Norway is the best country in the world to live...

[BgMc31]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091005...20091005115324

PARIS (AFP) – Norway takes the number one spot in the annual United Nations human development index released Monday but China has made the biggest strides in improving the well-being of its citizens.

The index compiled by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) ranks 182 countries based on such criteria as life expectancy, literacy, school enrolment and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.

Norway, Australia and Iceland took the first three spots while Niger ranks at the very bottom, just below Afghanistan.

China moved up seven places on the list to rank as the 92nd most developed country due to improvements in education as well as income levels and life expectancy.

Colombia and Peru rose five spaces to rank 77th and 78th while France -- which was not part of the top 10 last year -- returns to the upper echelons by moving up three places to number 8.

The UNDP said the index highlights the grave disparities between rich and poor countries.

A child born in Niger can expect to live to just over 50, which is 30 years less than a child born in Norway. For every dollar a person earns in Niger, 85 dollars are earned in Norway.

This year's index was based on data from 2007 and does not take into account the impact of the global economic crisis.

"Many countries have experienced setbacks over recent decades, in the face of economic downturns, conflict-related crises and the HIV and AIDS epidemic," said the UN development report's author Jeni Klugman.

"And this was even before the impact of the current global financial crisis was felt."

Afghanistan, which returns to the list for the first time since 1996, is the only Asian country among the bottom ten which also include Sierra Leone in the 180th spot, just below the Central African Republic.

The top ten countries listed on the index are: Norway, Australia, Iceland, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Switzerland and Japan.The United States ranks 13th, down one spot from last year.

Check out the top 10 countries in the world highlighted in bold above. You know what they have in common? SOME SORT OF SOCIALIZED MEDICINE...hmmmmm...interesting!!!!

[redz]

I`m amazed Canada is back in the top 10...

[Cloe85]

I was suprized to see Canada up there too.

[TITANIUM]

BcMc, can I own firearms there???

Just wondering.

One has to.

Oh, and HI BRO!!!

Best

T

[TITANIUM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_Norway

[BgMc31]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_Norway

What do you think of this T? This is the type of regulation and registration I'm all for.

[xlxBigSexyxlx]

I thought Denmark was always ranked 1, or was that the happiest country in the world?


Anywho, they are "the best" because their standards are so low, they are easy to hit lol


Im moving to Denmark.

[xlxBigSexyxlx]

It is interesting though BgMc and I would like to see some decent rebuttals.
I will admit, I don't have much to give to this topic knowledge/research wise, so I will sit and watch.

[Saam_ee]

Norway has such a big brother government, that its citizens can be charged for buying sex even thou they do it outside the contry..
I mean wtf.

People seem to be happy in dk and norway because they have no expectations of life what so ever, they just ****, drink, work and listen to what the government says (DK has a tax on 38% if you are a STUDENT, and thats just a certain amount, the taxes for others is above 45%).
An uneducated worker do make more money an hour then in US, but there is not alot of incentive to educate your self as it doesnt pay of thay much.

Working at a warehouse pays like 12-18$ an hour, but the taxes take almost half, and prices are really expensive.

Example
DK:
A6 Limousine - If i calculated correctly (dont know if i can trust this currency converter site), $112 000
Source: http://www.audidanmark.dk/cms/NyeBil...type=Limousine
Currency converter: http://coinmill.com/DKK_USD.html#DKK=570000.00

US:
Starting at $45,200*
Source: http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/models/a6_sedan.html


Maybe something to think about..

Peace.

[Saam_ee]

It is interesting though BgMc and I would like to see some decent rebuttals.
I will admit, I don't have much to give to this topic knowledge/research wise, so I will sit and watch.

Knowa guy in Dk who makes about $6300/month, and works as a like a shiftleader at a warehouse.
He lives by himself and drived a Toyota from the 80ies..
What eats his costs is the fact that he eats out and stuff. DK is expensive but cheap compared to Norway, I think that Oslo is the most expensive city or second (after Tokyo).

[eliteforce]

expensive but very nice, no violent crime or high poverty areas, good school, public works, health, cleane, etc. thats why they rank high

[Saam_ee]

expensive but very nice, no violent crime or high poverty areas, good school, public works, health, cleane, etc. thats why they rank high

Copenhagen is actually a very old city that looks like pictures of contries from the communist era (ive been to Copenhagen, over a longer period of time).
The prices on realestate has sky rocketed as the country got a financial boom, but the houses are still old, how about appartments without toilets or showers (not bsing you, are still appartments were you share toilets/showers with the whole floor). The problem with toilets is such a issue that the government gives out subsidies if you achive (dont know if its the right word) their criterias.
I have never heard about a appartment or house without bathroom in Sweden (at least i cant remember).

