(03-19-2016, 12:08 AM)RolloTheGreat Wrote:(03-18-2016, 11:06 PM)SickBeast Wrote: Perhaps all that socialism is why Europe has half as much GDP per capita compared to the USA.
No way! Why wouldn't people want to work harder to pay for other kid's college, deadbeat's food and shelter, and hippie's healthcare?!
That's why I get up in the morning!
You may be on to something SB. If you were a really rich guy, would you want to stay where they take all your money and give it to the poor?
How about if you were a couple that each made $100K?
If they're going to tax you down to $110K both working, but leave you $80K if one works, are you each going to work for $55K of your $100K, or will one of you retire and you both live on the $80K?
I think there has to be a balance and I think that a large part of Europe is extremely poorly governed. Some countries like France, however, are doing remarkably well despite all the "socialism". In France they only work 4 days a week, they retire younger,and they have great free healthcare and way more government services, yet their GDP per capita still rivals the USA. Go figure.
I think in a lot of cases in Europe, socialism taken too far has dragged on their economies. Greece, for example, was ruined by poor decisions by their government.
Even in Canada we do quite well despite more "socialism". Yes, our GDP per capita is lower but it's not by that much and I don't think the entire difference comes down to socialism.