Many Americans seem to harbor half-baked impressions of Socialism. As I understand it, under a Socialist-leaning government the production, distribution, and exchange goods and services are guided and intended to “promote the general welfare.” I call Socialism free enterprise with a conscience.
There is no purely Socialistic government. Many incorporate programs which may specifically or broadly be labeled “socialistic.”
A government’s value—socialist, capitalist, communist, anarchy, monarchy—might be gauged by evaluating its citizens happiness.
According to “World Population Review” the “Happiest Countries in the World 2025” are:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Israel
.
.
.
23. The United States of America
The following is culled and quoted from Wikipedia.
Finland:
The happiest country on earth recognizes a collective responsibility to ensure everyone has a decent standard of living. To facilitate citizens’ wellbeing and mitigate suffering, Finland incorporates cradle-to-grave, government funded, programs including unemployment insurance, family aid, welfare services, childcare services, disabled services, substance abuse users’ services, a guaranteed national pension plan, employee pension plans, and national health plans based on need, not on financial means. Universal social insurance provides income security despite old age, illness, pregnancy, unemployment, and work-related injuries.
Fins enjoy nine years of free compulsory basic, followed by three years of secondary academic or vocational education, leading to university or polytechnic tertiary (college or university) level. Adult education may have fees in some cases.
Denmark:
Losing the Happiness Sweepstakes by and eyelash, the constitutional monarchy of the unified Kingdom of Denmark, “protects and promotes the economic well-being of its citizens based on the principles of economic opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for citizens unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life.”
Under these precepts, Danes enjoy a high standard of living. Denmark’s economy is characterized by extensive government welfare provisions. A publicly funded system affords free universal healthcare to all citizens. Under Folkstole, public education from ages 6 through college is free. Denmark has the fourth highest ratio of tertiary degree holders in the world. Its constitution, legislation, and policies support women’s, minorities’, LGSBQ’s, and human rights. Denmark was the first country to recognize legality of same-sex partnership. With strong support for trade unions Denmark boasts the world’s highest minimum wage.
Iceland:
Reminiscent of its Scandinavian roots, “Iceland has a market economy with relatively low taxes compared to other OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, as well as highest trade union membership in the world. It maintains a Nordic social welfare system that provides universal healthcare and tertiary education. Iceland ranks highly in international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, education, protection of civil liberties, government transparency and economic freedom.”
Sweden:
Fourth in Happiness, the Kingdom of Sweden ranks fifth in the Human Development Index (HDI) of life expectancy, education, and per capita income. Like its Scandinavian cousins, Sweden’s Nordic social system includes a welfare state, multilevel collective bargaining, universal healthcare, and tertiary education for its citizens. The Kingdom has government-funded healthcare for all citizens “although private healthcare also exists.”
Israel:
The first four countries in our happiness sweepstakes share a common physical environment and similar cultural values. In fifth place, Israelites inhabited a starkly contrasting physical environment and compelling motivation, Judaism!
Israel is a parliamentary democracy. Government programs include education from primary through 12th grade, and tertiary education. “Healthcare in Israel is universal and participation in a medical insurance plan is compulsory. All Israeli residents are intitled to basic healthcare as a fundamental right.” “All residents of Israel must pay insurance contributions in order to qualify for welfare.” Welfare programs include old age pensions, disability pensions, unemployment benefits, and income support.
Socialism recognizes that we are not equal. Each of us is born with inherent strength and weaknesses then environment kicks in. Fate favors a few and kicks the hell out of the rest. In contrast with a dog-eat-dog, devil-for-the-hindmost economy, is it surprising that folks are happier when we care and look after each other?
Footnote:
According to “World Population Review” the “Murder Rate by Country 2025” per 100,000 of population:
Finland 0.9825
Denmark 0.986
Iceland 1.073
Sweden 1.147
Israel 1.626
United States of America: 5.763!
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