Denmark is Better than America

The Statue of Liberty is not just a statue - it's a symbol of an arduous journey toward liberty! Let's compare it to the statue featured in the video clip you provided representing Denmark... a nude woman. hmm, this hardly indicates that Denmark's morals and values compare to those of the United States. Greater = Better. Better = Greater. These do not equal Denmark, more inferior. The comment section hardly provides guidelines for a well honed debate. I have argued that the United States is a far greater nation than Denmark for a grand variety of reasons, and I shant discontinue. And, opposite to what my opponent proclaims, a higher standard of living doesn't equate to being the only or primary factor of a free nation which would be ranked 'better' than any other. Though, when one considers the size of the American middle class and the comfortable homes that millions possess through their own satisfied efforts (rather than depending upon socialistic policies such as universal post secondary tuition, universal health care and various other collectivist tendencies that look down upon extraordinary success.) My opponent fails to assert why the Government has failed in ensuring justice, liberty and protection to all. It seems to me that in the courts rights are upheld so far as they impede upon the welfare of nobody else. Hence, it must be true that the US is better for maintaining such pleasant rule even in the distant territories of Hawaii, Guam, Alaska and Puerto Rico. "while Denmark, a small country with careful governance and law abiding citizens of a small populace who has never had to deal with an influx of unruly immigrants to be only in 2nd?" Now, my opponent has missed my point; I doubt that you readers have, but let me expound. Denmark is a European nation that is hundreds of years old. It is well settled and hasn't had to deal with much internal strife whatsoever. Immigration of epic proportions has not been ever existent. Denmark is a tiny country with a homogeneous society, which has been settled in the same place for many generations. It's of a specific European culture and ethnicity, and has a uniform mindset. Yet, even opposing its tininess and uniformity, it's only in 2nd. The USA is a vast nation with a colossal populace. It has encouraged freedom of through and individualism. It has received vast portions of unruly immigrants from the dregs of Europe. It has undergone rigorous civil rights movements and rebellious phases (such as the Liberal era of the '70s, famed for hippies, 'peace' etc.). It has known political strife, conflict with the growth of unions and Communist persons. It has experienced greater changes that Denmark has ever known (Denmark panicked when Germans appeared on the Horizon, and then it surrendered. The US sought vengeance for Pearl Harbour, rather than seeking to let the Japanese' cruelty prevail.) Yet, it has prevailed, and it has become the single greatest and most powerful Democracy in the world. For that, it should be ranked 1st, as compared to a nation that isn't even the geographical size of Missouri (I'm sure that most Missourians live in a peaceful mindset, as well. Why not compare them to Denmark?). America is a nation that has a populace larger than most European nations; it is little wonder that with such diverse cultures all inhabiting a single nation there is such strife. Look at Israel, it is formed of a great number of Jews and Israelis, yet it is ridden with conflict. For such diversity, it is amazing that the USA has been able to initiate policies to encourage at least the toleration of eachother. Not only this, but encourage toleration while allowing people to maintain such privileges as a right to bear arms. Hence, the USA is greater. While I'm on the subject, Denmark Gun laws are extremely strict. It is practically impossible for a civilian to possess a firearm (that Prince utilizing a sport rifle is fortunate that he has a wealthy family). In the USA, people possess the freedom and right to bear arms; it hasn't been restricted to the extent of Denmark. Hence, the USA endorses freedom. "Which is why everything in America is made in China." My opponent is being rather sarcastic. Anybody shall realize that the United States manufacturing provides a great deal of American products. Cheap items will be found from China. My opponent mentions that Denmark is a famed tourist spot... This is why they receive roughly 43 million visitors annually for 'overnight stays' while the single State of Florida receives 75 million annually? http://www.visitdenmark.dk... http://www.articlealley.com... I suppose this also explains this, "One could fear that the large number of tourists visiting Denmark annually pose a threat to the environment..." * They are afraid of tourists damaging the environment? O_o Not very welcoming lot. Let us ask what the tax rate of the 'Happiest place on earth' is... The income tax in Denmark goes up to 63% *** income tax, the highest rate in the world. Denmark has a value added tax (a.k.a VAT, which is similar to sales tax) of 25%, again the highest in the world. By comparison, the highest sales tax levied in the U.S. is about 10%. (Source: Wikipedia) But it doesn't end there. In addition to the general VAT, citizens are required to part with more of their money for special items that the government targets for extra taxation (such as cars, which are hit with an extravagant tax, making 2/3 of the value taxable to the Government.) http://newsbusters.org... Newsbusters also mentions that though Denmark citizens pay extravagantly for taxes, 'free' College tuition is not unique. Nations such as Poland and Slovakia provide it for substantially less taxes. The average (2007) full time annual wage in Denmark is $39,143 (most of which is taxed). In the U.S. it's $49,483. 26% more. (Source: Wikipedia) The average (2004) household income in Denmark is $22,524. In the U.S. it's $32,195. 43% more. (Source: Wikipedia). Denmark is far from perfect, "Denmark's relatively quiet and neutral role in international affairs was abruptly changed on September 30, 2005, when the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten printed 12 caricatures of Mohammed... Muslims viewed the caricatures as offensive. Muslims worldwide were infuriated with the Danes, beginning a boycott of Danish products and burning several Danish embassies. The Danish Government during the crisis sought to defend freedom of expression even as it chastised the newspaper." ** Denmark devoted 0.82% of gross national income (GNI) in 2008 to foreign aid to less developed countries. ** Yet, this is a pitiful offer. The USA, in contrast, donates billions annually. http://www.vexen.co.uk... My very last point is, if Denmark is the happiest place on earth, why is it that this generation takes delight in receiving a free education and then leaving the nation in search of a reasonable living in countries such as England and the USA? "Young Danes, often schooled abroad and inevitably fluent in English, are primed to quit Denmark for greener pastures." *** "However, at present the portion of working-age Danes (16 to 66-year-olds) living mostly on government transfer payments amounts to 22.6%. Health care, other than for acute problems, and care for the elderly and children have suffered, while taxes remain among the highest in the world. Thirty-two percent of the labor force is employed in the public sector." * http://www.visitdenmark.com... ** http://www.state.gov... *** http://www.nytimes.com...