American Reacts To How Has Your Concept Of Freedom Changed, As An American Living Abroad? | Part 1

[@canadianmike626]

As a Canadian, I am always shocked to visit the US. We are so close, and we get all their TV and movies, and yet how we see the world is so vastly different. Why do Americans scream freedom so load yet seem to have so little. Over 70% of Canadians have travelled to the US, and 55% also travel globally. When we meet Americans in the US, so few have ever left their cities or states. Then, to find out they do not travel because they get so few holidays, I fail to see how that is freedom, to me that sound of indentured servitude. I would say slavery but that carries far to meny landmines. I also do not understand how they survive in a country where medical care is a service and not a right. Then, there is the US education system. With all this, where is the freedom, I do not understand.

[@chriskelly9476]

Indeed. We (my extended family from around the world) recently gathered in the Hunter Valley, Australia, for a family wedding. I live on the other side of Australia so took 3 weeks off to look around whilst I was there. My American cousin was there 12 days and had to take work emails whilst there. It took him years to get two weeks of paid vacation time. I get four weeks every year, mandated by the federal government and what I don't use rolls over to the following year. He is also still paying off more than 100k of student loans. I paid my 15k HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme) debt years ago. Our government pays our university tuition and then we repay a certain amount, determined upon enrolment, once we earn more than 45k/year. And then there's him turning our aunt's house upside down when I mentioned I'd lost my inhaler and me relaxing with my feet up telling him not to worry about it because at $19 I'll just buy another one.

[@tellyfanatic]

It's sad that they don't realise they are wage slaves.@@chriskelly9476

[@taurusnltaurusnl4686]

@@chriskelly9476 one would almost think the usa is a second world country... oh wait... it is

[@virginiaevelyn8278]

I'm originally from Belgium and we get 34 days paid vacation, health care and fair pay.

[@celinel9750]

Did you ever watch the USA new on tv? they never get a global picture of anything, the democratic side or the republicain side but never a neutral way of seeing things, How can ppl vote again for the orange chief?? becoze they only know what their tv told them... and if they are democrate they don't watch other chanel same if they are republicain. What I'm afraid of is the fact that to many of those idear can cross the border....

[@wout123100]

americans talk about freedom, we europeans just have it.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

This.

[@tinameiling3646]

True but also: I can´t agree 100 percent -we also have to fight for it or better: have to protect our freedom these times (that history does not repeat itself).

[@gailalbers1430]

yes- let’s remember that americans helped with having that freedom and shed blood for it - it’s just so unfair that life in the US is definitely much worse now. America has lost its way , but i sm confident she‘ll get it back eventually. ❤

[@kevinwalsh1619]

I saw how badly you were treated during COVID. We Arizonans have a lot more freedom than you have. We wouldn't stand for that treatment.

[@kevinwalsh1619]

You have so much freedom that you feel you have to keep removing my replies.@@garyiow8482

[@jurgengrove2488]

As a German, I have to get something off my chest! Does "American freedom" mean that you have to work overtime to get vacation? Being fired by your boss when you get sick? Have a job without the support of a union? Health insurance linked to your employer? The "minimum wage" isn't enough to live on? Not having protection against dismissal? No pension payments from your employer? I don't want to be in a community like that, I don't even want to miss out... Well, not everything that glitters is gold here either, but what you (US) are doing is simply exploitation and modern slavery. Basically in Germany: Vacation and illness are different!! Minimum vacation from the first day is twenty days per year, usually thirty! The time in which you get your full salary if you are sick is six weeks, then for one and a half years = 60%. The unions are cooperative and always try to find a good compromise for both sides and not put guns to each other's heads. Protection against dismissal = three months after the probationary period, more often, depending on the job. Parental leave: six weeks before the birth and two years after, with the father being able to take one year. Oh yes! I forgot: Social and socialist are not the same...... The USA has a lot of catching up to do to understand this. The land of the free????????-------only for guns.

[@herrrorschach590]

My friend I totally agree with you but please don't get too fired up, I believe in the propaganda thing - Americans are so victims of "this is the only place where you're free" constant bombing that they they don't even think about researching: they take it for granted that their system is the best one. That's why they are so shocked when they come to visit here in Europe 😅 in other words, "it's not their fault"

[@DavesFootballChannel]

in America freedom means standing up and boasting in a loud obnoxious tone of voice about how much freedom you have got!

[@herrrorschach590]

@@DavesFootballChannel isn't that a Karen behaviour? 🤔

[@DavesFootballChannel]

@@herrrorschach590 no!

[@lethalmantis89]

When I was 31 (I'm 34 now), I fell seriously ill due to an autoimmune disease. As a result, I spent 4 days in the intensive care unit of the hospital with severe kidney, heart, and lung failure. Following the hospitalization, my kidney function continued to decline rapidly, leading me to eventually undergo a kidney transplant. The total cost of the care I received amounted to approximately €23,000 before the transplant, which took place a year later. The transplant itself cost €150,000. In total, I was unwell for two years, during which my employer covered my salary at 100% for the first year, 90% for the subsequent 6 months, and 80% for an additional 6 months. Living in the Netherlands allowed me to resume my life without financial issues, and it is now two years after the transplant.

[@Haroekoe]

Hear hear Just wrote down my experience as a Dutchman having a serious burn out. My employer was extremely supportive.... Hope you are doing fine ✌🏼👊🏼

[@Bramfly]

Glad and proud to be Dutch as well, hope you’re doing ok now!

[@DutchXFangirl]

I hope you're doing well, fellow Dutchie. 🍀

[@josteinholen1312]

Was it your employer or the state that covered your salary? For many small businesses, that would certainly mean bankruptcy.

