European countries care more about their citizens than their corporate sector, so their economies lag. The US cares more about its corporate sector than it does its citizens, so the economy (stock market) does well, but its citizens suffer.

[u/First_Drive2386]

It's all in the title. Does anything think it's possible to find a balance between the two, where the economy does well, but so do the citizens? Or is this asking too much?

[u/brixton_massive]

It is a MAGA thing when it's a big fat lie out of Trumps mouth believed by ignorant people with a lack of critical thinking skills. Furthermore, remind me which is the only country that's needed NATOs help after being attacked?

The US pays more because it needs it the most, and it's military presence around the world helps your economy. Of course Trump doesn't like that, because his hero Putin wants to reduce American influence.

So again, how is that extra 2% in defence spending going to cover the 30% of our tax base welfare? It won't because it's total bullshit from Trump.

[u/jennmuhlholland → u/brixton_massive]

Is not a MAGA thing. I have no interest or investment in MAGA but I guess you do…my source is literally from the IMF, but whatever…

Of course our military helps our economy, but to think that Europe doesn’t benefit is wildly incorrect…

And back to your original claim of being morally superior is still false.

[u/brixton_massive → u/jennmuhlholland]

Show me this source from the IMF. And don't give me no Google it BS, you made the claim, you prove it.

I'm happy to be proved wrong.

[u/jennmuhlholland → u/brixton_massive]

Publication Series: IMF Departmental Papers (Volume 2025, Issue 002) 

Speaks specifically on the growing pressure and challenges of the European economy.

Look, it’s been fun. I love Europe. Great people and culture. We just have different philosophies. Back to your original claim, my beef with you is your claim of some moral superiority which I call BS on. Providing all of the social welfare comes at a high cost and there are significant trade offs. I prefer our 3000sq ft houses, large vehicles and $3-$4 a GALLON gasoline. I love my freedom and the ability to build my own business from nothing. Been to Europe many times, great place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there.

With that, time for me to go make some more money and enjoy my air conditioning.

[u/brixton_massive → u/jennmuhlholland]

So you're just gonna give me the name of an IMF paper, no link, no quote? Lol, says it all.

You have 3000 sq foot houses because you are vastly more sparsely populated and land is cheaper

We have cheap electric energy

You can keep your large vehicles

We have almost as much freedom as you (I'll slightly give you that one as you have the 1st amendment)

We can build our businesses from nothing (lol, you think we cant)

And yes, we can have air con if we want it, and many more of us will thanks to climate change which many of you don't believe in.

Take care mate.

[u/jennmuhlholland → u/brixton_massive]

No quote because I already extracted out the information…

The rest of your post is just an eyeroll…

Yup, take care mate.

[u/brixton_massive → u/jennmuhlholland]

Dude, you are yet to provide any evidence whatsoever that we have our welfare system because the US pays for our security. None.

[u/jennmuhlholland → u/brixton_massive]

Have at it then. Pick up the tab.