Gyroscopic Investing

http://www.thenation.com/article/after- ... heres-why/

I've been to Europe but never to the Nordic countries. Based on this article, I'm interested in hearing others thoughts on if there are any things they are doing that would help to make America a better place to live. I really like their idea of teaching children from a young age how to get around their town while being safe. Sounds nice to have a country where it seems like Cheers, where everybody knows your name.

This could be totally emotionally driven based on the article, but living there does sound nice.

Good article, Greg. Although it's mostly the socialism and redistribution stuff, it's always good to have a refresher. As for the part at the end, I often think about the Nordic (and Swiss et al) work ethic and wonder if it will ever be a part of our massive country again. I think about my parents telling me that truck drivers were actually polite in the 50s, not to mention that they were also good drivers.

Can you imagine U.S. children being allowed to train with axes at a young age in this, our nation of ubiquitous guard rails and safety first, to a fault? 

It is kind of weird that my strong suit in grade school was spelling*, and meanwhile could not find my way to the art room or the cafeteria on my own. I never learned to read a road map properly either. I was forced to join the boy scouts, and perhaps that helped a little. But, some practical, real world training in public school is an excellent idea.

*George Carlin, quoted in the article, also had something to say about spelling. If I recall, he said it was for "ugly little girls." Great. 

Greg wrote: This could be totally emotionally driven based on the article, but living there does sound nice.

You're not reading about all the negatives living there, though.  And how likely do you think the author was colored?