http://www.sfgate.com/...
http://www.suedia.com.ro/...
The Scandinavian nanny state is the fastest growing economy in the Western world amidst a global crisis. Funny how that won't be reported in the US media. Instead it's all about Greece and other ineffective/sclerotic southern European economies.
5,7% GDP growth in 2010 and continuing at the same pace in 2011. 7% unemployment rate and sinking fast. 30% total deficit projected to become 20% in two years (US deficit is almost 100%). That's liberalism/socialism in practice folks.
I'm not writing this diary to brag about Sweden, although I am a Swede. I am not proud of Sweden or its culture per se, I am proud of the Swedish welfare state and its liberal/socialist policies. I wish to give US progressives more ammunition to use in their fight against conservatism for the soul of America.
Usually, when the success of the Swedish economy is brought up US conservatives (and sometimes also liberals) claim that it is a special case of a small, homogenous country which is very different from the US. Funny how conservatives - according to this logic - thinks that socialism works, but only in small countries. I find this reply inadequate. Yes, there are many differences between the US and Sweden but there are certain economic laws and tendencies which remain constant. High taxes do not kill jobs, quite the contrary (if wisely designed). I am no expert but it seems to me that the US would be better off implementing some of the policies which have led to Sweden's success. Also, Sweden is not very homogenous anymore. We have had a massive wave of immigration the past 20 years, especially from Muslim countries. The picture of a country of blond, blue-eyed persons is no longer true (if it ever was). I would argue that it is not because of its small size or cultural homogenity that Sweden is successful, but because of its liberal/socialist policies and because of a political culture where economical issues are seen as fundamental, not bogus issues pushed by right wing fundies. To be sure, sometimes Swedish politics can go too far in the direction of soulless technocratic pragmatism but I prefer that to the Tea Party insanity.
And yes, we have a center-right government right now, but they are far to the left of the US Democratic Party so labels are misleading.
Anyway, my 2 cents. Hopefully some of you progressives will find this diary informative, helpful or inspiring in your fight for America. I am with you in spirit from the other side of the ocean.