Europe is Superior to the U.S

Thanks to donald.keller for accepting this debate and good luck! Lifestyle European lifestyle would be the key area in which there is sufficient evidence to show that it is superior to that of the U.S. Studies show disease that are heavily related to obesity and smoking are more prominent in the U.S than in Europe as an entire continent. Not only does this mean less individual healthiness but it's also extremely costly to the U.S as a whole. This amounts to as much as $100 billion to $150 billion a year in treatment costs to the U.S health care tab. University studies (such as one conducted by Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health) found higher rates of several serious diseases, such as cancer and heart disease among Americans 50 and older as compared with Europeans of the same age. As well as a study published on Web today by the Journal Health Affairs, which concluded that Americans were nearly twice as likely as Europeans to be obese (33.1%), and they also were more likely to be current or former smokers (53%.)Another report released by the National Institutes of Health and conducted by the Institute of Medicine compared to U.S health statistics to 16 other high income earning countries (mostly European) and found that in most cases the U.S came last, this includes life expectancy and overall health throughout the entire lives. Other areas the U.S ranked last in are: -Adverse birth outcome-Injuries and homicides-Adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection-Drug-related mortality-Obesity -Heart disease-Chronic lung disease-And disabilities such as arthritis and activity limitationsOther areas the U.S fared worse in: -Homicide rates-Sexually transmitted diseases -HIV infection and AIDS-Infant mortalityThe study specifically found that Americans consume more calories per person, are less physically active, eat less healthily, and have a higher rate of drug abuse. Over two-thirds of Americans are considered obese, compared to Europe where the number is noticeably less. In terms of life expectancy for men the European country of Switzerland ranked first, with the U.S being last behind all wealthy European countries and Australia and Japan. The U.S was second last in female life expectancy. One researcher stated: "This disadvantage has been getting worse for three decades, especially among women." With another noting: "Shorter lives and poorer health in the United States will ultimately harm the nation's economy as health care costs rise and the workforce remains less healthy than that of other high-income countries."Alluding further to European health and its overall superiority, a 2014 report published by Oxfam found the Netherlands was ranked first as the most healthiest country in the world. This is largely due to the country's low fat diet and strong emphasis on vegetable products. The relatively low food prices and low prevalence of obesity related illnesses are another a significant factor. Other European countries that dominated also the list include France and Switzerland, who both came in second place, followed by Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden tying for third. As well as Australia, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal all coming fourth.CultureOne large reason why European culture is superior is its diversity. The European culture offers something for everyone, and is widely considered one of the most desirable tourist attractions in the world. The Mediterranean culture in particular attracts a wide array of visitors and countries such as Italy, Spain and Greece have much to offer in terms of cultural richness and historical significance. Other European countries such as England, France, Germany, Netherlands are also widely visited and again each have their own distinctive cultural features. Leading cities like Paris, London and Berlin are all part of the attraction. A large number of the cities ranked best in the world have been in Europe. The International Consulting firm Mercer found in its yearly survey 2013 that Vienna, Austria, came out on top as the most "livable" city in the world (over 223 were evaluated.) Making it the winner for the fifth time in a row. While U.S cities did not even make it to the top 10. EducationDespite the U.S' large size, it is also seriously behind in education; both when compared to Europe and the rest of the world. The most recent 2014 study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit found that the U.S was ranked as low as number 14 in the worlds best education systems, once again being completely behind other countries. Even Poland which is categorized as one of the poorer and less developed European countries ranked as10th, making it seven places in front of the U.S. Places such as Finland, the U.K, the Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Russia, (and as above mentioned, Poland) all made it to the top 13 and were all above the U.S. Another study made in 2012 specifically assessing the maths test scores for 15 year olds across the globe found that the U.S was ranked as low as 23rd in the countries researched. While a number of 13 European countries were in front of it. After Asian regions, Switzerland was ranked 7th, with the Netherlands being 8th and Finland being 12th. Once again Poland also did impressively and came 14th, followed by Germany being 15th, Ireland 17th, France 18th and the U.K achieving 19th place. Before the U.S also came Latvia, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Russia. One large factor in these results (particularly in the case of Finland) is the emphasis placed on mathematics and subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology. Concerning other elements in the curriculum, music and foreign languages are also widely taught in European schools. Discounting the U.K, which only prioritizes French as a compulsory subjuect, all European students are required to learn at least two languages while in school. FreedomThe difference in politics between Europe and the U.S is also considerable. Europe is generally upheld as being more liberal and progressive in its laws than the U.S. One example of this is the contrast in views on moral issues. British Newspaper the Guardian conducted a five country survey poll for and found that a majority 62% Europeans considered themselves socially liberal. While 24% stated that they were very liberal. Naturally this liberalism has strongly presented itself through laws, such as those regarding drug use, prostitution, abortion, human rights, etc. Portugal was in fact one of the first countries to decriminalize to drug use and abolish all criminal penalties. While the Netherlands also has an extremely lenient outlook, with marijuana and other drugs that are considered soft being legal and drug use being considered a public health issue rather than a criminal matter, along with countries such as the Czech Republic and Norway. The Netherlands was also the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, followed by Belgium in 2003. Other European countries including Spain, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Denmark, France, and Luxembourg soon followed suit. Gay marriage still remains a heavily disputed issue in the U.S and is outlawed in 14 states. As well as gay marriage, Europe also officially legalized abortion before the U.S. Iceland was the first western country to legalize abortion (1935), followed by the U.K which carried out its first legal abortion in 1938. The issue of abortion was not addressed in the U.S until 1959, when a group called the American Law Institute tried to legalize the right to abortion for women. California was the first state to attempt a legalisation in this year but failed, and did not enact the guidelines until 1968. In 1976 the U.S also passed the "Hyde act" which prohibited any federal funds being used for abortion services. Another example of the contrast in political views is the fact that the death penalty is abolished in Europe, with the only two exceptions being Belarus and Kazakhstan. This ban is both outlined in theCharter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (EU) and the European Convention on Human Rights of the Council of Europe. San Marino and Portugal were the first two European countries to abolish the death penalty. While it continues to be upheld in the U.S and still remains in the majority number of 32 states, thus making it a largely debated human rights issue. Sources: [1.] http://articles.latimes.com...[2.] http://www.foxnews.com...[3.] http://www.nydailynews.com...[4.] http://www.wien.info... [5.] http://www.bbc.co.uk... [6.] http://www.nytimes.com... [7.] http://www.theguardian.com...[8.] http://rationalwiki.org...[9.] http://eeas.europa.eu...