[@Kelsea-2002]

I think the greatest freedom is to let the kids go to school in the morning without wondering if they will be seen alive again at noon.

[@Trebor74]

But Britain has stabbings and are banning zombie knives - says pretty much every American on any pro-2a KZbin video.

[@dirkdiggler0372]

You don't live in London then!!

[@Solus3D]

​@@dirkdiggler0372London is a war zone like Gaza?

[@AnnQlder]

@@dirkdiggler0372I just googled kids killed at school in London and all I found was one person killed on their way to school, and two children killed because of a car crash. Sooooo ?!?!?!?

[@queenslanddiva]

@@dirkdiggler0372 oh. Does the media just not report on all the school shootings in London?

[@michaelgemignani2709]

I am an american living in Italy....and there is no way I am going back. Italy has it problems.... its not a perfect place but compared to the states of today.... its paradise.

[@Angrytiel]

As an Italian, I agree... We have many problems in Italy, things that could be improved but compared to America we are in paradise.

[@Angrytiel]

Healthcare is free but could be improved, stop cutting funds for example, and the waiting times for emergency visits are too long. Improve public transport

[@GuyWets-zy5yt]

Nothing and nobody is perfect,but some are really better.I knew USA in 1972 till 1980, and I changed my mind! I agree , it s paradise elsewhere in Europ compares to USA

[@miramuchachito296]

The food, the amazing beauty of the country and their language and the amazing amount of attractive people everywhere ok I'm out 😅😮

[@Herzschreiber]

not a single country in Europe is perfect, we all have our problems here. But we have a lot less problems than the average US person, not even speaking about the poor US Americans or those of color.......

[@PreceptorGrant]

Firing at will is one of the most messed up things about the US. In the UK, Europe, Australia, there are hard-won worker's rights. They can't just fire you for no reason. They gotta go through the proper process, and if they don't then an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal is totally a thing you can do.

[@tintooki]

Most worker's rights in Australia were won by the union movement. Join your union!!

[@kevinwalsh1619]

I've been fired over a dozen times. I always come back and find another job. It's not that much of a terror if you keep it in perspective. I figure if the boss doesn't want me, he's the loser. I'll render my services to someone who is more appreciative.

[@iriscollins7583]

Poor old Will.What has he done?

[@livedandletdie]

I'm Swedish and I say, the inability to fire useless cretins is the worst part about Europe. I know a lot of people who would be better off sent to the hellish prisons of Equador than, be allowed to have a job in Sweden, because they're a liability to those who work with them, the clients, and the reputation of the companies they unfortunately work for.

[@oliviawolcott8351]

we used to have that, but the republicans gutted all of it. we used to have pensions, unions and all that. but it was taken away.

[@RealConstructor]

The US has no freedom, they have feardom. Fear of gun violence, mass shootings, home invasions or sexual assault. Fear of not seeing your children back from school because of shootings, abductions or drugs. Fear of losing your job in a heartbeat. Fear of losing your house and being homeless. Fear of getting bankrupt of healthcare bills. Fear of not having saved enough for your children to go to college or university. Fear of earning too little for paying the bills for groceries, rent or mortgage, medicines or energy. Most, if not all, of these fears don’t exist in other developed countries. That’s freedom.

[@lethfuil]

"Feardom". That describes it perfectly and I'm absolutely going to steal that from you. :)

[@ingrudmessenger1193]

To be fair, we do have drugs in Europe... but at least here it's not because your doctor is bribed to describe it and get you addicted. And you can treatment instead of prison, to some degree at least. Technically taking any drugs isn't illegal in Germany, but possession, buying,... is, so taking it without law involved is rather theoretical. Still... it's different.

[@Haroekoe]

Wow: well said ... Feardom... Indeed, that's what I always said. Although Americans live on a huge island they are more afraid of invasions than me living on the European continent with open borders. On the other hand, America is thd country that invaded others countries probably the most. The Mexican war, the annexation of California, Hawaii, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq, Afghanistan, the current bombing of Houthi's (while supporting the Israëlian genocide)

[@kevinwalsh1619]

Only people with no sense of proportion and statistical likelihoods fear such things.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

I'm pretty sure, as a UK citizen, we have a lot of people who have a fear of losing their job and not being able to pay the mortgage and subsequently losing their home, lower paid people who struggle with paying for food, energy and rent, people who are saddled with massive student loans, people unable to access an NHS dentist, gang violence (with guns as well as knives) in cities and many people suffer due to drugs and alcoholism. To name just a few. We may be better off than the States but we've still got a long way to go, especially compared to some parts of Europe like Scandinavia.

[@hape3862]

*Peace of mind!* That's the biggest freedom of them all. Not to worry about medical bills, student loans, sudden death in a mass shooting, police brutality, job loss, child abduction and so on and so forth.

[@norwaybaba3381]

The thing one have to realize, is that this is socialistic policies and it is good for the people.

[@damyr]

How about sudden death in a mass vaccination?

[@arnodobler1096]

​@@damyr🙈🤡

[@damyr]

@@arnodobler1096 Exactly... blind monkes and clowns everywhere, following orders from MSM.

[@TabeaSerenety]

​@@damyrmass v? We were free to decide in getting it or not 🤷

[@hape3862]

Car _dependence_ - isn't dependence the exact opposite of freedom? Freedom would be the freedom to choose which means of transport you _want_ to use, to walk to the bakery around the corner, to cycle to the beer garden, to take the car to the supermarket for the weekly groceries, to take the tram or the train to the next or whatever city ... And as already mentioned: what freedom do the elderly, the disabled, children and those without a driving licence have? They are effectively housebound or at least at the mercy of a driver.

