You know, the old country...

Know what makes me angry? How Europe does everything better then we do.

Yeah that's right, I am a fan of Europe and am not ashamed to say it. They do so many things better then we do. I know they are an older country and have had years to develop themselves but we are a country who's roots are primarily based from Europe I mean, we should know at least some of the things they do.

Roads are a great example: Germany built a highway (The autobahn) a beautiful gently curving miracle of modern engineering (at the time) that moved with the land and curved to keep drivers focused and speeds to a safe zone. The U.S. got so jealous that we had to build one too. Unfortunately rather then doing it the way they did we cut through mountains and desert in a straight line basically making a huge drag strip from sea to shinning sea. Meant to be driven on fast but that was unsafe so we put arbitrary speed limits on. They are inconsistent and do not reflect the road.

Cars are another one: Europeans tune their cars to be luxurious and sporty at the same time. and since they tax Gas and not diesel the highest over their (another good decision since diesel engines are not only more reliable they are more efficient and creating energy) European cars tend to be better for the planet. Not to mention the fact that they aren't (for the most part) excessively huge (what family with one kid needs a huge SUV I mean really)

Art: Yes there have been some creative types in the history of U.S. art but for the most part of all of the great creative strides and movements have originated across the pond in places like Italy and France. I think it's because most talented artists are squashed because their art isn't commercially successfull (great message to an aspiring artist huh? yeah your creative but I can't sell a can of soda with this)

Other things include health/obesity rates, consumer electronics & appliances and scientific breakthroughs.

But most importantly I was remembering my talking about "siesta" in Spain on Tuesday and it reminded me about Michael Moore's movie "Sicko". Not the health care part, while it's important, I don't know enough to rant against it. No, I remembered a scene in the movie where he interviewed several people who had moved from the U.S. who were extolling the virtues of the vacation and time off laws of France. They have government mandated like 5 weeks a year (I think, I don't remember for sure) for vacation and unlimited sick time by law (you have to bring in a doctors note after a certain time but still) And whats more when you have a baby (or adopt a baby) you have the option of taking a year off at FULL PAY.

All I have to say is, Why are they so much better then us? I mean I know that all of these policies would create a drain on businesses, having to pay people even though they aren't there, but if they can do it why can't we? The poverty level in those parts of the world don't seem that high (in fact it seems lower then some areas of the U.S.). Then it dawned on me it's because of our version of success. We have a society based on the principal that everyone below you class-wise is essentally a step stool to your having more wealth. And, since the wealthy make the laws in this country, it will stay this way.

So, as I get more and more tired of going to work and my wife (who has to put in hours to earn both sick and vacation time) regrets her decision to educate the youth of our country, it will become easier and easier for me to convince her to move to Merry old England. Besides, I've always wanted to live in a house that was 200 years old.