Study discovers Swedes are less well-off than the poorest Americans

Reuters via Haaretz ^ | 5/4/2002 | Reuters

[eleni121]

I find it hard to believe there is really more in other places

More state controlled economic sectors? Absolutely! That's what I thought until I started traveling abroad...especially in Europe and South America especially Argentina.

[anguish]

if an American showed up on a Swede's doorstep one fine morning claiming to be a long lost relative, what sort of reception would he get?

You'd probably get a warm welcome (I know my family would in that situation), but I think you'd better have more to say than that you "assume they're related" to you. But of course, nobody can guarantee that the Dahlboms in Småland will greet you with open arms. It's always fun to travel back through your familys history (I'm related to the tsars of Russia myself) and if you'd wish to explore your Swedish roots there are plenty of good organisations where you can get help. I can't give you any references right now though, but if your interested I can see if I can give you some pointers.

[anguish]

What is it about some Scandinavians that they must "share" their atheisim with strangers?

I've met plenty of people - Scandinavians, Europeans, Americans, Africans, etc - that just had to share their religion with others. Perhaps for the same reason others share their atheism?

[PaulKersey]

I>'ve met plenty of people - Scandinavians, Europeans, Americans, Africans, etc - that just had to share their religion with others. Perhaps for the same reason others share their atheism?

That's true. But the others do have something to offer besides nothing.

[anguish]

But the others do have something to offer besides nothing

First of all I didn't mean to offer you anything (not even "nothing") with my brief description of myself besides an idea of who I am. Second, I think you've got the wrong idea about atheism. It's not "nothing" as the big questions otherwise answered by God, Allah or whatever diety you worship are given other answers.

[RockinRight]

Yet they still appear to be voting for the same socialists...