If Sweden and Germany Became US States They'd Be Among the Poorest States

LowDown · Mar 7, 2016

Since Sweden is held up as a sort of promised land by American socialists, let’s compare it first. We find that, if it were to join the US as a state, Sweden would be poorer than all but 12 states, with a median income of $27,167. ... Germany, Europe’s economic powerhouse, has a median income ($25,528) level below all but 9 US states.

Indeed. There are suburban areas in the US that have higher incomes, greater population, and a much higher standard of living that any of these tiny European countries.

Let's let that sink in. You left wingers have been aspiring to become like ... Mississippi.

But wait. That doesn't consider the cost of living, which is lower in the US. If it did the contrast would be even stronger.

But if Bernie or Hillary win we'll be moving in the direction of Europe. (And who knows what the Donald will do?) So don't get too smug my fellow Americans.

David_N · Mar 7, 2016

You, of course, ignore the generous benefits the citizens of germany/sweden receive.

WCH · Mar 7, 2016

David_N said:
You, of course, ignore the generous benefits the citizens of germany/sweden receive.

Who the Hell do you think pays for that?

David_N · Mar 7, 2016

WCH said:
Who the Hell do you think pays for that?

You tell me.

Renae · Mar 7, 2016

WCH said:
Who the Hell do you think pays for that?

Magic government printing machines and the "EVIL RICH" of course.

WCH · Mar 7, 2016

David_N said:
You tell me.

Tax payers.

Who did you think?

OrphanSlug · Mar 7, 2016

LowDown said:
Indeed. There are suburban areas in the US that have higher incomes, greater population, and a much higher standard of living that any of these tiny European countries.

Let's let that sink in. You left wingers have been aspiring to become like ... Mississippi.

But wait. That doesn't consider the cost of living, which is lower in the US. If it did the contrast would be even stronger.

But if Bernie or Hillary win we'll be moving in the direction of Europe. (And who knows what the Donald will do?) So don't get too smug my fellow Americans.

It is a gross misrepresentation to make these comparisons like this. Assuming income levels and ignoring all other economic, social, and governmental climates from Germany and Sweden compared to the US.

In a way it is manufactured political fuel about these factors but absent of an honest comparison of economics, living conditions, quality of life, and other aspects this sort of comparison intentionally ignores.

Casper · Mar 7, 2016

LowDown said:
Indeed. There are suburban areas in the US that have higher incomes, greater population, and a much higher standard of living that any of these tiny European countries.

Let's let that sink in. You left wingers have been aspiring to become like ... Mississippi.

But wait. That doesn't consider the cost of living, which is lower in the US. If it did the contrast would be even stronger.

But if Bernie or Hillary win we'll be moving in the direction of Europe. (And who knows what the Donald will do?) So don't get too smug my fellow Americans.

I see that it is all based on purchasing power, interesting twist, while of-course ignoring the fact that they both pay far more in taxes but do not have to buy insurance coverage which is a huge part of a normal persons bills. Me thinks that dishonest claims are a poor reflection of those that attempt to use them to support their own agenda. That said, I do not agree with modeling the US after what European Nations have done but we sure as heck could do better if we set our minds to it, we just don't.

longview · Mar 7, 2016

Casper said:
I see that it is all based on purchasing power, interesting twist, while of-course ignoring the fact that they both pay far more in taxes but do not have to buy insurance coverage which is a huge part of a normal persons bills. Me thinks that dishonest claims are a poor reflection of those that attempt to use them to support their own agenda. That said, I do not agree with modeling the US after what European Nations have done but we sure as heck could do better if we set our minds to it, we just don't.

What makes you think they do not buy insurance?
http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/healthinsurance.html#gkv

The government health insurance scheme is administered by approximately 120 Krankenkassen and they charge the same basic rate of 14.6% plus a possible median supplemental rate of 1.1% of your eligible gross salary to a maximum monthly income of 4,238 Euros (2016 figures).

Casper · Mar 7, 2016

longview said:
What makes you think they do not buy insurance?
How To Germany - Health Insurance Options in Germany

Strange you did not post the entire statement.
"Most German residents (approx. 70 million people) are members of the government health system. If your gross salary is less than 56,250 Euros per year, or 4,688 Euros per month in 2016 then membership in the GKV is mandatory. The government health insurance scheme is administered by approximately 120 Krankenkassen and they charge the same basic rate of 14.6% plus a possible median supplemental rate of 1.1% of your eligible gross salary to a maximum monthly income of 4,238 Euros (2016 figures). If you earn more than this, you do not pay a higher insurance premium. Assuming a maximum monthly premium of 775 Euros as an employee earning at or above the threshold and are therefore as a voluntary member, your contribution is approximately 425 Euros and your employer will pay approximately 350 Euros. The general minimum period of membership with a particular Krankenkasse is 18 months. You can switch government health fund providers by giving two months notice after 18 months membership or if a supplemental premium is demanded or increased."

longview · Mar 7, 2016

Casper said:
Strange you did not post the entire statement.
"Most German residents (approx. 70 million people) are members of the government health system. If your gross salary is less than 56,250 Euros per year, or 4,688 Euros per month in 2016 then membership in the GKV is mandatory. The government health insurance scheme is administered by approximately 120 Krankenkassen and they charge the same basic rate of 14.6% plus a possible median supplemental rate of 1.1% of your eligible gross salary to a maximum monthly income of 4,238 Euros (2016 figures). If you earn more than this, you do not pay a higher insurance premium. Assuming a maximum monthly premium of 775 Euros as an employee earning at or above the threshold and are therefore as a voluntary member, your contribution is approximately 425 Euros and your employer will pay approximately 350 Euros. The general minimum period of membership with a particular Krankenkasse is 18 months. You can switch government health fund providers by giving two months notice after 18 months membership or if a supplemental premium is demanded or increased."

The point was that they do still buy insurance.

Ntharotep · Mar 7, 2016

Renae said:
Magic government printing machines and the "EVIL RICH" of course.

This made me laugh though I really could play the smallest violin in the world for the .5% that Sanders wants to tax a little more.
"Oh no! They might have to buy one less McLaren in order to help out the country's economy...what will become of America?!?!"
Though I do find it funny that we should need taxes at all since we can just magically create all the money the country needs

Renae · Mar 7, 2016

Ntharotep said:
This made me laugh though I really could play the smallest violin in the world for the .5% that Sanders wants to tax a little more.

He hardly wants to tax them a little more, and it's not just them, most of his tax burden would land in the lap of the middle class.

But Sanders’ proposals (free college, free health care, jobs programs, more Social Security, etc.) are way too heavy for the rich alone to carry, and he knows it. To his credit, his campaign has released a plan to pay for each of these myriad handouts. Vox’s Dylan Matthews has totaled up all the tax increases Sanders has proposed so far, and the picture is simply staggering.

Every household earning below $250,000 will face a tax hike of nearly 9 percent. Past that, rates explode, up to a top rate of 77 percent on incomes over $10 million.

Why Bernie Sanders Has to Raise Taxes on the Middle Class | Foundation for Economic Education

If Sweden and Germany Became US States They'd Be Among the Poorest States

LowDown

Curmudgeon

David_N

WCH

Believer

David_N

Renae

WCH

Believer

OrphanSlug

A sinister place...

Casper

longview

Casper

longview

Ntharotep

Well-known member

Renae