[LostCause]

1.) Sweden's nominal GDP per capita is higher than the United States. ($49,655 vs. $45,845)

Sweden's GDP (PPP) per capita is lower (~2/3) because the cost of living is much higher. ($36,494 vs. $45,845). Sweden is a welfare state.

2.) Sweden has a heavily mixed economy, what do you expect?

3.) Sweden had a severe economic downturn during the 1990's. It is not immune from economics, but policy changes have seen strong growth and low inflation in recent years.

Sweden's consideration of unemployment is also much more broad than the U.S. The "unemployed" (including the sick, housewives, military servicemen, students, etc.) account for ~20%. Unemployment as we consider it hovers around 4%.

4.) I highly doubt that.

5.) I can't speak of that, but it is irrelevant as Sweden has modernized its industry successfully.

6.) It also isn't swarming with people like France...

Ofcourse Sweden is not perfect, but they are definately a more progressive country than the United States. The U.S. will have cars getting 35mpg by 2012, Sweden will be well on its way in going Oil-Free.

The use of Sweden as the "model country" is irrelevant. America doesn't "suck" because Sweden is "better." America is dying because of the very nature of its design. Infinite growth is unsustainable. A select few are cashing out now to the burden of the masses, both of the present and future.

Marx claimed religion was the opiate of the masses. In our growingly secular society, money is the opiate of the masses. America won't be rich forever. What happens to the junkie when the goods dry up?

- LostCause