Why are those Danes so happy?

[ClubV12]

I agree Neil, were just getting started on the 21st century, you aint seen nothing yet!

What we need is, more "bananas" and a few gallons of gas, now lets get to work. Oh, and we need to drop off a little Democracy where ever we go while were at it.

[Bravus]

The notion that Danes' happiness is bought (even in part) through American military might is just bizarre to me.

[Tom Wetmore]

And even more so, I suspect, to the Danes...

[Stan]

one would think some that thing money is related to happiness..

weird thinking there.

[Gerr]

The notion that Danes' happiness is bought (even in part) through American military might is just bizarre to me.

They don't have to worry about being top dog with all the troubles and expenses that go with it.

[Bravus]

S'OK, if the US continues in its present course, it will soon be relieved of that burden.

[Gerr]

And who will relieve the US of that burden?

[Planey]

Probably lack of money (have you seen the size of the debt?)

[phkrause]

Probably lack of money (have you seen the size of the debt?)

You know I hear that all the time, but it seems that any time its needed, it shows up from no where.

[lazarus]

You know I hear that all the time, but it seems that any time its needed, it shows up from no where.

That's because someone sits at a computer in the Fed and creates it out of thin air!

[phkrause]

Thanks Lazarus, that is my point!

[olger]

I HAVE DISCOVERED THE SECRET !!!

THIS -- is why they're so happy.

olger signing off

[ClubV12]

Olger nailed it, case closed! :)

[phkrause]

If that's the case, than its a sad commentary for Americans don't ya think? Because we have more of that than they do and it hasn't made most Americans happy!

[olger]

pssssttt.......

(that dainty delectable is a...wait for it...Danish)

[phkrause]

Why wait????? I knew that! And so does everyone else! Not sure what your implying?

[Johann]

Well, I happen to be a Dane. Although I reside in Iceland now, I was born in Denmark and have lived and worked there longer than in any other country. I still get most of my retirement benefits, including social security, from Denmark, and this is where I pay most of my taxes too.

Any person who has resided in Denmark for 40 years after the age of 16, gets full social security at the age of 67, regardless of how much or how little you have been employed, which means that an invalid gets the same amount as a millionaire.

The same is true of medical expenses. You chose a family physician yourself. Any visit to your physician or a specialist is free of charges. Also hospitalization.

The Danes figure this is just as important as the privilege of using roads and public highways, police protection, etc., so they do not mind so much being among the highest taxpayers in the world. Wealthy people have the privilege of going to a private hospital where they have to pay the expenses themselves, in case they think the waiting lists for certain hospital treatments are too long.During my 35 years in Denmark I never felt the waiting was too long. Your private family physician usually does all s/he can to see that you get the best service available, and I have experienced them doing much more than expected of them to help you out.

Public education is free for all. Public financial help is available for living expenses for full time students.

Our SDA church schools receive government aid, but not enough to avoid reasonable school fees for pupils.

Even the most conservative politicians in Denmark support fully the social services in their country. Obama would be regarded much farther to the right than the most conservative Danish politicians. His health care program would be regarded as a good step in the right direction, but Danes would never accept his meager attempts to help people who need medical support.

However, the European people do appreciate the aid they received from America after they had been plundered by the Nazis during World War II. Even Germany received a major part of this aid. On the other hand the wheels in America might not have been rolling as fast as they did if the European countries had not been helped so they could afford to buy American products. This still seems to be a motivating factor behind foreign aid.

[Johann]

Both Iceland and Norway have also been on the top of the list of the happiest people in the world. The social services in these two countries are also high, but not quite to the level of Denmark. In Norway and Iceland you have to pay a fee yourself when you visit a physician. Senior citizens get a discount, and the government still pays the major part of the expenses.