[@grahvis]

A car gives you freedom and in doing so, becomes your master.

[@mirrrie]

@@grahvis i don't need a car to get anywhere I want. I can cycle, take the subway train tram or bus and I can take the car. But its always the last option and hardly ever chosen

[@debbee0867]

@grahvis I don't own a car in the UK, either train, bike, bus, or mostly, my own two legs. Cars are not freedom when you have to rely on them to get anywhere. Plus, we have freedom to cross the road anywhere we please (apart from motorways (highways) and dual carriageways).

[@akelly4207]

I’ve never owned a car. I use public transport to get everywhere. I visited America and everything was so far away I couldn’t walk there. There weren’t even buses. The sidewalks were empty as no one was walking. The roads were so wide the crosswalks would change the lights before I reached the other side. Two things that are available in my country are free healthcare, free prescriptions and free sanitary products for women. Hallelujah.

[@TrinyDade-cm8oc]

Cities in the US are designed so you need a car. NY city is an exception but the rule for most cities is to keep the housing areas away from the commercial areas. You need a car to do groceries for example.

[@izabelasiczek3547]

Living my whole life first in Poland (12y) Germany (15y) UK(18) NZ(2y) then I've moved to Colorado omg I left after 6 months they do not have freedom all they have is FEAR!!! fear of everything literally everything! I have never lived in fear before it was awful. I was on 2 year nursing contract double pay than in the eu but omg I was a mental health nurse and I had to send letters to people asking them for payments after they been to our hospital for help after they tried to un alive themselves! Barbaric! They were tying people up to their beds security with guns Jesus Christ was awful

[@joananthony6323]

That's why it is so easy to propagandise Americans If they are afraid of everything then anything overseas must be more scary Try telling Americans that Russia, China, Iran anywhere doesn't want to go to war with them The reaction is not a discussion but a rush to anger

[@littleDutchie92]

I hear you! Ive been called naive for NOT being scared of walking around my neighboirhood without a gun to protect myself "because you never know when you might need it" dude. I live in a town in the Netherlands. I won't get randomly shot. Living in such fear sound awful to me!!

[@virginiaevelyn8278]

You hit the nail on the head!! I'm European and came to the states as a teen and again as an adult and it is fear. Fear of not being treated due to lack of insurance, fear of losing your job, fear of police, fear of the government, fear of poverty, bad hourly pay, no job security.

[@christinavanveen9506]

😭

[@TheAndesteg]

Wow. That is unreal to hear. Tying people to their beds 😞

[@petemulhearn7787]

A Brit in the US. My first visit to the USA was on a two week business trip to LA in 1984 with another Brit. We we staying in a condo on Sherwood and Sepulveda owned by the company we were visiting. On the Saturday morning we decided to walk to a supermarket about a mile along the road. After about 200 yds we were stopped by two officers in a police car, asked for ID and questioned as to why we were walking along the road!!! When the officer realised we were Brits he explained that our behaviour (2 white guys dressed in jeans and T shirts walking alongside a road on a Saturday morning) was regarded as suspicious. WOW! When we told our our colleagues at the office the following Monday the all laughed and said that nobody walks to the supermarket and next time we should drive. In all my time in the UK and 3 years in Germany I have never been stopped and questioned by the police for walking to the supermarket.

[@frombrum]

i was with my boss at a conference in america and he had a similar experience after walking out of the hotel to find a shop - he arrived back at the hotel in a police car before he found one

[@playlisttarmac]

? So is it illegal to walk

[@frombrum]

@@playlisttarmac No but Americans don't do it and It's either looked on as suspicious or a good way to get mugged or shot

[@dudoklasovity2093]

same thing happened to me in LA I was visiting my brother and he needed to take his car to carwash so I went for a short walk along the street and policemen pulled over and started questioning me and ID’ed me and were asking where my dog was. I sad I have no dog what’s that question about. And they said people ONLY walk when they walk dog, otherwise it’s suspicious behavior. They said someone reported me to be checking out empty houses first burglary I was so shocked I was walking on public sidewalk (no trespassing). I understand culture differences but to be suspisious because walking or to be looked down on for biking is just wrong. Not a place for me…

[@playlisttarmac]

@@dudoklasovity2093 Oh my that is so weird. I am from Australia and people walking with or without a dog is very normal here.

[@AliothAncalagon]

The saddest part is that the US denial of its shortcomings is preventing any meaningful improvements. There was a moment in time when the US was one of the countries, maybe even THE country with the highest standards regarding freedom. But if you only spend your time telling yourself how great you are, you will obviously not realize when you fall back. Eventually the Human Freedom Index diagnoses that the level of personal freedom you offer your citizens deserves rank 33 next to Chile. Yikes.

[@gwyn2]

>There was a moment in time when the US was one of the countries, maybe even THE country with the highest standards regarding freedom< Was this the moment in time when the US had over 10% of its population in slavery?

[@billybudd5854]

No, the saddest part is that so many Americans seem willing to give up even the limited freedoms they have by handing over their country (again!) to a confused and crazy old man and his bunch of psychopathic lieutenants, so they can give huge tax cuts to billionaires and restrict the liberties of ordinary people even further.

[@baramuth71]

Hello Charlie, yes the tiresome subject of freedom in the USA. For every American who watches this video, it should be a total slap in the face when they see it. How many Americans have never left the USA, if they have, then at most to Mexico or Canada, there is no more time for that. That's one point, no time to visit another continent with so little vacation time. Most Americans who have never left their country still think that the USA is the promised land and only there it would be good, which is a total lie. Why do Americans need 2 or more jobs, of course to make ends meet each month, to weave and pay their bills. In my opinion, this is a total exploitation of the worker. The American way of life is a farce. It's more like daily exploitation, humiliation, you feel like a slave. There would be a lot more to write about what is wrong in the USA and that would be quite a lot. Freedom like we have in Europe is something Americans can only dream of. But it is the Land of the Free

[@booboss]

You forgot land of the free and justice for all

[@grahvis]

In world rankings for freedom, the US is not even in the top ten.

