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Originally posted by CentaurionYour country better than mine? The world is getting smaller by the day and the notion about countries are slowly being erased. I can only hope that the world turns into one giant sweden-like society (peace, care, understanding and the occasional freeloader and rasist) and not US-like (war, hatred, bigotry and double standards with the occasional expression of compassion for your own). Of course, it's not about countries anymore so I can't generalize like that, but hey, you just struck the wrong chord in me.
Not really. I'm only 25 and already a homeowner and making very good salary. I work hard and proud of what I have accomplished. Put myself thru college while working part-time so I never had to rely on government hand-outs. You see there are no rewards here for free-loaders. Work ethic (which I doubt you have) of the people here is what makes this country ...[text shortened]... an your country , so you might just as well stay in Sweden because you will never make it here.
As for work ethics, you have no idea who you're talking to. I'm not the kind to live on other peoples misery and I'm most certainly not a freeloader as you would have it. Should I ever need care and support from this society I'm pretty sure I'll get it (allthough everything is getting more americanized by the day, surely we can't sink as low as the US, can we?), and I know that my taxmoney helps out those in need today. (Even if some of them are "freeloaders".)
And what are you talking about? "No rewards for free-loaders over here"? What's that about? Of course there are. Anyone who has ever made money and managed to escape taxes and sell products to weak customers is a freeloader, for crying out loud. That's the very meaning of the word. To live on other peoples hard work; suffering. And the US is just crawling with freeloaders.
Unfortunately, a lot of people in Sweden are just like that today. They're out to make the big bucks fast and go on some friggin' roller-coaster ride of pleasure and self-indulgence. It sickens me and makes me wonder if capitalism won't be the future form of society in the end, after all. 😞
Originally posted by Moldy CrowBring your own lube and something to bite down on. Apparently, the customs officers are hired specifically for their chubby fingers as they're not good for much else.
So did your experience leave you with any advise for us on how best to get through a cavity search?
FYI: I recommend high grit roofing tar as lube in your case.
Originally posted by stockenSweden by proclaiming neutrality, of course, do not have to fight wars(even a just war) ergo peace. 'But it's a convenient shield which the Swedes hide behind so they never have to do more than have an opinion or toss a few Kronas/Euros or peace keepers at a problem. It has also long been an excuse for making grave and pompous pronouncements on the problems of the world and condemning the use of military force by others, while refusing to take any real responsibility upon itself.' With real problems out there I don't think a world with a Sweden-like society would survive very long.
Your country better than mine? The world is getting smaller by the day and the notion about countries are slowly being erased. I can only hope that the world turns into one giant sweden-like society (peace, care, understanding and the occasional freeloader and rasist) and not US-like (war, hatred, bigotry and double standards with the occasional expression o ...[text shortened]... der if capitalism won't be the future form of society in the end, after all. 😞
I didn't say there are no freeloaders in the US, I just said they're not rewarded with success in life. But your definition of it is more broad than mine. My example of a freeloader is someone who is able to work but refuses(with no legitimate excuse/s), and instead considers (and relies on) charities and government assistance as a source of "income" rather than as a safety net. And those who deliberately escape taxes...we call them law breakers.
Originally posted by Hand of HecateDid your security guard have to spring for dinner and flowers or did you go dutch?
Bring your own lube and something to bite down on. Apparently, the customs officers are hired specifically for their chubby fingers as they're not good for much else.
FYI: I recommend high grit roofing tar as lube in your case.
Originally posted by stockenThat's just great, Sven. I can still buy a 50 acre farm with a nice house in Tennessee for about $250,000, so shove it! While you're sitting on your azz living a "good" life" many Americans are working hard for a "better" life. What's your tax rate?...50-60%. Yeah, America ain't perfect, but Sveden can't remain pristine forever...besides, I haven't seen one frosty morning yet in SoCal...so, go play with frostt the snowman or date a lumberjack....
You do realize that the "american dream" is just that these days? A dream. Whereas I'm leading a good and healthy life over here in good ol' Sweden, you're working for a dream. Yes, I can see how I would want to move over there. Ha ha... 😵
{Sidenote: I speak of the US of course, not Canada. Canada is a much better society in just about every respect (or so I've been told).}
Originally posted by stockenGlad to hear that even Sweden is going to "hell in a handbasket"....😉
Your country better than mine? The world is getting smaller by the day and the notion about countries are slowly being erased. I can only hope that the world turns into one giant sweden-like society (peace, care, understanding and the occasional freeloader and rasist) and not US-like (war, hatred, bigotry and double standards with the occasional expression o ...[text shortened]... der if capitalism won't be the future form of society in the end, after all. 😞
Originally posted by Hand of HecatePretend that you're Mexican....you'll be able to stay...guaranteed!!!
