Thread: Germany's top court says army can use weapons on German streets in extreme situations

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

What the hell do's all this have to do with the dept of social security? I just got my first check yesterday and I get medicare in 4 mos.I waited 50 yrs for this stuff whats up?

With all that new ammo they just purchased, you'd best not be gettin surly while you're waiting in line.

THey just might run out and bust some caps in that azzz.

Originally Posted by Wullie

With all that new ammo they just purchased, you'd best not be gettin surly while you're waiting in line.

THey just might run out and bust some caps in that azzz.

They will have to pry my cold dead hands from my SS ck

Originally Posted by earcutter

If I understand it correctly - your government provides a great deal more services to it's citizens than maybe the states do.

Guess it is so, although i have no exact information how things are going there. As far as i know, there seems to be a wide consensus that people through Europe are happy for 'free' social services. Of course they are not free but funded by taxes.

One of my great uncles lived in USA. he moved to Ft Lauerdale Florida after WW2. Died about 10 years ago. Until his late years he flew back here every summer. Not only to meet his family members but also to get his health and dental checks. Even with the price of flying tickets included, it became much cheaper here.

Originally Posted by Wullie

I can envision several scenarios. All of them have a different cause, but the end result is pretty much the same and very ugly.

I pray every night that I am wrong.

In the meantime, I'll put my faith in the TEXAS STANDARD!

The more I look at this picture Wullie, the more I wonder where do they carry their razors?

Originally Posted by Sailor

Guess it is so, although i have no exact information how things are going there. As far as i know, there seems to be a wide consensus that people through Europe are happy for 'free' social services. Of course they are not free but funded by taxes.

One of my great uncles lived in USA. he moved to Ft Lauerdale Florida after WW2. Died about 10 years ago. Until his late years he flew back here every summer. Not only to meet his family members but also to get his health and dental checks. Even with the price of flying tickets included, it became much cheaper here.

Your uncle was "milking" two systems... and gambling with his life. Isn't it illegal to use Finland's "social system" if you are a non-resident? And if he had no health care in the States, well heaven forbid he get into any kind of accident there. Getting into a car wreak could cost enough to put me in the poor house forever were I not insured.

The simple truth is (for the middle class which I am flirting with here - as we haven't defined middle class), America's tax rates are lower than most EU country's. But you have to pay for more services in America. Heck in KS - if I want to recycle, I have to pay someone to do it, or bring my recyclables to a center myself.

All that means is that if I want the same lifestyle in the United States as someone in the EU, I'll probably end up with the same amount of disposable cash as someone in the EU... being middle class. The only problem with that is, you have to be VERY pro-active. I need to buy health care, and retirement plans just to match the EU individuals lifestyle which is ensured by your government for you via tax.

Many people here mess that part up, and find they are uninsured for some things, and haven't saved enough for others... but on the flip-side, in the past anyway, many people here have gambled and ended up with more cash than say an individual making the same amount in the EU.

But yes... ultimately if you look at all the lifestyle studies, those nations with high tax rates and high services to match generally rate higher in the "happiness" ratings. I think it is because those individuals need to think less. I know I like not thinking... makes sense LOL.

Originally Posted by earcutter

But yes... ultimately if you look at all the lifestyle studies, those nations with high tax rates and high services to match generally rate higher in the "happiness" ratings. I think it is because those individuals need to think less..

Ok, do you even really want me to say it ???? I think I am going to just pull a pass on this one

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Ok, do you even really want me to say it ???? I think I am going to just pull a pass on this one

Dude - say it LOL. Other than me stating I don't like thinking lol... I don't make the lists lol. I didn't say they were right lol.

I hate to have to think myself, stress over what decisions to make, lay awake wondering if I have us on the right path, trying to make sure we are protected, safe and secure.. But hell if life were easy, everyone would live it

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I hate to have to think myself, stress over what decisions to make, lay awake wondering if I have us on the right path, trying to make sure we are protected, safe and secure.. But hell if life were easy, everyone would live it

Wow - well said... and so very sad in it's implications!

I got to be honest - it's these conversations that really kill me, being I love economics. Government is "supposed" to do allot of the thinking for you, so that individuals can get on about their lives and be productive. It's a balancing act between giving away too much power, and not giving any.

You would think that individuals in the EU would be more fearful considering their history's, and yet compared to Americans... I think it has everything to do with how America as a nation was founded.

Anyway lol...

Dave

Yea, I think you are right, it might boil down to how nations are founded and the beliefs that are spawned out of that. Your northern neighbour is very different than the US in some respects likely because of that. It does not negate having to think for yourself nor does it make Americans the only thinkers on the planet lol. Different strokes for different folks and in the end no matter how you arrive there a relatively contented middle class is key to a stable society.

Bob