are supposedly a Chrstian countru but they are okay to invade other countries
8 :
It IS pretty much like that for some people here and not for others. Maybe that's why it's so scary. It would never be this way for all of us. It doesn't work that way here because of our leaders (and besides, somebody has to pay for it). They remain in power by keeping us at each other's throats. Divided people don't revolt. Go ahead and bring on the thumbs down because you think I meant black people. I didn't though (or not as much). I'm talking about Hispanics. Our governement caters to them in preparation for the North American Union.
9 :
Finland can't afford to do anything else besides providing free material for their people. They do not aid other countries when they are in times of need. They did not assist in major disasters that occurred from the Chinese earthquakes to the floods going on in South Asia. Finland also lack the ability to protect themselves, and relies on other countries to provide that for them. Which decreases one's incentive to work and improve their own lives, because the state will do that for them. Socialism puts a cap on how much you are allowed to earn, ultimately punishing those who are productive units in society, and rewarding those who are less productive that do not contribute to the rest. Also Finland is a much smaller country and has less diversity than the US, just like communism it can work on a smaller scale,, but falls apart when the population is too big. As for the effectiveness of socialism, most in western Europe get private health care because it takes an average of 3 months to get an appointment, no matter how sick you are. Same reason why most Canadians go south to take care of serious health issues.
10 :
This is because the population of Finland is very homogeneous. Everyone share the same culture, believe and history. People are more willing to help others that are similar to them.
11 :
The people who are making the money run the country, the masses are pretty easy to control with scare tactics. TV says anything other than capitalism is scary so people believe it.
12 :
We have too many bums and useless people over here for that to work.
13 :
Americans are inherently greedy and selfish. I didn't realize this until I traveled through Europe. (I didn't stop in Finland but I did spend a few days in Norway.) Socialist countries have better education and health care systems, and thus an overall higher quality of life. Taxes going to the police and military is one thing, but Americans don't want to see 75-80% of their paychecks go to taxes to fund education and health care. That way, only the few privileged members get to climb up the socioeconomic ladder.
Read more discussions :
