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Europe converged rapidly on the United States before stagnating

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Re: Europe converged rapidly on the United States before stagnating

#31

Post by mothballed »

dnissley wrote: post #25
vatsachak wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Have you travelled Europe? Other than in some countries like Germany or Ireland the job situation is quite bleak. For example, look at average wages vs living costs in Madrid

That's why you need to get rich before moving to Europe

Or just live like a European? The cost of a Latvian investment visa is something like the price of an average new car. It's obtainable to most anyone gainfully employed in skilled labor in the USA. Virtually anyone here that wants one can get it and move there.

Re: Europe converged rapidly on the United States before stagnating

#33

Post by dminor »

Mistletoe wrote: post #2

It always amazes me that some Europeans look to the USA as some goal to aspire to. As an American, all I’m trying to do is get rich enough to move to Europe someday. There are greater goals than growth at all costs. Things like respecting the humans that live there and putting their well-being above corporations. If that thwarts “growth”, so be it.

You don't have to be rich to move to Europe. The cost of living in most European countries is less than the USA (which you would expect, given their lower salaries).

Re: Europe converged rapidly on the United States before stagnating

#34

Post by otikik »

Mistletoe wrote: post #2

It always amazes me that some Europeans look to the USA as some goal to aspire to. As an American, all I’m trying to do is get rich enough to move to Europe someday. There are greater goals than growth at all costs. Things like respecting the humans that live there and putting their well-being above corporations. If that thwarts “growth”, so be it.

I was like that when I was growing up.

The cultural influence that the US exercises outwards with Hollywood, music, etc cannot be understaded.

Re: Europe converged rapidly on the United States before stagnating

#35

Post by onlyrealcuzzo »

groundzeros2015 wrote: post #19

Japan had a similar turn in the 80s, but unlike Europe they seem to have more of an alternative view of society and future. Europe seems to effectively follow American culture and practices with a dampener. Being America with healthcare and college funds has not been much of a vision for the future.

Japan just took out 300% of debt to GDP.

There wasn't anything special.

It was just debt.

Re: Europe converged rapidly on the United States before stagnating

#37

Post by otikik »

hurrrr wrote: post #20
Mistletoe wrote: post #2

It always amazes me that some Europeans look to the USA as some goal to aspire to. As an American, all I’m trying to do is get rich enough to move to Europe someday. There are greater goals than growth at all costs. Things like respecting the humans that live there and putting their well-being above corporations. If that thwarts “growth”, so be it.

Yes, but this only works as long as the economy remains competitive. Europe is rapidly squandering the human and economic capital it has accumulated over centuries, while the US and Asia continue to grow. Welfare exists as long as someone pays for it.

In the US and Asia, wealth is concentrating in a few individuals. Those don't pay welfare anyway and pay less taxes than me.

Re: Europe converged rapidly on the United States before stagnating

#38

Post by mrtksn »

Mistletoe wrote: post #2

It always amazes me that some Europeans look to the USA as some goal to aspire to. As an American, all I’m trying to do is get rich enough to move to Europe someday. There are greater goals than growth at all costs. Things like respecting the humans that live there and putting their well-being above corporations. If that thwarts “growth”, so be it.

There are some aspect of the US culture that are truly fascinating and IMHO most Europeans are jealous of but the rest is a cautionary tale about how you can be very rich(as a number on the bank UI) and have horrible life. The next iteration of the Christmas Carol could be one where they take a European aspiring to be American to US to show him the consequences of greed and isolation.

Honestly, US is currently in a stage that Europe was long time ago. Greed, nationalism, military might, fast paces unchecked advancements in tech, rampant religious fundamentalism and sectarianism etc. All those thing are stuff Europeans went through.

That's why the Charles Dickens stories fit nicely.

Re: Europe converged rapidly on the United States before stagnating

#39

Post by riffraff »

stego-tech wrote: post #26

I hate these hit pieces against the EU, but I’ll give OP credit that theirs actually has a mixture of credulous proposals (Federal preemption, ending directives, commercial court) alongside the usual pro-billionaire insanity (a 28th regime just for business? Removing regulations on product standards? Are you fucking kidding me here? ). Europe has its fair share of issues, but a lot of them can still be traced back to…

the 28th regime is a proposal from the former head[0] of the largest Italian left wing party.

It may be insane, but it's not something dreamed up by billionaires.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrico_Letta

Re: Europe converged rapidly on the United States before stagnating

#40

Post by BobbyTables2 »

Mistletoe wrote: post #2

It always amazes me that some Europeans look to the USA as some goal to aspire to. As an American, all I’m trying to do is get rich enough to move to Europe someday. There are greater goals than growth at all costs. Things like respecting the humans that live there and putting their well-being above corporations. If that thwarts “growth”, so be it.

I don’t understand how expensive Europe is yet income is proportionately low. I don’t mean to live a life of luxury — just basic survival.

Sure restaurant prices are about the same … for 1/3rd the amount of food.

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