Im not really sure but i think the taxes on cars is like 108% in Dk(i know crazy).
And there is violent crime, because of dks location as a entry hub to Sweden and then Norway, alot of drugs pass it.

Hells Angels are active down there, and there has been gang wars resultning in shooting on the streets of Copenhagen (but not even close to what US has).
As the shootings seem to stem from conflicts in the trade of drugs (manly cannabis) politicians are talking about legalising canabis.

[Panzerfaust]

Ok, so have any of you even been to Norway before?

The place is nice and the women are hot, but it is sooooo expensive and their Socialist views and work ethic are ****ing downright pathetic. I swear Norwegians are some of the laziest ****s on the planet, why work hard when you don't have to right? I work directly with Norwegians and have been there, i've seen how they are and how things are there.

The system there allows them to half ass everything they do. Unlike in America, you can't just fire a Norwegian from their job, its a long process thanks to the government. I know several who should be fired because they are pathetically incompitent but because of the process, they remain employed.

I like it there, beautiful country and the people aren't bad, its just their work ethic is terrible in my opinion. I know Americans are pathetic in that all we care about is work and I appreciate the European laid back attitude towards work etc but Scandanavia takes it to a whole other level. ha

No you cannot have guns, the Police do not carry firearms either. You can have a gun in your home if you are part of a "shooting club" or something like that. But most Norwegians I know think it is crazy to own a gun.

[OCTOBER-2009]

The U.N. says that Norway is the best counrty in the world to live. Please, how many people are moving to Norway?

People vote with their feet. Eveyone in the world want to come to the good old USA. Don't be fooled by the U.N. America is still the best place in the world to live, even if the President is a communist!

[BgMc31]

The U.N. says that Norway is the best counrty in the world to live. Please, how many people are moving to Norway?

People vote with their feet. Eveyone in the world want to come to the good old USA. Don't be fooled by the U.N. America is still the best place in the world to live, even if the President is a communist!

Pleae provide proof of this...

[TITANIUM]

What do you think of this T? This is the type of regulation and registration I'm all for.

Not at all BcMg.

I know that you are not for this.

Or, the Patriot act.

As a matter of fact, you own firearms!!!LOL

Sorry for the late post, been feeling shitty somewhat.

Colds and stuff going around....

Anyways, I posted the link to WIKKI for a poke at the OP.

That's all.

We live in the best country IMO.

Fvcked up somewhat, but still the best.

T

[TITANIUM]

Ok, so have any of you even been to Norway before?

The place is nice and the women are hot, but it is sooooo expensive and their Socialist views and work ethic are ****ing downright pathetic. I swear Norwegians are some of the laziest ****s on the planet, why work hard when you don't have to right? I work directly with Norwegians and have been there, i've seen how they are and how things are there.

The system there allows them to half ass everything they do. Unlike in America, you can't just fire a Norwegian from their job, its a long process thanks to the government. I know several who should be fired because they are pathetically incompitent but because of the process, they remain employed.

I like it there, beautiful country and the people aren't bad, its just their work ethic is terrible in my opinion. I know Americans are pathetic in that all we care about is work and I appreciate the European laid back attitude towards work etc but Scandanavia takes it to a whole other level. ha

No you cannot have guns, the Police do not carry firearms either. You can have a gun in your home if you are part of a "shooting club" or something like that. But most Norwegians I know think it is crazy to own a gun.

I think it is crazy not to.

People kill people, not weapons.

We just happen to have a standing "Constitution", and "Civil Liberties", here in the US.


Best

T

[BgMc31]

Not at all BcMg.

I know that you are not for this.

Or, the Patriot act.

As a matter of fact, you own firearms!!!LOL

Sorry for the late post, been feeling shitty somewhat.

Colds and stuff going around....

Anyways, I posted the link to WIKKI for a poke at the OP.

That's all.

We live in the best country IMO.

Fvcked up somewhat, but still the best.

T

I totally agree with you, T. I think we live in the best country hands down. But I think we can take some of the principles from these other countries and make our country better.

Yes, I do own firearms (probably more than 90% of the forum members), but I have no problem registering my firearms and proving that I am able to responsibly own a firearm.

Let me say this, even though I don't mind registering my firearms (I had to register mine here in Vegas), the only way the government could take them away is "out of my cold dead hands"!!!!

[TITANIUM]

I totally agree with you, T. I think we live in the best country hands down. But I think we can take some of the principles from these other countries and make our country better.

Yes, I do own firearms (probably more than 90% of the forum members), but I have no problem registering my firearms and proving that I am able to responsibly own a firearm.

Let me say this, even though I don't mind registering my firearms (I had to register mine here in Vegas), the only way the government could take them away is "out of my cold dead hands"!!!!

