"Harry Krause" wrote in message
. ..


The average Norwegian has a much higher quality standard of living than
the average American. I was astonished when I visited my friends there.

True statement due to the socialistic structure of their government, however
it does not tell the whole story.
I have relatives in both Norway and Sweden. Both countries consist of the
"haves" and "have nots". Those whose families owned land and/or farms and
held them within the family for generations control most of the wealth of
the respective country and have the most political influence. The
"have-nots" are well provided for by our standards, but have limited
opportunity to change their status. One of the admired qualities of the US
in both Norway and Sweden is the greater opportunity by all to change or
improve their status. My Swedish relatives are multi-generation land
owners. My Norwegian relatives are not, but both have similar views of the
US.

Eisboch