My home country, Sweden, has in all but nine of the last 74 years been ruled by the Social Democrats. The never-ending expansion of the Swedish welfare system during the last century has resulted in a declining society. The average tax burden of 63 percent minimizes the incentives to work, and also takes away the possibility of creating an economic buffer for unexpected events and expenses granted. The high tax system pays for a generous system of subsidies for medical leave and work compensation, a system that grants the sick-listed or the unemployed 80 percent of their earlier salary.
However, this system has resulted in a situation where 19.5 percent of the labor force depends on government compensation or subsidies, and where an average taxpayer gains only 15 USD per month going from unemployment or sick leave to being an active part of the labor market.
This dependence on government has created a sluggish labor market and an economy that is currently growing at only half the rate of the American economy, which lead the politicians to raise even more taxes in order to "save the system".
With this in mind, it really feels like a "breath of fresh air" to experience President Bush's promotion of the civil society, with his faith-based initiative regarding individual solidarity not as a threat, but as a complement to the public welfare system. John Kerry has promised to increase federal spending with at least two trillion dollars, which reminds me of a Swedish expression: "Don't complain over the heavy tax burden, but appreciate that the taxes are lower than they'll ever be".
Kerry opposes school vouchers, denying parents the opportunity to use their own tax money to send their children to a private or religious school of their choice. Now, this is one of the few areas where Sweden can actually serve as an example. The system of school vouchers was introduced by the conservative government in the early 1990s and has been preserved by the following socialistic government. The Swedish system is localized and parental choice-driven; parents have the choice to create or send their children to equally funded, fast-growing independent schools. Kerry tends to lean toward the Swedish welfare model in many ways. Unfortunately this does not include the educational policies, but only the big government, high taxes and extensive subsidies that are part of Swedish politics.
The big government has played out its role in Europe, and the Bush's agenda of compassionate conservatism is a great source of inspiration for the young generation of Europeans trying to replace the liberal spiral of tax raises with individual empowerment and a new era of entrepreneurship.
As a European, it is my hope that the American people continue to support the 43rd president of the United States.
Charlie Weimers is a foreign policy student in the Washington Semester Program, and a national board member of the Christian Democratic Youth of Sweden.