The only problem I see with registration is that history has shown it to lead to confiscation.

As it stands now, NICS is supposed to shred the records of the bought firearms after 48 hours.

That is obviously to keep felons and mentally defective people from buying them.

And it does work, to a point.

And I will go as far as to say, that is where I draw the line.

State registration is not a positive thing.IMO

I can't see the point. If used in a crime, then it can be traced back to the owner.

Which, statistical speaking, the owner has reported already stolen.

As far as licensese go, never has it been shown to be an effective tool in preventing gun related crime.

The only people that comply with these laws are people like you and me, and other law abiding citizens.

Criminal elements do not obey them.

And if you want the stats on these statements, you can go to the ATF's website and look for them.

I know them to be true due to the fact I have an FFL.

They send me everything that law enforcement and state agencies receive.

Most of it is actually gang related violence.

But, Since you yourself BgMc own firearms, and are quite knowledgeable with variety of things, you know this.

So, I agree with you about ownership.

I don't like the idea of state or federal record keeping.

Now, I would agree with it if I trusted the government to use such information accordingly.

But, I just don't.

I think that other country's have had some success with different firearms laws, but seem to lead to complete bands on them.

And you know how the UN feels about US gun laws.

So, I guess time will tell.I think you trust the government more than I do.

But, then again, you quote Charton Heston.

So, how much latitude do you give the government?

I have to go look at the Obama thread on the Nobel Prize.

What's up with that?

Best

T

[BgMc31]

I understand your skepticism, T. I've read statistics and overall you are correct. The problem arises in urban vs. rural areas. Unfortunately we don't have many statistics that proves that unregulated gun ownership in urban areas would lessen crime or statistics. I guess people like me would rather err on the side of caution. But of course then we run into the infringing on the rights of others. It's a delicate balance that needs to found, IMO.

You know I do consider myself a libertarian (thank you musclescience and blome), but I consider myself a Bill Maher libertarian. I don't necessarily trust the government, but I do like to hold the government accountable. I believe that the government is responsible to provide certain things to its citizens, but if it does, it needs to provide those things in an even, fair-handed manner.

In reference to the Obama Nobel Prize thing. I don't want to hijack this thread so I'll respond on that thread.

[TITANIUM]

I understand your skepticism, T. I've read statistics and overall you are correct. The problem arises in urban vs. rural areas. Unfortunately we don't have many statistics that proves that unregulated gun ownership in urban areas would lessen crime or statistics. I guess people like me would rather err on the side of caution. But of course then we run into the infringing on the rights of others. It's a delicate balance that needs to found, IMO.

You know I do consider myself a libertarian (thank you musclescience and blome), but I consider myself a Bill Maher libertarian. I don't necessarily trust the government, but I do like to hold the government accountable. I believe that the government is responsible to provide certain things to its citizens, but if it does, it needs to provide those things in an even, fair-handed manner.

In reference to the Obama Nobel Prize thing. I don't want to hijack this thread so I'll respond on that thread.

Ageeed.

Best

T

[MuscleScience]

I understand your skepticism, T. I've read statistics and overall you are correct. The problem arises in urban vs. rural areas. Unfortunately we don't have many statistics that proves that unregulated gun ownership in urban areas would lessen crime or statistics. I guess people like me would rather err on the side of caution. But of course then we run into the infringing on the rights of others. It's a delicate balance that needs to found, IMO.

You know I do consider myself a libertarian (thank you musclescience and blome), but I consider myself a Bill Maher libertarian. I don't necessarily trust the government, but I do like to hold the government accountable. I believe that the government is responsible to provide certain things to its citizens, but if it does, it needs to provide those things in an even, fair-handed manner.

In reference to the Obama Nobel Prize thing. I don't want to hijack this thread so I'll respond on that thread.

So I helped rescue you from the two party mentality....

[Prada]

Each person criteria used to evaluate the best country differs.

To the OP, I think you mean socialized health care? Its not just medicine or even all types of medicine for that matter or even fully subsidized for that matter.

[BgMc31]

So I helped rescue you from the two party mentality....

Yeah, I'm pretty much fed up with the two party system, even though I'm still an Obama supporter (I think me desire for him to succeed is incredibly important for me...for obvious reasons). But you and Blome have opened my eyes to a lot of shit. Even though I don't agree with many of the right leaning ideas of some of your thoughts Musclescience, much of the libertarian policies are right in line with my thinking...so again, I thank you.

Each person criteria used to evaluate the best country differs.

To the OP, I think you mean socialized health care? Its not just medicine or even all types of medicine for that matter or even fully subsidized for that matter.

I'm the OP, Prada and what I wanted to point out was the fact that all the countries in the top 10 have some sort of either socialized medicine or a public option. I think having such would be one less thing everyday people would have to worry about in their everyday lives.

