Yeah, that's all well and good for them, but then they aren't greedy, ignorant, terrified, and intolerant like us.

Lies! Big lies from the obamabots!

They want us to believe this drivel from the godless europeans, but we know the truth! Once they instate their socialist drivel they'll tear down our churches, give the guns to the mexicans and gays, and force us to embrace islamoterrorism!

The author, and apparently the expats, are idiots. Healthcare and education aren't free, they're paying for it through their taxes which, by their own admission, are significantly higher than what they'd pay in their home countries.

AmazingRuss: Yeah, that's all well and good for them, but then they aren't greedy, ignorant, terrified, and intolerant like us.

They also don't have a massive population of leeches that don't want to contribute to the socialist utopia.

AmazingRuss: Yeah, that's all well and good for them, but then they aren't greedy, ignorant, terrified, and intolerant like us.

And what's stopping y'alls from changing that, again?

AmazingRuss: Yeah, that's all well and good for them, but then they aren't greedy, ignorant, terrified, and intolerant like us.

Perhaps you should move there?

/just sayin'

KNW: AmazingRuss: Yeah, that's all well and good for them, but then they aren't greedy, ignorant, terrified, and intolerant like us.

And what's stopping y'alls from changing that, again?

Don't you threaten our way of life, you terrorist! I'll trace your IP and have your country invaded.

So they are:

1. more relaxed
2. less materialistic
3. more prone to depression and suicide

Huh. That's nice but I'm not sure I see an implied plan of action for the USA.

Devin172: Healthcare and education aren't free, they're paying for it through their taxes which, by their own admission, are significantly higher than what they'd pay in their home countries.

The difference between what he pays in taxes for those services, (which cannot be taken away), and the cost of having them supplied by private interests (who can deny service without notice to preserve a profit margin) is well worth the feeling of security that someone's got your back if something bad happens.

Yet another American who "lives" overseas for a few weeks and then proceeds to lecture Americans about how much more civilized Europeans are *rolls eyes*.

I've been an expat for two years now (an American in the UK) and I've traveled to almost every European country and several African countries. What it has taught me is that happiness means different things to different people. Why we can't just accept that and move on, I have no idea.

Some people like the slow-paced lifestyle of a Finnish cabin. Others enjoy fast cars and living in a crowded city. Just do what you enjoy...

flucto: So they are:

1. more relaxed
2. less materialistic
3. more prone to depression and suicide

Huh. That's nice but I'm not sure I see an implied plan of action for the USA.

You forgot the alcoholism.

Don't you threaten our way of life, you terrorist! I'll trace your IP and have your country invaded.

Go for it, 1812 didn't pan out that well for ya last time, remember? Or are y'all still sore we gave Detroit back?

Yeah, screw them. Some of us don't want to be forced to live in a shack so others can live decently. It's my money and I will spend it how I please. He mentioned luxury cars and big TVs at the on set. Guess what? I bought both items this week because I wanted them. I do not really want to give up being able to do this so Rufus in Detroit can buy some crack.

I'm 2nd gen Finnish living in the states so I'm getting a kick...

/and want to go home

What an interesting article about a country American is never going to become.

Its_A_Tarp: I've been an expat for two years now (an American in the UK) and I've traveled to almost every European country and several African countries. What it has taught me is that happiness means different things to different people. Why we can't just accept that and move on, I have no idea.

Some people like the slow-paced lifestyle of a Finnish cabin. Others enjoy fast cars and living in a crowded city. Just do what you enjoy...

Seriously, how hard is this to get? And you can find plenty of regions in the States where people take it easy and live the simple life. All over the place. I cannot stand people who live in New York City their whole lives and then feel the need to talk down to the entire country because they saw the Finnish countryside once. On average, America's consumption is excessive, but that's a trend pushed by a minority of people. Everyone I know lives modest, budgeted lives.

I decided a long, long time ago that I'd rather live in Austin, Tx., or Western Europe.

