The comeback continent

[Skybird]

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...528002,00.html

In short, Europe continues to be a big-government sort of place. And that's why it's important to get the real story of the European economy out there.

According to the anti-government ideology that dominates much US political discussion, low taxes and a weak social safety net are essential to prosperity. Try to make the lives of Americans even slightly more secure, we're told, and the economy will shrivel up -- the same way it supposedly has in Europe.
But the next time a politician tries to scare you with the European bogeyman, bear this in mind: Europe's economy is actually doing O.K. these days, despite a level of taxing and spending beyond the wildest ambitions of American progressives.

terminated

[Tchocky]

Originally Posted by Wave Skipper

I know Europe liked to imagine itself as a continent back when it ruled over the dusky men with its 'white man's burden'. Yet, Greenland is a better continent than Europe. One day Europe will get a lesson in this when it realizes that there is nothing standing between it and China's 1.3 Billion and Indians billion+'s, except those poorly utilized farm fields in Russia.

Oh no! Foreigners!

I like being a European

[SUBMAN1]

I find that funny. Your idea of an economy doing OK is an economy that is not going backwards, but one with on 1 or 2 percentage point gains. Sad. America adds another Saidi Arabia in economy every month, and what exactly are the Europeans doing? Adding an Ethiopia? We are over double the gains of what Europe has.

This is what Americans don't want - a pathetic state of growth.

I guess this is another Skybird feel-good thread is all.

-S

[Tchocky]

Originally Posted by SUBMAN1

I find that funny. Your idea of an economy doing OK is an economy that is not going backwards, but one with on 1 or 2 percentage point gains. Sad. America adds another Saidi Arabia in economy every month, and what exactly are the Europeans doing? Adding an Ethiopia? We are over double the gains of what Europe has.

The US economy is certainly growing faster than that of Europe, but that's not the only variable to consider. Income inequality in the US has never been higher, almost twice that of some European countries. That's where welfare state systems can be seen to have an effect.

This is what Americans don't want - a pathetic state of growth.

And good luck to them. However, I wouldn't want a striking growth rate alongside inflation, inequality and unacceptable debt. Balance is key.
Regarding "pathetic growth", 2% is respectable, even more so if it is sustainable. European economies tend to be slower-moving than the US, resulting in flatter booms and soft-landing recessions (exception in point, Ireland at the turn of the century). This is due to rather large differences in both the ideology and infrastructure of the two areas, with benefits and disadvantages on each side. You nailed it youself, the two want different things, as is only natural.
The problem arises when the idea of EU vs US gets into somebody's head, resulting in rather mismatched comparisons that don't get off the ground, such as Saudi Arabia/Ethiopia.

I guess this is another Skybird feel-good thread is all.

Don't be so harsh.

Originally Posted by mrbeast

Yep it may well do but then again I'm not bankrupt if I find out I've got cancer, or if i have an accident I can go to any casualty department and not get turned away because the hospital is not listed on my health insurance card.

NHS

My brother lives in Lancaster, and I chipped a tooth on a night out while visiting him. Next day we went to look for an NHS dentist, I had it repaired the day after that.
NHS indeed

[SUBMAN1]

Originally Posted by Tchocky

The US economy is certainly growing faster than that of Europe, but that's not the only variable to consider. Income inequality in the US has never been higher, almost twice that of some European countries. That's where welfare state systems can be seen to have an effect.

Do you have any idea why the income inequalities are growing faster over here than Europe? Try illegal aliens. ALl 12+ million of them. That is a true statement if you include them. Remove them from the equation and we probably have equal or lesser rates than Europe.

And good luck to them. However, I wouldn't want a striking growth rate alongside inflation, inequality and unacceptable debt. Balance is key.
Regarding "pathetic growth", 2% is respectable, even more so if it is sustainable. European economies tend to be slower-moving than the US, resulting in flatter booms and soft-landing recessions (exception in point, Ireland at the turn of the century). This is due to rather large differences in both the ideology and infrastructure of the two areas, with benefits and disadvantages on each side. You nailed it youself, the two want different things, as is only natural.
The problem arises when the idea of EU vs US gets into somebody's head, resulting in rather mismatched comparisons that don't get off the ground, such as Saudi Arabia/Ethiopia.