[MuscleScience]

Yeah, I'm pretty much fed up with the two party system, even though I'm still an Obama supporter (I think me desire for him to succeed is incredibly important for me...for obvious reasons). But you and Blome have opened my eyes to a lot of shit. Even though I don't agree with many of the right leaning ideas of some of your thoughts Musclescience, much of the libertarian policies are right in line with my thinking...so again, I thank you.



I'm the OP, Prada and what I wanted to point out was the fact that all the countries in the top 10 have some sort of either socialized medicine or a public option. I think having such would be one less thing everyday people would have to worry about in their everyday lives.

Well if I can reach only one person to the inherent short comings of the Two Party System I have accomplished something. It takes a very open mind to think outside the Red Vs Blue thinking that we have all been indoctrinated with. To America!!!

BTW, you would be surprised if you knew how left I lean on many many issues....

[TITANIUM]

MuscleScience
VET and Bg Mc finding common ground.

I am truly impressed.

So, these debates are more productive that the US senate.

IMO.

Interesting....

Best

T

[Prada]

Yeah, I'm pretty much fed up with the two party system, even though I'm still an Obama supporter (I think me desire for him to succeed is incredibly important for me...for obvious reasons). But you and Blome have opened my eyes to a lot of shit. Even though I don't agree with many of the right leaning ideas of some of your thoughts Musclescience, much of the libertarian policies are right in line with my thinking...so again, I thank you.



I'm the OP, Prada and what I wanted to point out was the fact that all the countries in the top 10 have some sort of either socialized medicine or a public option. I think having such would be one less thing everyday people would have to worry about in their everyday lives.

Yeah BgMc, all I was pointing was that we have public health care as well a public prescription drug program(as in pharmaceutical drugs). However many people have private PDPs due to better coverage or it is covered by your employer. Maybe the terminology used in US is different but we dont say socialized medicine because that would mean PDP. We mean the same thing however.

[MuscleScience]

MuscleScience
VET and Bg Mc finding common ground.

I am truly impressed.

So, these debates are more productive that the US senate.

IMO.

Interesting....

Best

T

BgMc31 and I probably have more in common than you would think. I believe we both want the US to remain strong, moral and independent of foreign influence. I honestly think we disagree on the minor details in the whole of how this Union should be conducted.

[Critical Mass]

Norway is the beest!! Everybody should move there.

[BgMc31]

BgMc31 and I probably have more in common than you would think. I believe we both want the US to remain strong, moral and independent of foreign influence. I honestly think we disagree on the minor details in the whole of how this Union should be conducted.

Indeed!!!!

[eliteforce]

They can be that way since in addition to having a developed economy, and a well educated population, they are the #2 oil producer in the world.. Lucky&good for them , my lazy ass would fit right in, should have been born a Norwegian

Ok, so have any of you even been to Norway before?

The place is nice and the women are hot, but it is sooooo expensive and their Socialist views and work ethic are ****ing downright pathetic. I swear Norwegians are some of the laziest ****s on the planet, why work hard when you don't have to right? I work directly with Norwegians and have been there, i've seen how they are and how things are there.

The system there allows them to half ass everything they do. Unlike in America, you can't just fire a Norwegian from their job, its a long process thanks to the government. I know several who should be fired because they are pathetically incompitent but because of the process, they remain employed.

I like it there, beautiful country and the people aren't bad, its just their work ethic is terrible in my opinion. I know Americans are pathetic in that all we care about is work and I appreciate the European laid back attitude towards work etc but Scandanavia takes it to a whole other level. ha

No you cannot have guns, the Police do not carry firearms either. You can have a gun in your home if you are part of a "shooting club" or something like that. But most Norwegians I know think it is crazy to own a gun.

[spywizard]

what is the income tax over there?? 50% ?? 52%??

and statistical analysis is a joke..

and the united nations?? damn, i guess the USA didn't bribe the right person this year..

[Critical Mass]

Income tax is 36%,some pay less some more. Its a tax nation! We pay tax on tax,its crazy.

[spywizard]

Income tax is 36%,some pay less some more. Its a tax nation! We pay tax on tax,its crazy.

that's how king obama wants to pay for it here as well.. tax a product and service at each level of sale.. manu - wholesaler - retailer - consumer..

nice..

[TITANIUM]

that's how king obama wants to pay for it here as well.. tax a product and service at each level of sale.. manu - wholesaler - retailer - consumer..

nice..

That's a positive way to help the progression of the recession we are in.

What's the US deficit mean anyways?

I think I need to learn Chinese's next.

I can't speak a word of it now, but it would prove to be beneficial in the future.

Best

T