> That argument would be more convincing if the original poster were not comparing SF to Sweden -- the country that essentially solved those problems in 1950-19

> That argument would be more convincing if the original poster were not comparing SF to Sweden -- the country that essentially solved those problems in 1950-1980 by having the most liberal and progressive government in the world. You will find that this type of governance only works in homogeneous societies - where the people can agree and identify with one another (and also have qualities such as good work ethic, social responsibility, love for their country or place, etc). Once you bring in variously diverse groups into the picture, half of which are only seeking benefits, those same polices tend to produce the opposite effects.