[@picholoup]

​@@booboss😅😅😅

[@booboss]

@@grahvis It's not even in top 100

[@GillianBergh]

I heard that when Germany was split in two - East Germans were told the wall was to keep jealous foreigners out, because their standards of living was so low! Not sure if the East Germans believed it, but contradicting the authorities was unwise.

[@nahajaha]

I was shocked when I was in Charleston that there were two bridges to the other side and neither had a sidewalk. It was just cars. That there were streets in the city without sidewalks and that there were schools that didn’t have save walking rotes to the nearby neighbourhoods. How are your kids going to get around.

[@karldehaut]

The greatest freedom is when society provides its citizens with equitable access to opportunities for a better life and a better future for its children.

[@kiljaeden7663]

I'm in the UK but work for an American company. Apparently when they initially set up their local entity they tried to set it up with the same non-benefits; but were promptly told: No, you legally have to offer at least twenty paid days off but you'll probably need to offer at least 25 days to compete for staff. No, that does not include public holidays and those are paid time off too. No, people here won't work 12 hour days. No, people won't use their private phones for work purposes.

[@deadzio]

Working 12hr shifts it's not american thing ;). Its just shift pattern. You only work 4 and have 4 days off

[@alicedell8595]

USA is the richest country in the world because its workforce is treated as lowly drones. x

[@baramuth71]

You can't be serious about the USA being the richest country in the world. The richest country in terms of debt is more like it. Who is sitting on all the money that is being hoarded? It's the rich, and the little man is footing the bill. The rich pay the taxes out of their petty cash, but they really hurt the rest of the population. The rich should get a proper tax increase, that would be fair, those who earn a lot can also pay more, that's a fact.

[@alicedell8595]

@@baramuth71 I agree with you but stand by my original statement. Check out any survey you like. x

[@barbaradyson6951]

No workforce in america is the new slaves.

[@Danwade7979]

over 30 trillion in debt ! that's not something to be proud off and if USA is rich why the country is in debt

[@baramuth71]

@@Danwade7979 Well, that's quite simply explained. Just look at the low tax revenues. You simply can't do as much wrong as is being done there. The rich are getting richer and richer, paying their taxes (if at all) out of petty cash. And the normal working person in the USA bears the entire burden. Then tell me how a country is supposed to survive like this. It's no wonder that the USA is so heavily in debt. The solution is to drastically increase taxes on the rich, because those who earn a lot can or must pay more to the state. But they are sitting on their money and their asses are getting fatter and fatter from the money.

[@joanmackie1735]

I grew up in England, where I walked or cycled alone to school. I could disappear into the woods for hours on end and climb trees without my mother worrying (she’ll come home when she’s hungry). I have had (so far) three hip replacements, the first in Switzerland when I lived there, completely covered by my health insurance, the second in France where I now live, completely covered by my health insurance. These were not exactly free, since you pay monthly for insurance in these countries, but the third was in New Zealand, where I had just arrived as a tourist, and was also covered by government insurance. I think my greatest freedom is the freedom from fear. I can walk down the street alone at any time of night or day (except perhaps in certain parts of big cities), I can walk alone in the forest (choosing my route carefully during the hunting season). I haven’t ever felt nervous on public transport in any country, I have camped alone in my one-woman tent in various countries, not always in official camp-sites, etc. etc….. Parents here may worry about their children having to cross busy roads, but mass shootings are unheard of. I think it was once like that in the US too, but sadly those freedoms are being lost today. I hope you find the way back.

[@aussieragdoll4840]

in Australia, we were told to go outside to play & just come home when the street lights came on.

[@occamraiser]

Should have been a UK citizen, then you wouldn't even have needed the insurance. Although everyone pays eventually through tax of course.

[@joanmackie1735]

@@occamraiser you are quite right. I lived in the Uk until the age of 26, and was covered by National Health insurance. It’s just a different system.

[@deadzio]

But you cant be left alone untill certain age ;)

[@alwynemcintyre2184]

In Australia the minimum wage is set for the whole country by an independent board

[@JB-zs1oq]

And adjusted each year.

[@provokedfob]

Same in Belgium. Every time the spill index is passed (inflation) our wages go up. And for laborors like me its once a year. 2 years ago i got a mandatory pay raise of almost 12%

[@admanistansheridan1826]

We dont ban normal books from schools and library's

[@Pappa_66]

Usually people do not believe, that Finland and the Scandinavian countries are the "happiest" countries in the World. We neither, in Finland. But after living abroad about 25 years, I really do understand why. The " happiness" includes all the things mentioned here and more. We are not smiling or laughing, but we are satisfied, what we got. Simple things like safety and trust. Problem with the US is, "You do not know, what you do not know". So nothing changes.

[@StergiosMekras]

It's more contentment than happiness. Not having to worry about paying the bills or eating tomorrow tends to make people just a bit more relaxed. Who knew...

[@IkarusKommt]

Happy people do not commit suicide.

[@Pappa_66]

@@IkarusKommt Maybe you should try?