I have yet to see you not hit as hard as we do. Our recessions include an increase in GDP funny enough too, so I think the idea of a recession in Americas eyes is much different than Europe - we all get ticked off when our investments aren't growing as much - 1% to us is a recession, where you're idea of one is going backwards. 2% in my book is nothing to write home about. 4% is, and 5% is great. We normally have those numbers after you look at the yearly totals.

Yep it may well do but then again I'm not bankrupt if I find out I've got cancer, or if i have an accident I can go to any casualty department and not get turned away because the hospital is not listed on my health insurance card.

NHS

See my above post. You guys have no clue how our health system works.

My brother lives in Lancaster, and I chipped a tooth on a night out while visiting him. Next day we went to look for an NHS dentist, I had it repaired the day after that.
NHS indeed

Same here, but I also have a dentist with the latest modern equipment - the best money can buy.

[Happy Times]

Originally Posted by SUBMAN1

I find that funny. Your idea of an economy doing OK is an economy that is not going backwards, but one with on 1 or 2 percentage point gains. Sad. America adds another Saidi Arabia in economy every month, and what exactly are the Europeans doing? Adding an Ethiopia? We are over double the gains of what Europe has.

This is what Americans don't want - a pathetic state of growth.

I guess this is another Skybird feel-good thread is all.

-S

The current economic outlook for both the near-term and long-term future look positive, based on assessments made by The World Economic Forum that has declared Finland to be the most competitive country in the world for three consecutive years (2003–2005) and four times since 2002.

In recent years there has been national focus on innovation and research and development, with special emphasis on information technology. Finland was ranked 3rd most innovative economy in 2006 by the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS), with scores well above that of the EU25 average and the United States.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Finland

[SUBMAN1]

Originally Posted by Happy Times

The current economic outlook for both the near-term and long-term future look positive, based on assessments made by The World Economic Forum that has declared Finland to be the most competitive country in the world for three consecutive years (2003–2005) and four times since 2002.

In recent years there has been national focus on innovation and research and development, with special emphasis on information technology. Finland was ranked 3rd most innovative economy in 2006 by the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS), with scores well above that of the EU25 average and the United States.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Finland

This is mostly true. Finland was ranked high. I expect them to have a good upswing too. Hopefully you guys can carry some of the EU weight on your backs.

-S

[Kapitan_Phillips]

Originally Posted by Wave Skipper

I know Europe liked to imagine itself as a continent back when it ruled over the dusky men with its 'white man's burden'. Yet, Greenland is a better continent than Europe. One day Europe will get a lesson in this when it realizes that there is nothing standing between it and China's 1.3 Billion and Indians billion+'s, except those poorly utilized farm fields in Russia.

Well Europe has a country called Great Britain. Great Britain.




By the way, isnt Greenland actually white? :rotfl:

[XabbaRus]

Huh, what has Greenland got? A few eskimos and polar bears.
Wave Skipper could I have some of what you have...?

[SUBMAN1]

Why is Greenland called Greenland? All they've got is a bunch of ice!

[Skybird]

The snooty attitude of some guys replying in this thread is exactly what the (American!) author of that essay is adressing, and deserves no serious attention. The article has been first printed in the NYT.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by SUBMAN1

Why is Greenland called Greenland? All they've got is a bunch of ice!

Does thet mean Germany is full of germs, or Poland is full of poles (the wooden variety)

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Kapitan_Phillips

Well Europe has a country called Great Britain. Great Britain.

That's only because back before old King John gave it away, the territory of Brittany was called 'Less Britain'.:p

By the way, isnt Greenland actually white? :rotfl:

Not now that the glaciers are melting.:rotfl:

[STEED]

Originally Posted by Kapitan_Phillips

Well Europe has a country called Great Britain.

Which is a anagram for Standard Britain.