The fathers of the Danish Constitution 1848 by Constantin HansenI check Melbourne’s online newspapers regularly and apart from Mary, there’s never news about Denmark. Therefore, I was surprised to find this article, touting the virtues of Denmark’s Welfare State that has, over time, become a Welfare State with a capitalistic slant.
It’s surprising because the journalist shares some of the views about the merits of the Danish system. (Because I am linking the article, I have to say I have no affiliation with The Age or the journalist). But, I have to say, it’s one of the parts of Denmark that I’ve really come to love.
The gist for non-Danish residents is that in Denmark you pay A LOT of tax. Not only is the average tax 50% but there’re taxes on just about everything else you do or buy. You don’t come to Denmark for its tax benefits – that much is sure – unless you’re on the Postive List, which means you do get taxed on a lower rate for a few years.
But, while the benefits to me don’t really mean much – I have no children etc. etc., a look around Denmark will show you that there is very little poverty, illiteracy or wanting compared to just about any other nation on Earth.
Denmark isn’t Utopia. They have their problems. They’re having a hard time reconciling how to deal with the offspring of immigrant workers who have trouble ‘assimilating’ into Danish society and ‘multiculturalism’ isn’t a term you hear – at all. And, I feel, some of these non-WASPS probably have a very hard time.
But, at the end of the day, everyone has a chance. You don’t have to live in Hellerup or to have gone to Bernadotte (or Le Rosey or others) to do something with your life. I like that. The crime rate is extremely low compared to most other countries, even taking into account the current gang warfare going on in Copenhagen and other parts of the country. I should add, however, that child care, from what I've seen, isn't completely free - although it's still very much cheaper than other Western countries.
So, all in all, maybe there are some lessons for we of the US/British backgrounds to learn.
5 comments:
So true. I was on the boat from Aarhus to CPH and saw the news on the big screen. the had the head of the hells angels for DK on and I thought it was so funny that there was a leader that was available for press conferences...that's so civilized compared to what you find in the U.S. So even the criminal element has access to good education (the Hells Angels' guy supposedly has a degree in Law - haha). Only in DK :)
I saw the same piece and thought the same :)
Ah yes, i definitely agree!
I agree. And I also find that the people in Denmark are so much more genuine than most places. They are not the full-on competitive, consumerist society that you find in most capitalist states. The lack of choices bother me sometimes, but it also seems to make life so much simpler. And the funny thing is that the heavy taxes actually promote a healthier way of life- because its so expensive to eat out for example, i pack rye bread and an apple daily. Because its expensive to watch movies and buy things at the mall, I go walking in the forest. Sometimes I feel we are protected in this way: Lack of consumer choices = simpler way of life.
I agree with every word..... and I am glad you said them....
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