Quote Originally Posted by jenn_librarian View Post
That's just it... the income is higher to begin with, so even with the high taxes, the people are well off. If we go that route, the socialism route, we'd have to have that as well. Which isn't a bad idea.

Yes, smaller. Yes, healthier. I don't think I really ever saw a fat Swede, lol.
Well... I lived in Canada all my life until just the past couple of years. I can tell you that we have HIGH taxes (at least in ontario) and the economy there is struggling as well. yes people get "free" (pre paid) healthcare... but we certainly have our share of over weight people, smokers, alcoholics.. whatever other unhealthy habits. Our healthcare leaves A LOT to be desired... A LOT. For instance in my home town you cannot get a family physician. they are all full and no one is taking new patients. I don't know ANYONE who has a summer or winter vacation home. We aren't all wealthy

so no... if you go the socialism route you don't HAVE to have that. You will still have what you have now... but will have less in your pocket because you will paying through the nose with taxes.