[@thatguy4311]

About a decade ago i worked In a call centre with an American guy, he came in work one day clearly feeling like shit, you couldn’t not notice. The manager, Tom, an awesome Scottish guy told him to go home. The panic on his face made me feel sorry for him and I’m an arsehole 🤣 I swear to god it took him 20 minutes to convince the guy to go home and stay home until he feels better, that he will be paid and still have his job at the end of it. He was back 2 days later talking about how he was going to make up for the time he missed etc. Tom just laughed and said “ok mate, whatever you feel like you need to do”. I love Americans, but damn, you guys really let work run your whole life. I can’t imagine being told i have to answer work calls outside of work hours.

[@oliviawolcott8351]

its not that we let it. its that we will literally lose our job if we don't go in sick.

[@thatguy4311]

@@oliviawolcott8351 unless you all stop going in when you’re sick, refuse to answer work calls outside of work hours unless you’re being paid for them, etc. They can’t fire everyone 🤷‍♂️ it’s precisely because you let it.

[@oliviawolcott8351]

@@thatguy4311 we can't afford to.

[@thatguy4311]

@@oliviawolcott8351 freest country on the planet though apparently…

[@oliviawolcott8351]

@@thatguy4311 it never really was, atleast for a good majority of the population. freest for white people, maybe. and then really white men.

[@ms-ht1cj]

I'm not a cat person, but I do know about Maine Coon cats. I think there are even some breeders here in Poland, where I live. These cats are big 🤠 American myth is well known even in Europe. Before I started watching videos about life in the United States, I didn't realize you had such difficult life, guys. Your movies paint a more beautiful picture, so. 😅 Now I'm horrified that you have to live such way. I can't imagine not calling an ambulance or go to the doctor in fear of not having money. It's awful. I live in Poland, we're not that rich (although we are part of the EU, so we're not exactly poor either😅) but health care is like, basic human rights for us. Our public system is not perfect, but there's no way anyone would fear to go to hospital! Omg. I'm really sorry for you, it's not right. 😮

[@JB-zs1oq]

As an Aussie I share the same feelings.

[@baronmeduse]

One year, here in the Netherlands, I started a new job and three days in my mother died (in another country). I got paid compassionate leave and had to stay away for almost a month to organise things. Job was safe and I came back to it six weeks later.

[@667buddy]

In Norway you also get extra money for your food/diet if you're eg a diabetic and other ilnessees related to food intolerance and that's how it should be .

[@hellebachmann8260]

Most countries in Europe, freedom of speech comes with responsibility.

[@baramuth71]

Nonsense, give some examples in which

[@BergenDev]

Because we are adults and taking responsibility. Freedom of speech in the U.S is . Be as toxic as you can, to express freedom - But dont get surprised if you get fired.

[@mirrrie]

​@@baramuth71 for example you are not allowed here what mtg did to Hunter Biden. Showing his pictures. You also cant accuse people without proof. You can't accuse people so you can find proof

[@samfetter2968]

​​@@baramuth71 lets start with calling people names, hurting their feelings. In the US this is just fine. In most european countries this is called verbal assault and can get you either fined...or even into jail. Not hurting people with words is a responsibility in Europe.

[@citizenVader]

​@burkhardproksch637 First of all, nobody is going to answer you with that attitude, and that is just how it is. Secondly, we have freedom of speech but expression is restricted, so hate speech is a no go.

[@aeris_zaeleria9722]

"Your freedom ends where the freedom of the other starts" is not just a saying, it's the second sentence of the declaration of human rights enunciated by the french after their revolution : "Everyone is born free and equal in rights. One's freedom ends where the other's begins."

[@mjgobet5601]

I'm one of the rare birds in USA. We hosted exchange students during the 90's and stayed friends with them. We have traveled abroad (Europe) quite a lot. And I stay with family & friends in Switzerland, Germany, England, Scotland, Czech, Slovakia. We have wonderful dinner table conversations. And that is where we learned the huge differences in how the "government" assists the lives of the citizens. How work is done by contracts. How taxation provides for the essentials, Medical coverage, Street repairs, Ambulance services, let alone the Fire/Police services. But those services look different to American's. Still good but different. Thankfully we made sure all 5 of our kids got to travel (as adults) in other countries. They need to see the possibilities for themselves, then they can make judgements.

[@SallyLovejoy]

The UK had better workers' rights in the 70's than the USA has today! I'm so pleased that the internet has opened up the World to everyone. I truly hope you will realise your dream to live in the Netherlands someday soon.

[@curmudgeon1933]

Sadly, the UK has regressed recently in the field of workers' rights. Many of the gains won in the bitter union disputes during the Thatcher years, are being rolled back by the current Tory administration. News today that they are proposing to raise the pensionable age to 71 is another nail in the coffin of what was a decent social system. Since Brexit, it seems there is a push to emulate the horrors of the US, in the UK.

[@kimantonsen5595]

And still we consider both UK and USA as class divided 3. world countries in my country. First time I went to the USA, was back in the 1980s, and it felt like going at least 30 years back in time, in a parallel universe run by evil capitalists. Today USA is more like back in the 80s, just with much more crime and less freedom. A nation driven by old technology and outdated american made everything. American cars is like our cars was back in the 70s. Busses and even school busses looks very unsafe. And their outdated old school trucks would not even get permitted to drive on our roads.

