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WillyPete · 11-03-2005, 02:11 AM

Ok.
I'd like to suggest some answers to a few of those.

Europe, as seen via the Eu label, is constantly changing and including once soviet bloc countries and other poor nations.
The 35 hour week is standard in a few of those countries, with a lot of working habits still very evident, such as the spanish siesta. In London, the average is about a 50 - 60 hour week.

Income Tax is very different wherever you go, and certain items are heavily taxed according to government policy and other issues. For instance, in the UK, cigarettes and petrol have a really heavy duty.

Linked to that is the car issue. Many people in the UK don't have a car because we don't NEED one. The american public transport system, bar a few large cities, is quite far behind that of England, France, Holland and Germany. Although we constantly bitch about train delays, it's because we have so many. Your country is also so huge that relying on public transport would be folly.

As for traffic enforcement, aside from the speed cameras I'm going to have to disagree with you.
The tv series COPS is a good example. Almost all wanted criminals in the US are caught due to traffic violations. I was once pulled over because the guy I was travelling with had his high beams on by accident. Also, when being pulled over for speeding, I don't think a lot of people here have to fear a weapon being pointed at them.

Medical: Seeing as most medial services in Europe are social services, there will be some stark differences between the US and Europe.
America, particularly with its health services, suffers epidemic proportions of lawsuits.
Thus, your entire medical system is constantly having to fear legal action and is constantly on tiptoe around its patients. This is nice for those of you who have medical insurance, but I only have to go to the Political forum to find many threads on how the medical system is making harder and harder for those without insurance to get help.

Here, you simply have to turn up to get the same treatment as anyone else.
I just got my European health card yesterday, which lets me get subsidised medical help anywhere in Europe.

There's a few more things, but I can immediately see where your perceptions woul come from. Riots or strikes on the news, Superbugs in the hospitals and rail accidents would simply highlight this for you even though they don't happen that regularly.

11-03-2005, 02:11 AM	#15 (permalink)
WillyPete Addict	Ok. I'd like to suggest some answers to a few of those. Europe, as seen via the Eu label, is constantly changing and including once soviet bloc countries and other poor nations. The 35 hour week is standard in a few of those countries, with a lot of working habits still very evident, such as the spanish siesta. In London, the average is about a 50 - 60 hour week. Income Tax is very different wherever you go, and certain items are heavily taxed according to government policy and other issues. For instance, in the UK, cigarettes and petrol have a really heavy duty. Linked to that is the car issue. Many people in the UK don't have a car because we don't NEED one. The american public transport system, bar a few large cities, is quite far behind that of England, France, Holland and Germany. Although we constantly bitch about train delays, it's because we have so many. Your country is also so huge that relying on public transport would be folly. As for traffic enforcement, aside from the speed cameras I'm going to have to disagree with you. The tv series COPS is a good example. Almost all wanted criminals in the US are caught due to traffic violations. I was once pulled over because the guy I was travelling with had his high beams on by accident. Also, when being pulled over for speeding, I don't think a lot of people here have to fear a weapon being pointed at them. Medical: Seeing as most medial services in Europe are social services, there will be some stark differences between the US and Europe. America, particularly with its health services, suffers epidemic proportions of lawsuits. Thus, your entire medical system is constantly having to fear legal action and is constantly on tiptoe around its patients. This is nice for those of you who have medical insurance, but I only have to go to the Political forum to find many threads on how the medical system is making harder and harder for those without insurance to get help. Here, you simply have to turn up to get the same treatment as anyone else. I just got my European health card yesterday, which lets me get subsidised medical help anywhere in Europe. There's a few more things, but I can immediately see where your perceptions woul come from. Riots or strikes on the news, Superbugs in the hospitals and rail accidents would simply highlight this for you even though they don't happen that regularly.