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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Neocon who wrote (8220)	3/13/2001 8:44:04 AM
From: thames_sider	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 82486

All true... but you might want to check a more recent reference, as Bildt lost office in 1994 and a SD coalition retook power - it's still there. riksdagen.se Welfare programs were indeed cut in the early 90's, after a recession... they're still extremely generous by anyone else's standards. Note the 'statement of government policy' from September 2000 - admirable stuff: regeringen.se First, enlargement of the EU is our generation's opportunity to secure peace and freedom, democracy and prosperity in the whole of Europe. ... Second, full employment is the Union's most important economic and social goal today. Unemployment in Europe must be brought under control. Both economic reforms and greater social participation are needed. ... Third, environmental issues will be a central concern of the Swedish presidency. Priority will be accorded to EU endeavours to prevent climate change, and to efforts to strengthen legislation against chemical emissions. The environmental summit in Göteborg in June will adopt a long-term strategy for ecologically sustainable development in the EU. ... Sweden's development assistance is increasing rapidly as the Swedish economy grows. The Government will strive to achieve the goal of one per cent of GDP for development assistance. Notice this plan for government surpluses... not much about cutting taxes on the rich, for some reason. Health and medical care, schools and community services must maintain uniform and high standards throughout the country. Public welfare must be financed collectively and benefit the entire population. But the collective commitments that we make for welfare today must not be so ambitious as to compromise our ability to sustain them in less prosperous times. Our economic policy targets will therefore remain in place. This is why repayment of the public debt is being accelerated. Now that there are financial surpluses, we will be able more vigorously to rectify deficiencies, reduce inequalities and narrow the gaps between people and regions. The undermining of the unemployment insurance fund must stop. ... Working hours will be reduced. A gradual increase in the number of days' holiday should be introduced. Employees should be given more say in how their leave may be taken.... There must be stronger safeguards against high dental care costs, especially for older people.... A cohesive programme for the modernisation of Sweden’s infrastructure is being designed in consultation with interested parties at regional and local levels. ... Only with a firm political will can we distribute the fruits of growing prosperity in a just and equal manner. The sacrifices made by wage earners during the meagre years of the past must not be used to finance tax reductions for high-income earners in the prosperous years to come. And more such. As I said, perhaps the best country in the world to live in - certainly in the top three - for the quality of life for the vast majority of people; all, perhaps, except the billionaires who find they have somewhat less ability to shape society to suit them...