A dark day for Denmark - the 20 november 2001

[Winston]

Originally posted by paiktis22

It's true that the Social Democratic «frenzy» is beggining to fade. But I think it is special for each indivindual country. I don't think it's a trend that social democracy or the left wing is fading. Quite the contrary.

BTW, aren't you uncomfortable that you'll share power with DPP?

I think we're seeing the beginning of a sway back to centre-right sentiments of the 1980's throughout Europe now.

The centre-left occupied a good part of the 1990's in most countries, and it looks as if they're having trouble adapting to the challenge of some much-needed reform of key parts of society. Generally speaking of course. I agree that each country is special in this regard, and undoubtedly some centre-left coalitions will succeed in adressing the issues that are on people's minds, while other won't. Our's clearly couldn't/wouldn't.

I'm not concerned about DPP being a part of the parliamentary basis for the new government. It's no different than the previous side basing their majority on the two leftist parties, including the former Commies. They'll get little influence on the policies of the government. We have little tradition for polarisation between the blocs in Denmark. Most important legislation, e.g. the state budget, is actually passed in broad consensus.

Much of it depends on the attitude of the Social Democrats of course. They're hurt badly, and they might not be ready to participate and seek their influence for some time. But that's up to them, the new government has the working majority secure.

[Bereta_Eder]

What's your take on the future of the welfare system in Europe?

Isn't it interesting that many people from vastly different political orientations agree on the need to safeguard it?

What are you as liberals planning to do about it? More incentives to private social security programs etc?

[Winston]

I'll have to get back to you in the morning from work paiktis. I work for the government...

The topic of the future of the welfare state sure is an interesting one, I'll post my thoughts tomorrow.

[faded glory]

Originally posted by paiktis22


Yeah, but did you fight the Nazis?

With what?

There airforce was 12 Bi-planes. They did scramble but were downed with ease..

They had exactly 3,000 troops ready when the nazi's invaded. The Germans were in Copenhagen in just 8 hours. no kind of Mobilization could have never succeeded.. Most didnt bother putting up resisatnce and fled to Norway, England, or blended in with the population.

They had 4 destroyers...those fled to norway also.

Wasnt worth it.....

[Thue]

Re: All your base are belong to us.

Originally posted by Winston
Actually, parliamentarians from my party, Venstre, are sometimes refered to as Vikings.

No kidding. Due to their persistance and durability or something.

I rather think it was due to their intelligence and debating manners...

[Bereta_Eder]

Looks like you're going to have a tough opposition Winston

[Roland]

"27% of our population is immigrants.... I guess what I mean to say what part of the 3% immigration policy has got them so freakin spooked"

I think the share of US foreign-born population was more like 15 % ? It's not so much different from us (see below). Just because we don't do the american thing (ie produce a ton of hype about completely normal things)...

Anyway, Denmark's immigration "problem" is mostly one of hysteria. What is a bit difficult to understand is that a country with a liberal tradition and a quite low nr of immigrants (3-5 %; compare to Austria, including recently naturalised+illegals, 12-13 %) can get into such a hugbug about it...

"Because we have to compete with the US in terms of productivity and because there no longer exists a USSR does that mean we must abandon the social state which is one of the most important characteristics of Europe?"

Nope. The US is so ripe with statism, that it is in no position to exercise such a pressure on europe. The pressure that IS coming from the US is to copy its corporate welfare system.

"I mean, we're talking about a country whose current social democratic gov't already has an immigration policy roughly like that of Jörg Haider, and it still isn't enough. Yikes."

I doubt that it is alike. Actually, while making a lot of noise to the contrary, our immigration policies have been losened up a bit.

Well, Denmark... at least we've settled the EU-14 sanctions issue for you...

[Bereta_Eder]

Originally posted by Roland
"Because we have to compete with the US in terms of productivity and because there no longer exists a USSR does that mean we must abandon the social state which is one of the most important characteristics of Europe?"

Nope. The US is so ripe with statism, that it is in no position to exercise such a pressure on europe. The pressure that IS coming from the US is to copy its corporate welfare system.

...and the obvious question: why do they want us to copy it?

[Roland]

Because large corps, and especially the financial ones who most depend on it, are going global. That's why they want for example the ECB to bail them out the way the Fed does when their speculations go wrong.

[Bereta_Eder]

What about the claim that welfare systems can no longer support themselves financially in Europe?

[Roland]

Depends on the system. Pensions need a litle adjustment, but apart from that, the polite answer is "bollocks".

[Bereta_Eder]

Originally posted by Roland
Depends on the system. Pensions need a litle adjustment, but apart from that, the polite answer is "bollocks".

I'm very glad to hear it That's what I thought too.

In the matter of pensions, maybe EU fertility rates need a little readjustment

[Bereta_Eder]

Might I also add that I'm planning an extensive european tour to rectify this particular situation and eliminate the shortage.
Someone has to do it for Europe.

[Roland]

Maybe we should found the "Fertility Party"...

[Bereta_Eder]

I think we would be looking at an absolut parliement majority.