I'm a law abiding, tax paying, legal alien, Canadian living in the US since '97. I'm married to an American and make a reasonably valuable contribution to the economy and society in general. However, the US immigration process has been torturous at best. For example, everytime I move I am required, within 10 days, to submit a change of address form ...[text shortened]... or righteous indignation will surely get you some quality time with the armed guards.
Originally posted by CentaurionSweden is not hiding behind a 'convenient shield' of neutrality. Sweden is handling all the mess created through wars and injust societies the best we can. (Sweden is not the only country doing this, and we're far from perfect - in fact, lately we've performed poorly on this area, but I'm hoping we'll get better at it again.) Believe me, that takes a whole lot more strength and individual power to achieve than just solving everything with firepower.
Sweden by proclaiming neutrality, of course, do not have to fight wars(even a just war) ergo peace. 'But it's a convenient shield which the Swedes hide behind so they never have to do more than have an opinion or toss a few Kronas/Euros or peace keepers at a problem. It has also long been an excuse for making grave and pompous pronouncements on the proble ...[text shortened]... an as a safety net. And those who deliberately escape taxes...we call them law breakers.
Sweden is not a country full of sissies and freeloaders (by your or my definition). It's a country with people from all over the world and hopefully we'll be able to further develop Sweden into a country that we can all be proud of. Even better would be if countryborders dissapeared completely (like the swedish monarchy - it's still there but has no power). Cultures and regional distintiveness preserved by those who wishes it, but we're all part of the same society so we can't easily go in war to solve problems. We actually have to think about the problems and work out solutions that benefits as many as possible (without using violence).
Imagine a world where discussions like these are ridiculous, if you can. Picture a world where it's not their fault the world sucks. It's not they who initiate violence, and violence is not part of the picture. Now, if that could be taken even further (I know, you probably can't think this far, but try). Try to comprehend you living in a society where noone is better or more important than anyone else. Where we're all treated the same no matter what our color of skin, religion or personal sexual inclinations. That's just a dream as yet, but if we're going to look at societies and see how they're doing, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Finland and a whole bunch of other countries has come a whole lot further than the US.
So, really, don't pick a discussion like this with me unless you are actively working to make not just your own and your relatives lifes better, but everyones. Then we're at the same level, and if so, we can both see that neither US nor Sweden is perfect because it's built on the notion of us and them, when really, in the end, it's just a whole lot of us.
Originally posted by chancremechanicYes, I'm sure. It always pleases the small-minded when people having come further on the sociological latter are forced down by the lesser evolved. I have a suggestion for you. How about if you tried to look at it like a challenge and attempt to make the US of A better? That's ridiculous, I know. This sort of change has to come from those who are actually suffering, but surely it should make you feel good about yourself knowing that you're actually helping the poor.
Glad to hear that even Sweden is going to "hell in a handbasket"....😉
And I'm not talking about handouts here, or the ocassional soup-kitchen. I'm talking about helping them help themselves. Helping them, become your own match. It's not as self-destructive as it may sound. Rather, it's self-preservation at its best, and it makes you feel good.
Originally posted by chancremechanicI missed this one. Sweden isn't perfect either, but surely it would be better for everyone if we worked towards peaceful solutions and good relations, than if we keep waiging war on anyone who opposes us?
Yeah, America ain't perfect, but Sveden can't remain pristine forever...besides, I haven't seen one frosty morning yet in SoCal...so, go play with frostt the snowman or date a lumberjack....
As for frosty mornings, I'm sorry to say that we haven't seen a lot of those these past few years. But don't worry, snow is a beautiful thing so whenever we get the right temperature and precipitation, I'm out there for a good toboggan ride. 😀
Originally posted by stockenGood point, mate. I was rushed by my feelings, ha! 😀
Even though I think you said it well, I'd have to say that I doubt he actually worships Ophra; a black, intelligent and strongminded woman. 😀 Isn't that just about everything that a redneck hates?
Let's rephrase: Stop worshiping Rush Limbaugh.
