Are we happy?

I suppose, due to the political issue of Socialized health care, we're hearing more and more about that and other programs within other countries as compared to the US. I have a friend in Canada who has suggested negatives in the Socialized system so I'm no closer to knowing whether it would be a good way to go or not. If Michael Moore's movie, Sicko, is to be believed, then Americans are definitely getting the short end of the stick, so to speak. Sometimes, it seems, that somewhere in between both health care systems would be preferable.

Sixty Minutes as well as Good Morning America and other shows have televised pieces regarding this issue as well as the American pursuit of happiness. Right now, you can see some of the video clips on Yahoo.com. Denmark was one country visited due to the fact that Danes are considered some of the happiest people on Earth. They have "free" health care, child care, elder care, 6 weeks of paid vacation each year (unless I remember incorrectly) and 6 months of maternity/paternity leave paid. Of course, it's not really free for they are taxed at a much higher rate than Americans are. All of this is not the reason for their happiness, according to those interviewed. Instead, it's because of their level of expectation. As compared to our "pursuit of happiness", they're more content to focus on family and simpler pleasures in life instead of competing for bigger and better, more, more, more. Other countries have similar programs and, when interviewed, their citizens don't seem too unhappy with it. We would argue government control when we're fully controlled by government anyway. We would argue the high taxes, but wouldn't higher taxes and a better, more secure existence be attractive? Considering the cost of insurance and even the most minimal medical procedures, one can go bankrupt quickly if faced with something serious. Then, there's the cost of medication. Research is a given, but should it push the prices to an unaffordable level?

Are we sabotaging ourselves by believing that we must achieve, that we must pursue the impossible dream? What is the percentage of college graduates who never work within their chosen fields or those who can't find suitable employment within it? How many of us would trade more time with our families, more vacation time, more security, for the pressure put upon us to perform, to achieve? It was also reported tonight that Americans, the 75% who actually get paid vacation time, on average forfeit 3 days of their time and that this time is valued at $60 billion. Many never take a day off and others stay in touch with business while on vacation. It stands to reason that if we were to practice the policies set by the European Union, we, as individuals, would have to re-train ourselves and businesses would have to reorganize seriously.

When you consider the individuals who won't seek healthcare in the US because they don't have the available funds to cover what their insurance doesn't cover, those who can't afford insurance, those who are destitute, what does it say for us as a nation? When corporations can lobby to the detriment of citizens, when the economy favors the elite, why would we not seek change? Are we afraid of change?

Just now, I heard on the news that American women are viewed by people of other countries to care less about their children, that we'd rather spend time on the phone, computer, or some other pursuit than spend time with our kids. The justification for their view is that American women are too busy juggling work, home, and other activities. Do you think we have our priorities skewed, as a nation, that is?

Of course, all I'm talking about has been viewed and not all readily available to verify my own "facts" so don't hold me to figures.