It seems that the Danish economy has enjoyed a few years of success but is about to come to a screeching halt soon due to a labor shortage. The article states that the country has such "effective income redistribution" that it "is the most nearly equal society in the world, in that wealth is more evenly spread than anywhere else."
That just sounds like the warmest and fuzziest system ever, doesn't it? Everybody gets the same amount of money, a fashionable Danish address and a free teddy bear to name after the religious leader of his or her choice. Who wouldn't want to live there?
The Danes, apparently. You see, to maintain a Robin Hood society, one has to be very, well, Robin Hood-ish. The Danish twist on the story is that you don't even have to be rich to have the government steal your money from you for "redistribution". If you make the equivalent of 70,000 American dollars you get the privilege of a 63% tax rate.
We have something similar here in the United States but it's referred to as grand larceny.
Oddly enough, younger Danes aren't as willing to bend over and let the government approach them from behind and are moving elsewhere. They can do this with ease because Denmark moved into that post-modern commune known as "The European Union". As such, they are free to work in any EU country. Denmark has accomplished the previously unthinkable: making the UK an attractive tax alternative.
The best part of this story is that all of the fleeing labor had most of its education and training paid for by the government. They take what they need then it's "Hasta la vista, baby," but in Danish, so it probably doesn't sound as cool.
I propose a "Disgruntled Native Exchange" program. Skilled Danes can move to the United States and enjoy a non-criminal tax rate as long as they contribute to the economy. Every American liberal who whines about needing more funding for this or that (especially that) and says it's OK if he has to pay more taxes can move to Denmark.
And stay there.
Cross posted at Grizzly Groundswell and Real Clear Politics.
|