'Cause Louisiana sucks royally.

flucto: So they are:

1. more relaxed
2. less materialistic
3. more prone to depression and suicide

Huh. That's nice but I'm not sure I see an implied plan of action for the USA.

That's what I thought, too. This guy just needs to learn to chill.

Its_A_Tarp:
Some people like the slow-paced lifestyle of a Finnish cabin. Others enjoy fast cars and living in a crowded city. Just do what you enjoy...

I'm pretty sure that was the point of this article.

Or you could go to Sweden.

Sweden - like Finland but without the alcoholism and murder-suicides.

/kiddin Suomi

Devin172: The author, and apparently the expats, are idiots. Healthcare and education aren't free, they're paying for it through their taxes which, by their own admission, are significantly higher than what they'd pay in their home countries.

Yeah, that's the weird thing about the 'free' healthcare. It's like the don't even acknowledge that they pay a lot in taxes for it and all the other welfare programs. While I'm generally in favor of some kind of national health care, it's not free. When I was in Britain it was a flat 10% tax. Then again, they don't have huge militaries to pay for.

Hugo Flounder: flucto: So they are:

1. more relaxed
2. less materialistic
3. more prone to depression and suicide

Huh. That's nice but I'm not sure I see an implied plan of action for the USA.

You forgot the alcoholism.

you say that like it's a bad thing.

randomjsa: AmazingRuss: Yeah, that's all well and good for them, but then they aren't greedy, ignorant, terrified, and intolerant like us.

They also don't have a massive population of leeches that don't want to contribute to the socialist utopia.

Maybe not a massive one, but we do take lots of refugees who apparently manage to both take our jerbs and leech from the social security (just how do they manage to do that...)

And I doubt that the gut who wasn't going to be rich because of the taxes would become rich anywhere else either.

randomjsa: AmazingRuss: Yeah, that's all well and good for them, but then they aren't greedy, ignorant, terrified, and intolerant like us.

They also don't have a massive population of leeches that don't want to contribute to the socialist utopia.

Which is why we should let those retards secede to their own Texas ghetto. But they don't have the balls.

"Quaint, Simple living" aside, there is definitely something to be said for an increasingly socialist society. Not full-on socialism, but a democratically enabled system that provides for people.

And to the guy whinging on about, "lazy freeloaders," yes, there are some. But in a properly managed system, that could and would be done away with, partially through societal changes, but also through the USE of government programs - don't give them money, give them WORK. Etc.

Danielsan: Yeah, that's the weird thing about the 'free' healthcare. It's like the don't even acknowledge that they pay a lot in taxes for it and all the other welfare programs. While I'm generally in favor of some kind of national health care, it's not free. When I was in Britain it was a flat 10% tax. Then again, they don't have huge militaries to pay for.

I don't mind people talking about tax-funded services as if they were free, it's a colloquialism. When I call the police and they show up I think of it as a free thing.

That article is just stupid, it gives the idea that all fins are living in tiny apartments with 20inch crt's and drive ladas.

I noticed a lack of grand architecture and opulent homes

:|

I guess that lifestyle is great for people that are introspective, and that's fine. But, in my case, I can't stand being tied to one place for a very long time. I like to move often, otherwise I get cranky.

Hmmm. I'm all for a slower pace of life, and I'm even cool with higher taxes if it can mean a good universal health care system, better education for all, etc.

But if they have high rates of depression and alcoholism, then how are they, by definition, happier? And what good are these wonderful benefits, if in the end, you are unhappy with life?

Isn't the point of all of this to try to gain more happiness out of life? It would seem that, ultimately, our very imperfect, highly competitive, faster lifestyle at least drives us to try for more happiness, even if many of us never achieve it. The effort counts for something.

brbchurch: That article is just stupid, it gives the idea that all fins are living in tiny apartments with 20inch crt's and drive ladas.

