Here's a fun one, based of some "Finland is amazing" reports and books.
There's a reason those of us raised hereabouts (=I'm including all the Nordics here, sharing lots of heritage and similar circumstances) have a love-hate relationship to the U.S., and face a stark shock every time we visit.
Income inequality, social mobility and life expectancy in the EU all screen better than the US, even if gross domestic product doesn’t. There’s little in Europe that compares with the opioid crisis; cities are safer; infant mortality is lower. European living standards have a far smaller gap with Americans’ than GDP suggests, according to Copenhagen-based think tank Europa.
But, money talks... and convenience and innovative companies/services is amazing, and anything you're into you're gonna find in spades all over these wonderful united states. Like a 60-something, thoughtful science journalist repeatedly asked me at a political event in DC a few weeks ago (until I belatedly got his point): Why are you heeere? (Answer: because it's in the US everything is happening)
Also, the Nordics (the least crap part of Europe) isn't all it's chalked up to be.
"Happy Finland is sliding into recession and unemployment is near 10%"
Finland's "small, open economy shares a border with Russia and is exposed to Germany’s own economic weakness."
Quality of life is a strength, but power politics has upended the world economy and accentuated Europe’s weaknesses as a defense free-rider, net energy importer and technology laggard.
"You’re losing,” JPMorganChase’s Jamie Dimon told European leaders this year."
Always nice to be dizzed by Mr. Dimon.
Taking responsibility for defense, reducing fossil-fuel dependence and closing the productivity gap with the US should be Europe’s real lifestyle priorities.... And while Finland’s private sector feels the pressure to be more ambitious, the government is also looking at job-market “flexicurity,” a model pioneered by Denmark, which allows employers to more easily hire and fire workers while also ensuring they have a safety net between jobs. A new Bocconi University working paper suggests this kind of model could boost disruptive innovation in Europe.
But Lagarde, Europe is a Museum (#1020250), I wrote earlier this year:
"All Europe has to offer the world is professional soccer and nursing homes; centuries-old architecture and over-regulated, tourist-infested beaches."
I guess there is a scenario in which the Nordics get their shit together -- tech, innovation, cheap electricity, somewhat functioning infrastructure -- and actually become a place worthy of being "a lifestyle superpower."
A kid can dream.
archive: https://archive.md/pcS1d