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You do realize that the US has higher unemployment rates than any of those three countries? And, yeah, it's not always easy to find a job and there have been la

You do realize that the US has higher unemployment rates than any of those three countries? And, yeah, it's not always easy to find a job and there have been layoffs, but there's a bit of a worldwide recession. The welfare programs in Germany have worked for some time (started around 1900, IIRC). And I'm not sure were you got that tax rate. Because it's certainly false. I think you are deluding yourself.

lionhearted 16y ago
> The welfare programs in Germany have worked for some time (started around 1900, IIRC). I'd say Germany 1900 to 1950 is a pretty compelling argument against government authority and managing of the economy and welfare of the people.
- Robin_Message 16y ago
  And the US 1950–2000 has been a great argument for government authority and leaving the economy to the rich and welfare to chance? </sarcasm>
rick888 16y ago
"You do realize that the US has higher unemployment rates than any of those three countries? And, yeah, it's not always easy to find a job and there have been layoffs, but there's a bit of a worldwide recession." You do realize that many of the states that are failing (California and Michigan) have had some of the highest taxes, largest wages for city workers (Some in California were paid > $200,000/year), and many expensive social programs (Just look at all the money that was pumped into Detroit over the past 20 years). In Michigan, businesses are taxed on gross income rather than net (A few other states do this too). I don't see how anyone can think this is a good idea. The more difficult you make it for a business, the less likely a business will want to be there (and there will be less jobs). "And I'm not sure were you got that tax rate. Because it's certainly false. I think you are deluding yourself." You can't just look at income tax. You need to include VAT, sales, and everything else that you need to pay on a yearly basis.

lionhearted 16y ago

> The welfare programs in Germany have worked for some time (started around 1900, IIRC). I'd say Germany 1900 to 1950 is a pretty compelling argument against government authority and managing of the economy and welfare of the people.

Robin_Message 16y ago
And the US 1950–2000 has been a great argument for government authority and leaving the economy to the rich and welfare to chance? </sarcasm>

rick888 16y ago

"You do realize that the US has higher unemployment rates than any of those three countries? And, yeah, it's not always easy to find a job and there have been layoffs, but there's a bit of a worldwide recession." You do realize that many of the states that are failing (California and Michigan) have had some of the highest taxes, largest wages for city workers (Some in California were paid > $200,000/year), and many expensive social programs (Just look at all the money that was pumped into Detroit over the past 20 years). In Michigan, businesses are taxed on gross income rather than net (A few other states do this too). I don't see how anyone can think this is a good idea. The more difficult you make it for a business, the less likely a business will want to be there (and there will be less jobs). "And I'm not sure were you got that tax rate. Because it's certainly false. I think you are deluding yourself." You can't just look at income tax. You need to include VAT, sales, and everything else that you need to pay on a yearly basis.