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Liberals often say that Scandinavia is the part of the world that's best to live in. It is the example of what they want America to become.
A good book I read is CultureShock! Denmark by Morten Strange. It helps expatriates get used to living in Denmark. While there are good things about Denmark, their government is not sustainable.
If you read the book, it shows the monthly wage of workers in the country. Construction workers earn $2,442 a month, cashiers earn $2,308, and salespeople earn $2,545. Or, you can collect unemployment benefits at $2,539 a month. So, without counting the extravagant benefits given for other programs, like welfare or disability, you can earn more than a working person without working.
The income tax is extremely high at 50% for the lowest income group rising to 65% for the richest group. Then, with money left over, you have to pay a 25% sales tax. Of course, not everyone actually pays these taxes; out of 4.4 million grown Danes, 2.6 million are directly supported by the state, not counting those who live off of public subsidies.
To conclude, about 1/2 of Danes are finance by the other 1/2. When liberals say they want to be more like Scandinavia, run!
Before the economic downturn despite having extremely liberal unemployment benefits Denmark's unemployment rate was 3% in 2008 and only rose to 8.2% in 2011. Apparently even with generous unemployment benefits Danes like to work when there is work to be had, and perhaps Dane's like working because of the enlighten employment policies that Unions and the Danish government impose upon them.
Before the economic downturn despite having extremely liberal unemployment benefits Denmark's unemployment rate was 3% in 2008 and only rose to 8.2% in 2011. Apparently even with generous unemployment benefits Danes like to work when there is work to be had, and perhaps Dane's like working because of the enlighten employment policies that Unions and the Danish government impose upon them.
Actually, your point is specifically mentioned. According to Jyllandsposten, 900,000 were out of work in 2005, well above he official 5.5% unemployment rate. Even this does not include those who are underemployed. Here is the specific quote, and this is not a anti-Denmark book by any means.
"the real employment opportunities for new people striking out in Denmark are not 94% but more like 40% and probably much lower. If he does land a job, he will, out of his pay cheque, have to support the other 60% of the adult population that is not working."
[quote=Kangrui;18220874]Actually, your point is specifically mentioned. According to Jyllandsposten, 900,000 were out of work in 2005, well above he official 5.5% unemployment rate. Even this does not include those who are underemployed. Here is the specific quote, and this is not a anti-Denmark book by any means.
Without Jyllandsposten's work in front of me or a link to it their isn't much to discuss on that point.
Quote:
If he does land a job, he will, out of his pay cheque, have to support the other 60% of the adult population that is not working."
I guess that is one of the benefits of living in a more evolved and civilized society, because like it or not permanent structural unemployment is an inevitability future for every developed nation as capital continues to find replacements for highly paid workers either through technology (Capital investment) or low wage workers in emerging economies.
Taken from SKAT: Skattesatser for 2010 og 2011 (Danish IRS).
Skatteloft (tax ceiling): 51,5 %. And that is only for income over DKK389.900 ($72233) below that it around 34%. this is not a defense of the high tax, but remember the book you are reading is from 2003 (according to Amazon). For the past 10 years we have had a liberal government who have cut public spending and lowered taxes.
As for those 900.000 the prevelant debate at the moment is whether we should remove something called the 'efterløn' which is private, but publicly subsidized scheme where people can stop working when they are 60 years old. Most people are actually in favour of removing it and that would (it's not going to happen) benefit the stateand the economy with up to DKK37bn. ($6.8bn).
But even though this is not going to happen because the Social democrats will get elected in 6 months time. all politicians are aware that within the next 10 years the state will be short DKK50bn. hence all parties are prepared to make necessary reforms.
Taken from SKAT: Skattesatser for 2010 og 2011 (Danish IRS).
Skatteloft (tax ceiling): 51,5 %. And that is only for income over DKK389.900 ($72233) below that it around 34%. this is not a defense of the high tax, but remember the book you are reading is from 2003 (according to Amazon). For the past 10 years we have had a liberal government who have cut public spending and lowered taxes.
As for those 900.000 the prevelant debate at the moment is whether we should remove something called the 'efterløn' which is private, but publicly subsidized scheme where people can stop working when they are 60 years old. Most people are actually in favour of removing it and that would (it's not going to happen) benefit the stateand the economy with up to DKK37bn. ($6.8bn).
But even though this is not going to happen because the Social democrats will get elected in 6 months time. all politicians are aware that within the next 10 years the state will be short DKK50bn. hence all parties are prepared to make necessary reforms.
So you guys are thinking ahead and preparing for reforms?
Taken from SKAT: Skattesatser for 2010 og 2011 (Danish IRS).
Skatteloft (tax ceiling): 51,5 %. And that is only for income over DKK389.900 ($72233) below that it around 34%. this is not a defense of the high tax, but remember the book you are reading is from 2003 (according to Amazon). For the past 10 years we have had a liberal government who have cut public spending and lowered taxes.
As for those 900.000 the prevelant debate at the moment is whether we should remove something called the 'efterløn' which is private, but publicly subsidized scheme where people can stop working when they are 60 years old. Most people are actually in favour of removing it and that would (it's not going to happen) benefit the stateand the economy with up to DKK37bn. ($6.8bn).
But even though this is not going to happen because the Social democrats will get elected in 6 months time. all politicians are aware that within the next 10 years the state will be short DKK50bn. hence all parties are prepared to make necessary reforms.
My book's publishing date was 2009, but I imagine changes could have occurred between then and now. Denmark's a beautiful country, I'm glad to here they are fixing their problems.
I'm sooooo going to enjoy watching you guys with your links go up against my husband, who's an actual Dane with first-hand knowledge.
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