[@eh1702]

The UK had better workers’ rights in the 1970s in many respects than it has today. Yes, better for equality, but the level overall is lower. The whole “gig economy” scam, for one. No holidays, no sick days let alone sick pay, no refusing work or you get no more work…

[@pupupu1955]

Paid maternity leave is 3 years in Hungary. For 2 years you get 70% of your former salary every month, there is a maximum amount, so if someone made a crapload of money, then they won't get the 70% of that, but rather the maximum amount. The third year the amount is predetermined so everyone gets the same amount every month, which is about 1/6 th of the amount that was provided in the first 2 years. Usually moms have part -time , home office jobs during the 3rd year, but not always, as parents save money for years before having kids. There are government funded pre-kindergartens that take care of kids from 2-3 years old, after that parents leave their kids in kindergartens from age 3-6, so basically daycare is free. In most cases the grandparents help out too by watching the kids when the parents have to do something outside the home. There are 3-4 grandparents, so one is always available. Fathers get at least 2 weeks but sometimes 4 weeks of paid paternity leave after the birth of every child, which makes sense, because moms need help after giving birth, their bodies need to heal. People with kids get tax breaks and extra paid vacation days too. So, overall I think the system is pretty good here. People with no kids get at least 20 paid days off and the number of days grow as the person gets older. Plus 1 day every 2 years, so by the time someone reaches 35 years, they have about 28- 30 days paid vacation, by law. The days get more every 2 years untill someone decides to retire. The American maternity leave is just cruel, 6 week old babies need to be with their mothers, they have to be fed breastmilk, the first 2 years are crucial in the social development and brain development of kids. Babies learn trust and develop the attachment to their parents during these first years and this experience of bonding has a huge impact on their ability to form trusting relationships with others, later on. No wonder American don't trust anyone... I know it might come off as harsh, but it's true.

[@ciberzombiegaming8207]

in Lithuania is one year at 100% pay and second one at 80% or something

[@pupupu1955]

@@ciberzombiegaming8207 That sounds even better. Governments that don't ensure at least 2 years of paid maternity leave for moms are just working aginst their own citizens.

[@SW-gf6zl]

Hear that, Americans! And Hungary is by far not one of Europe's wealthiest countries, and yet they can afford that! It's not a matter of how wealthy your country is but rather a matter of how human dignity is valued in a society! Obviously it's not that highly valued in the US... 😢

[@R.W.KING_KONG]

My wife and me we were so lucky that we managed both our companies sending us to the U.S. for two years. We lived in Idaho and worked in the American offices of our companies. Of course we still were employed with our german working contracts within the whole benefits coming along with. Our American co- workers were kind of in between jealous and stunned when we could take our vacation days, like three weeks in a row (30 days in total). When time almost come to an end my wife got pregnant and the American HR office had to learn the hard way that german workers rights were not to debate, so my wife got her payed pregnancy leave in pregnancy week 28, and she never came back because we moved back to Germany when she was in month 10 of her maternity leave ^^

[@iaing9028]

I hope you didn’t make the mistake of having your baby in the US? This would mean the baby had US citizenship & all the hassle that comes with it.

[@R.W.KING_KONG]

@@iaing9028 Our son was born in the U.S.. But as Germans we would have needed to fill in some paperwork. The nurses face when we declined those papers, and also declined American citizenship. Priceless She was a typical brainwashed individual who surely pledged allegiance to the flag with joy 😂 (what a culty bullshit) My son can become an American citizen later, when he wants to. But I hope he will refuse to be called an American his whole life ^^

[@iaing9028]

@@R.W.KING_KONG , Well I’ve never heard of that! What documents were used to take the child out of the country? Obviously you could get a German passport for the child, but that would have the place of birth in the passport. Americans have to use their US passport to enter & leave the US. A border official should have wondered why the child with US birthplace was leaving on a German passport.

[@R.W.KING_KONG]

@@iaing9028 There were no papers needed to leave the country with our own child. After my wife gave birth, we informed the German embassy and after 8 weeks we have gotten the German passport, or better the information to come and pick it up. My memories don‘t show me any moment were our baby needed the passport.

[@R.W.KING_KONG]

@@iaing9028 And when we left, there was no border official by the U.S. We just checked in on the flight counter and got our tickets. Of course the passport says that his place of birth is America but luckily the German border officials are all federal police officer which requires way more then every American official would ever have to bring in for that job. But like I said, the German officer checked our passports and let us enter our country ^^

[@juwen7908]

We have a saying in Germany 'Was du nicht willst, das man dir tu, das füg' auch keinem anderen zu.' I guess, it's related to the golden rule and also the Immanuel Kant's maxime. The meaning is just, treat others only in that way, you want to be treated by others. If you don't want to be hit by anyone, don't hit anyone. If you don't want to be afraid of gun violence, don't carry a gun with you. If you don't want to be hated just by who you are, don't be a hater, just be a nice person! If we don't wanna have the whole garbage of other continents over here in europe, we shoudn't do that to asia or africa too. This fits everywhere and if any single person just try to live like that, we would have much less problems in the world. Peace 🌈

[@shellieeyre8758]

Do as you would be done by.

[@dinekefolmer]

Very similar in Dutch: Wat gij niet wilt dat u geschiedt, doet dat dan ook aan anderen niet. (It is slightly old Dutch, we don't normally use words like 'gij' and 'geschiedt' anymore).

[@DougBrown-h1n]

I'm free from the fear of gun violence, medical bankruptcy, "hate speech", chemical-laced "food" etc. (but I'm also free to walk across the street, and drink a bottle of wine with my friends in the park!)

[@andieappster5957]

Being European I've had many discussions with US-citizens about freedom, specifically freedom of speech. And to this day I don't get, how bullying&harassing someone can possibly be counted as "free speech" and therefore be protected? How is it, that so many of you don't see, that a person's freedom must end where another person's freedom begins? Because everybody has basic human rights. These rights include the right of not being physically or psychologically harmed. The dignity of a person is not only a fundamental right in itself but constitutes the basis of fundamental rights. So, for example hate speech can not be protected by "freedom of speech". Freedom of speech does not mean, there are no limits to what I can say - on the contrary: what you can say is limited by basic human rights - in fact it HAS to be limited by basic human rights.

