1) Lack of sources. For example the author asserts that the EU is "...producing nearly a third of the global economy" without telling us what exactly he is talking about. GDP? He compares unemployment figures and budget deficits between the US and EU without references. That of course doesn't invalidate his points, but it won't convince anyone who thinks Europe is a socialist hellhole.
2)More importantly he seems to think that there is some sort of distinct European model which involves an extensive welfare-state and economic equality. But at least in the minds of our political leaders there seems to be no such thing. Across most of Europe "reform" means increased liberalization, deregulation, and rolling back the welfare state. The plural of anecdote is bullshit.
More importantly he seems to think that there is some sort of distinct European model which involves an extensive welfare-state and economic equality. But at least in the minds of our political leaders there seems to be no such thing.
Having worked with economists and experts from many countries, I have always been stricken by the act that, whereas the Europeans question the very existence of a European social model, all non-Europeans claim there is one. What makes us differ is that it is not a single model, but what I would call a meta-model, i.e. a comprehensive set of principles which apply across almost all European countries, even if it translates into different national models. This set of principles include:
*when i say free, I mean not user-paid.
I nevertheless agree with you: some economic and political leaders, helped by the main media, are pushing hard to undo this "model"... "Ne te courbe que pour aimer..." René Char