I noticed a lack of grand architecture and opulent homes

:|

You are right. Some of them ski instead of drive and live in a shack in the woods with no TV.

SeamusFerrell: Yeah, screw them. Some of us don't want to be forced to live in a shack so others can live decently. It's my money and I will spend it how I please. He mentioned luxury cars and big TVs at the on set. Guess what? I bought both items this week because I wanted them. I do not really want to give up being able to do this so Rufus in Detroit can buy some crack.

Are you actually completely unaware of the concepts being discussed, or trolling?

I would like to see some numbers on how many more than us are depressed/drunks. America sort of experiences this too, I hear.


/is probably drunk
/maybe a little depressed
/and an American

Mr_Master2: Its_A_Tarp:
Some people like the slow-paced lifestyle of a Finnish cabin. Others enjoy fast cars and living in a crowded city. Just do what you enjoy...

I'm pretty sure that was the point of this article.

That's not the impression I got.

The impression I got is very typical of Americans who visit a country for more than a week. They meet a few locals, see some of the customs and think that they know the country. Then they come back to America and brag about how superior Europe is in so many ways. I see it all the time from study abroad students who live in Europe for 4 months and think they know everything about it.

This article could have just as easily been a piece about lifestyles in many Southern US states. NYC does not equal America and a couple vacations to the Finnish countryside do not equal Europe.

Danielsan: Devin172: The author, and apparently the expats, are idiots. Healthcare and education aren't free, they're paying for it through their taxes which, by their own admission, are significantly higher than what they'd pay in their home countries.

Yeah, that's the weird thing about the 'free' healthcare. It's like the don't even acknowledge that they pay a lot in taxes for it and all the other welfare programs. While I'm generally in favor of some kind of national health care, it's not free. When I was in Britain it was a flat 10% tax. Then again, they don't have huge militaries to pay for.

They do have conscription though, so you generally get the impression they give a shiat about the people serving under arms.

As has been mentioned, it's two different ways of living. If you want to work yourself hard, have three cars and four bathrooms, the States is the place to do it.

If you want to life in a stress-free environment, have a modest house, drive an old Volvo and spend a few months by the water in the summer, then the Nordic life is for you.

I prefer the second choice, but I can see how some would prefer the first. It's all about personal taste.

LasersHurt: SeamusFerrell: Yeah, screw them. Some of us don't want to be forced to live in a shack so others can live decently. It's my money and I will spend it how I please. He mentioned luxury cars and big TVs at the on set. Guess what? I bought both items this week because I wanted them. I do not really want to give up being able to do this so Rufus in Detroit can buy some crack.

Are you actually completely unaware of the concepts being discussed, or trolling?

Why can't I do both?

Simple living is all well and good, but not for everyone, and government shouldn't be the one to make that lifestyle call.

doodoobutter: Hugo Flounder: flucto: So they are:

1. more relaxed
2. less materialistic
3. more prone to depression and suicide

Huh. That's nice but I'm not sure I see an implied plan of action for the USA.

You forgot the alcoholism.

you say that like it's a bad thing.

Thanks for beating me to it.

SeamusFerrell: LasersHurt: SeamusFerrell: Yeah, screw them. Some of us don't want to be forced to live in a shack so others can live decently. It's my money and I will spend it how I please. He mentioned luxury cars and big TVs at the on set. Guess what? I bought both items this week because I wanted them. I do not really want to give up being able to do this so Rufus in Detroit can buy some crack.

Are you actually completely unaware of the concepts being discussed, or trolling?

Why can't I do both?

Touché

Freezingprocess: I would like to see some numbers on how many more than us are depressed/drunks. America sort of experiences this too, I hear.


/is probably drunk
/maybe a little depressed
/and an American

I've spent a significant amount of time in northern Norway and worked with many Norwegians. I think the alcohol use (and related depression that comes with it) comes from the fact that there is simply nothing else to do from October to March. Yea, everyone owns a snow mobile but the lack of decent sunlight for 6 months is a legitimate health disorder.