[@Goldenhawk583]

I choose to assume that hurt feelings does not equal psychological harm in your example. These days we are losing the right to speak freely because some people get hirt and/or offended by facts and opinions that does not align with their own. Meaning that some of what some people call " hatespeech" is not in fact hatespeech, just a different take on a subject. Where the line goes on that, is very hard to set if noone can be allowed to have their feelings hurt.

[@eh1702]

“The dignity of a person is not only a fundamental right in itself but constitutes the basis of fundamental rights.” Very eloquently put.

[@theoriginalLP]

@@Goldenhawk583 hurt feelings do indeed equal psychological, but also physical harm. However, saying something with intent to make another person feel bad is wrong. Sure, getting offended or hurt by neutral things, when there is no intent to make anyone feel bad, is a different story, and losing the right to free speech because of that is also wrong.

[@Goldenhawk583]

@@theoriginalLP Yes, saying something with the intent to hurt is being mean. not ok. However, these days you can point out facts like.. only biological women can get pregnant... and be accused of being mean . In this case, nothing was said to be mean, and hurt feelings are the one that feels hirt, not the one who stated a fact. Losing the right to free speech for any reason is wrong. We are not slaves.. or?

[@theoriginalLP]

@@Goldenhawk583 I believe that is what I said. If not, I do agree that saying neutral facts shouldn't offend anyone.

[@lucylane7397]

Imagine not having the freedom to leave your job because you’re worried about the fact your healthcare is attached to it, or not having maternity leave, having to always have some identification on you, not having more than two weeks payed leave, religion in politics. The list goes on

[@kevinwalsh1619]

Apparently you've never heard of COBRA or the Affordable Care Act.

[@theoriginalLP]

Actually you're obliged to have your ID with you at all times everywhere. It's just that you don't get stopped by the police when taking a walk so you don't have to show it very often.

[@lucylane7397]

@@theoriginalLP not in the uk your not. Not everyone even has any form of id

[@theoriginalLP]

@@lucylane7397 how can that be? What do you bring to the bank if you don't have "any form of ID"? What do you show to the police if being stopped?

[@lucylane7397]

@@theoriginalLP you don’t have to give the police any and you could take your birth certificate to the bank but it’s not like you would carry that around with you. Lots of people in the uk don’t drive or have a license

[@Jacqueline_Thijsen]

She has coeliac which means she can't eat gluten. So the food she's talking about must be the gluten-free stuff.

[@georgieb]

She must live in Wales as my Husband has Coeliac and he does not get free food and we live in England

[@MechanicaMenace]

​@@georgiebthat's relatively recent. Coeliacs would used to get gluten free stuff on prescription but then gluten free became widely available and cheap.

[@John_Lyle]

Where I live the term "open carry" involves the right to openly carry and openly drink from an open can of beer or bottle of wine in a public place. We prefer to share shots rather than exchange shots.

[@alananderson5731]

I live in London if I have wait more then 10 minutes for a bus or 5 minutes for a train, I start to get annoyed.

[@keithwhitehead4897]

I am in NZ, have been to London a few times and I can say that the Tube is FANTASTIC for getting around London.

[@fmcg5364]

Waiting only 5 or 10 minutes for any public conveyance is unbelievable to me, not only that it can take you 2 or 3 hours to get maybe 45 minutes away. I had a friend who had a sick child and where she was living there was no bus system and she got in trouble for taking time off for her child and why didn't she have another way to work.

[@tss9886]

In Canada when you have a baby you get a year off with pay. This can be split with the father.

[@tracim3080]

Ya we behind so many countries.

[@silvergirl2847]

6 months paid leave another 5 months at a reduced rate .in Ireland .American maternity leave and lack of it is just inhumane.

[@bodybalanceU2]

in australia employers are not allowed to fire anyone when they are sick - even when its the famous aussie sickie the best the employer will get is a sick note (after 3 days) from the employee's doctor telling the employer how long the employee needs off work to recuperate

[@RobinCernyMitSuffix]

I think that's pretty standard in developed an civil countries these days.

[@Bruintjebeer6]

I live in the Netherlands When you have cancer or certain disease the government or health insurance pays for the high calorie or specialized food you need. In some cases they also pay for heating.

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

Same inUK I had to have very high calorie drinks for a few months .

[@BernhardGiner]

If you need special, dietary and expensive food to survive or become healthy again and you don’t have enough income, who pays for it? This is not so seldom as you might think. I personally know two elder persons who need what we call „astronaut food“ one of them needs even special sort of this and that’s super expensive. We the community - we all - pay if the person isn’t able to do. It’s a question of dignity. IMHO there is no alternative except of letting him/her suffer or die in the streets. No! Not in my Name! That’s one of the parts of my taxes i prefer to pay. One for all, all for one.

[@MKristensen]

There is also the freedom of being able to take any education you want, without having to pay for it (at least in many European countries). You just need to get the grades to get in. In Denmark we have 5 (some 6) week paid time off a year. There is also money to a pension fond. We have generally a 37 hour work week in Denmark.

[@kimantonsen5595]

Sounds like Norway. And 12 months paid maternity leave when a women had a baby, and 15 weeks of paid paternity leave for the dad.

[@marcelkuijper8240]

"Freedom and justice for all" is a fantasy, especially now with so many people thinking they're entitled to a certain kind of treatment. Patriotism is another one of those strange things I, as a European, can't fathom. If I were to live in the U.S., and I didn't have the U.S. flag out during the 4th of July, I'm fairly sure people neighbours would come knocking on my door and almost demanding that I put up a flag. In the 1950's, communism was seen as a disease in the U.S. And by many today, it still is. But in the 50's, people were expected to turn in family members and friends who were even the slightest bit interested in communism, or if they had said anything positive about it. Freedom of expression, freedom of speech, or freedom of opinion? Not back then. I'm sorry ... the U.S. is a beautiful country, but I would never want to live there. Ever.

