You see Übereil the Americans do not want the Government or the State to run their lives. The American people want full control of how they live their lives in their own country America. They have that in a lot of ways, but they do not in a lot of other ways. It is a whole political mess, but then we all have our own messes in our own countries don't we.
I am sorry, Tsel, but I don't think that this is correct like that (not about the American people, but about those of us who do live in so called well-fair states).
I heard this argument quite often, but if your state cares for you this doesn't necessarily mean that you are dependant on the state. What a well-faire system (and I must say the health-care in Sweden and Norway is way better than ours! I always thought about going to Norway once I was finished with my studies which might take another decade) is trying to assure is safety for everyone. I do not see in how far Austria (being "my" state) controls my life - quite contrary. Thanks to the social system we have I can live my life in almost every way I would like to. (As long as I do not decide to be lazy and just do nothing at all)
I can study, and I do not have to pay horrendous fees for that. My insurance pays for the medication I need. When I need to see a doctor I just go to one. When I have an accident and cannot work because of that anymore I can be certain that the state will care for me (with money I paid via taxes and similar).
I really do not see in how far this does mean losing control over your life? I mean, if you do not want the state to control anything, there would be anarchy.
Besides, I think most (all?) of us are living in democratic states. This means that you, as a citizen of a state, have an influence on the government, and therefore partly also the decisions of the state. In that far, if I vote for a party that guarantees a good health-care for everyone, isn't it more my decision (and the one of my co-voters, so to say) than the one of the state? Ain't I more self-determined when I manage to get my views on a higher political level and my representatives to act like I think it is right?
Maybe you have to live in Austria (or one that handles things there similarily to us) to fully understand the way we live. Images are tainted by the media in both directions, but let me assure you that nobody here lives a life dependant (and controlled) on (and by) the state. Our state just helps us out when we are in need and tries to makes chances equal for everyone. (Well, at least it DID in the past). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Hope that made a little sense, in case I did not manage to get my point along appropriatley - no offence intended! Just my personal point of view! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
EDIT: Sorry, I read this too late - so here comes the P.S.: Nobody choses to be homeless, just as much as nobody choses to be poor, ill, or discriminated. At least it would greatly surprise me if someone did.
