No, Denmark is not the “median” of Europe, but it’s close. A lot closer to the “median” of Europe than Alabama will ever be the median of the US.

But.. maybe you have other countries in mind? You brought up Denmark, but maybe you meant.. Sweden? Germany? The Netherlands? the UK?

“There will always be a bottom quintile…” Well, you never brought up “quintiles” before, did you? What do quintiles mean when you compare apples and oranges? You indicated that America’s bottom quintile has a better chance than Europe’s of reaching aflluence… evidence? Love to see that.

And then you spin off to an article that has nothing to do with your original post.

Sloppy going for a guy railing against lies, damned lies and statistics.

Allan

And bear in mind the relative nature of these statistics. There will always be a bottom quintile, even if those living there today have it much better than their middle-class ancestors.

Here is a wider breakdown of how U.S. standard of living has changed in the last couple of generations. Air conditioners are but a single example.

First, airconditioning is hardly a standard of living indicator — most Europeans don’t need aircon, or want it. One reason “sick building” syndrome is largely unknown.

Second, a US child living in poverty is probably living largely on processed foods, high-fructose corn syrup. bleached white bread, etc — and you know this, if you glance at the shopping carts in poorer parts of Birmingham, I am sure. That is NOT the case here in Europe, I assure you — and the obesity levels prove it.

Third, once you get past a certain amount, housing size is irrelevant. Housing standards, though, are very important to childhood health, and here I can say the poorest European housing is streets ahead (by law) of the housing of the poor in the States.

Finally, the poor child in Denmark is far more likely to become middle-class or more than the poor child in the US. The education is far better and more accessible, and the health care and dental care doesn’t depend on the ability of the parent to pay.

So while the Parade article may infuriate you, try not to let your irritation lead you into the very trap you are bemoaning.

Could be helpful.

Thanks.

As for the Czech mindset ((and the post-Communist one, more generally), the citizenry without full-time access to the net or due to sheer laziness gobble up this claptrap as if it’s the Gospel itself.

I know what you mean, and way to parse this one, brother.

Ike

The point is, great post.