The majority of Americans are moving backwards economically in terms of
earnings, and many have lost or are losing good employment, insurance,
even their houses.


Household income has been growing slower than credit card
debt. What does that tell you about the U.S. standard of living?


Eisboch wrote:
I don't know if the "majority" are or are not, but don't you see the
difference in thinking?
The average "Joe Swede" looks at an American moving backwards and can't, for
the life of him, understand why and may even long for the opportunity that
he thinks the American has.


Agreed... but the problem is that opportunity being
outsourced to China and you probably know more than most
about how difficult it is to make any innovation pay off.

The fact that the biggest U.S. growth industry for the last
8 years has been lobbying, should say a lot about the US
system and opportunity. The fact the so-called conservatives
have been in charge most of that time is one reason why I am
PO'd at the current gang of "conservatives" in politics.

The U.S. is not a fair marketplace and those who shout the
loudest about opportunity & free markets are the ones who
work the hardest to subvert the rules in their own favor.

All that aside, I had a close partner in college who was a
Swedish engineering student. Very smart and also had quite a
few observations about similarities and differences between
the U.S. and America. You'd probably enjoy his perspective
on Swedish socialized medicine... almost everything is free,
but if you need specialized treatment then you go back after
5pm and be prepared to pay cash.

Regards
Doug King