In The News Today...

Quote: Mission146

Because Manchin is the only Democrat who actually cares? Or, one of the only ones.

Quote: rxwine

So, are you going to predict when the country will fall into financial disaster?

Quote:

Compulsory membership in a national health-insurance system guarantees all Norwegians free medical care in hospitals, compensation for doctors’ fees, and free medicine, as well as an allowance to compensate for lost wages. Membership fees securing cash benefits during illness or pregnancy, covered by another insurance fund, are compulsory for salaried employees and optional for the self-employed. Most Norwegian doctors work in hospitals, the majority of which are owned by the state, counties, and municipalities. Extensive programs of preventive medicine have conquered Norway’s ancient nemesis, tuberculosis. There is also a well-developed system of maternal and child health care, as well as compulsory school health services and free family counseling by professionals. A public dental service provides care for children under age 18.

A “people’s pension” was established in Norway in 1967 to ensure each citizen upon retirement a standard of living reasonably close to the level that the individual had achieved during his or her working life. The pension covers old age and cases of disability or loss of support. The premiums are paid by the individual members, employers, municipalities, and the state. The basic pension is adjusted every year, regardless of the plan’s income. Supplementary pensions vary according to income and pension-earning time. The state pays a family allowance for all children up to 18 years of age.

Norway ranks among the top 10 countries of the world in GNP per capita and has one of the world’s highest standards of living. Since the 1950s Norwegians have spent a smaller share of their income than formerly on food, beverages, and tobacco. Travel and leisure activities have increased their share rapidly, however, as have such household goods as electrical appliances. During the 1960s the number of automobiles per inhabitant increased dramatically, from 1 in 21 persons having a automobile to 1 in 3; it now is about 1 in 2. By law, Norwegians are guaranteed 25 vacation days every year. Working hours may not exceed 9 hours a day or 40 hours per week. A five-day workweek had become the rule by the late 1960s.

Quote: Mission146

Am I supposed to be going back in time to offer this prediction?

Quote: rxwine

If this is as bad as it gets, then I'm not worried at all.

Quote: rxwine

Norway has all this (below) AND A BUDGET SURPLUS OF 9% VS GDP. So we must be doing something wrong.

Quote: JCW09

Correct, we need to be pumping more domestic oil & taxing it to cover our deficits.
That's the "Norwegian Way" to prosperity, are you on board with the "drill baby drill!" program?