It does not surprise me that the UK, Scandinavia and Russia all have higher-than-average alcohol consumption and depression rates. The winter here just blows so hard.

Devin172: The author, and apparently the expats, are idiots. Healthcare and education aren't free, they're paying for it through their taxes which, by their own admission, are significantly higher than what they'd pay in their home countries.

Whis is leading their rampant alcoholism, depression and lack of self esteem.

People are getting defensive here! No where in the article did he say or imply that Europe is superior. In fact, he said he was happy to be back in NYC. That's like saying "I'm really happy to be getting a root canal."

However, he did point out that materialism in the US is rampant. And he is right.


"He who has the most is content with the least" -Some old proverb

What Finland may look like
/March 2009, Akaslompolo

Yeah must be really awesome to live there. They have 2x the sucide rate.

SeamusFerrell: brbchurch: That article is just stupid, it gives the idea that all fins are living in tiny apartments with 20inch crt's and drive ladas.

I noticed a lack of grand architecture and opulent homes

:|

You are right. Some of them ski instead of drive and live in a shack in the woods with no TV.

I once skied to school, true story.

But seriously, it kinda pisses me off when every time there's article about Finland it just affirms all the stereotypes.

Makes me want to drink a bottle vodka and put a bullet to my head.

Nemo's Brother: Devin172: The author, and apparently the expats, are idiots. Healthcare and education aren't free, they're paying for it through their taxes which, by their own admission, are significantly higher than what they'd pay in their home countries.

Whis is leading their rampant alcoholism, depression and lack of self esteem.

I'm guessing the lack of sunlight in winter has quite a bit to do with that.

Its_A_Tarp: Freezingprocess: I would like to see some numbers on how many more than us are depressed/drunks. America sort of experiences this too, I hear.


/is probably drunk
/maybe a little depressed
/and an American

I've spent a significant amount of time in northern Norway and worked with many Norwegians. I think the alcohol use (and related depression that comes with it) comes from the fact that there is simply nothing else to do from October to March. Yea, everyone owns a snow mobile but the lack of decent sunlight for 6 months is a legitimate health disorder.

It does not surprise me that the UK, Scandinavia and Russia all have higher-than-average alcohol consumption and depression rates. The winter here just blows so hard.

THIS

We drink during the winter because there's nothing else to do and we drink during the summer to party (and after that, fall off the boat and drown).

The problem with articles like this is that you could have a socialist and a free-marketer see the exact same stuff and come up with conclusions that are polar opposites. It's an interesting article, but lacks numbers to support or oppose.

Of course it got the author a nice write-off for his trip to Finland!

SeamusFerrell: Yeah, screw them. Some of us don't want to be forced to live in a shack so others can live decently. It's my money and I will spend it how I please. He mentioned luxury cars and big TVs at the on set. Guess what? I bought both items this week because I wanted them. I do not really want to give up being able to do this so Rufus in Detroit can buy some crack.

Oh man... I almost bit. Whew, your troll-fu is strong, we have much to learn from you. ::bow::

Its_A_Tarp: I've spent a significant amount of time in northern Norway and worked with many Norwegians. I think the alcohol use (and related depression that comes with it) comes from the fact that there is simply nothing else to do from October to March. Yea, everyone owns a snow mobile but the lack of decent sunlight for 6 months is a legitimate health disorder.

It does not surprise me that the UK, Scandinavia and Russia all have higher-than-average alcohol consumption and depression rates. The winter here just blows so hard.

I've been for a while in Mexico City in the winter. My hometown's nickname is "The City of the Sun", so going to a place that has little to no sun during that time, even for a while, it does bring you down.

It has to utterly suck to live in a place with no warmth.

Well then it's settled. If it can work in a tiny, all-white, well educated, monolingual, northern European country -- what are we waiting for?