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Aug 25, 2004 It saddens me that we spend more per person for luxuries than any other country in the US, and yet have a lower quality of life than most of Europe (where they spend slightly less per person than we do). We also spend more to extend and protect long lifespans than the other countries, which may explain the higher cost per capita. In Europe, the countries spend more on education, and have more diversified educational opportunities. They provide more support for college education, and for young people to have children. This extends to paying a parent more for the same job than a single person in many companies. Germany is famous for reliable equipment, but no one notices that they have the best technical and trade schools (which in my opinion is the reason for that reputation). We lavish our wealth on the conspicuous consumption. Bigger cars, bigger lawnmowers, bigger houses (often so badly designed that they have less room space than smaller foreign houses, just more hallways), bigger jewels. I think this this is the classic case of "Keeping up with the Jones's," but in trying to top our neighbors next door, we have fallen behind our neighbors across the sea. We spend 90% of our medical costs, 10% of our GDP on the last 10% of our lives. And what does that get us? One more year of life, spent in pain, and indignity. Dealing with all the failings of an old body, compounded by the side effects of 12 perscriptions a day. 20% of our children are living below the poverty line. Do thier grandparents really want them to starve. Everyone deserves to spend thier money the way they want to, but I would ask people to take a hard look at what you are buying, and ask if this is to make you and those around you happier, or just because you think you should? ------------ Email Aaron Baker: aaror@writing.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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