[@TheRealRedAce]

I can.....kind of.....understand a degree of patriotism - but the US kind seems completely blind and totally divorced from actual reality. The US is nowhere near being a good country to live in. There are worse ones of course, but there are also a LOT of far better ones which have more rights and freedoms and a better quality of life for their citizens. Ones where despite their living in a better place, the citizens don't exhibit such an exaggerated degree of ignorant blind patriotism. The often in the USA quoted "This great nation of ours" should be "This somewhat lacklustre, rather average nation of ours!"

[@kevinwalsh1619]

That's a lot of nonsense. I don't fly the Yankee flag of occupation, and nobody bothers me about it. Sometimes I even fly the Confederate flag.

[@TheRealRedAce]

@@kevinwalsh1619 But you DO fly flags! WHY??

[@kevinwalsh1619]

To show what I stand for, in the case of the Confederate flag to show my disapproval of political correctness and racial equality.@@TheRealRedAce

[@MickH60]

@@kevinwalsh1619 You stand for ignorance mate....

[@IRISHATLANTIC]

In Europe we believe a rested worker is a productive worker. Many European countries are far more productive than the USA, despite generous holidays, sick days, strikes, and healthier work hours. Europeans prefer to work hard and efficiently when at work, rather than spending excessive time at work. Get your work done at work, then chill. If someone gets sick and has to go home, it's not the sick person we expect to suck it up, it's actually the rest of us that suck it up and cover their slack. When we are sick, the favour will be repaid.

[@phunk8607]

Hosted some American family friends to Australia. Took them to the tourist area and overheard them saying how safe it is, they ask me is it safe to walk around. I told them we walk and ride bike all night and people walk their dogs at 4 - 5 am before work. They said that they would’ve get shot in California.

[@davidmalarkey1302]

America is a 3rd world country compared to Europe. When you look at healthcare , affordable housing, work life balance, education and parental leave. Also the freedom to let your child go to school and have the fear they may not return. Also the freedom for women to have the right to an abortion under any circumstances this freedom has been taken away for many women in America. So much for the land of the free.What freedom do you have that I don't here in the UK.

[@mennobults6464]

Sorry, but I will not move to Amerika. A lot of things are absolutely better. I feel that Amerika is more like survival. I am just saying that things are changing. And of course, you are more than welcome in our smal country. ❤👌😎

[@andrewobrien6671]

In the UK, catcalling, making inappropraite comments and whistling at women is a sackable offence

[@CLeeflangDFWU]

In Australia too 👍

[@charlesunderwood6334]

Sexual harassment is not acceptable? Good.

[@WinstonSmith19847]

If you are a person doing all those things you are living in the 1970's.

[@craftyclaira]

Charlie here in the UK and Europe its illegal to have non-domestic cats like lions, tigers and also other exotic animals like monkeys etc. This is because these types of animals should not be in a domestic setting but in the wild at best and a zoo/safari park only foat the vey least. No special permits here! Qw find it a shocking injustice for wild animals to be kept by individuals as pets. Its against the Geneva Convention too.

[@paulqueripel3493]

Not quite illegal, but you do need a licence from your local council. www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1976/38 . Good luck convincing your local council to let you keep a tiger. Oddly, under the primates section it said there's one exception under apes, man. Not sure how keeping someone as a pet doesn't come under slavery, pets are usually owned. 2007 list www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/2465/schedule/made , I think it's the first link has been updated, it looks the same.

[@gchecosse]

In GB (different in NI), it's not completely illegal, you need a licence, but in practice these are only given for exotic snakes etc, not tigers.

[@cyberash3000]

wel america is the 23rd most fre country in t he world the uk is the 16th i think its one of the nordic countries that have the most freeedoms

[@rinynewton8297]

Charlie...again...pack your bags. Come to the Netherlands. If you stay sitting there everything stops nothing will happen. Get into getting yourself to move. GO FOR IT. JUST DO IT!!!

[@zdravkohorvat8522]

That ^^^ ... move a.s.a.p ... to anywhere in Europe. It isn't all milk and cookies ... but you'll "live a life"

[@perniciouschattel5211]

Yep, you'd be welcome in Canada too...although I do think a middle class life is still more difficult than northern Europe. We have the advantage of being close and easy. I think it could be a good exchange, we will send our right wing conspiracy junkies, religious hate groups, and pro-gun nuts and welcome those who value life over ideology.

[@kevinwalsh1619]

Definitely not for me. I don't fancy being arrested just for saying that Anne Frank had a ball point pen.

[@zdravkohorvat8522]

I sincerely hope you are joking, sir. If not, I hope you'll stay forever, wherever you are, and you won't bring your 'freedom' over here ...

[@rinynewton8297]

@kevinwalsh1619 freedom of speech here!!!

[@dianabialaskahansen2972]

My uncle (we are from Denmark) worked in the US like 30 years ago, where he met the woman who is now my aunt. They married and worked for a few more years in the US, as they were both professionals and made good money, but when it became time for increasing the family they packed their bags and went to Denmark, because of the Healthcare, Education, Workers rights and so on. 25+ years later and they are never planning to move back to the US, but they do visit my aunts family during their vacation time.

[@williambelford9661]

The Maine Coon (the only domestic cat native to North America) is now believed to be descended from the Norwegian Forest Cat taken to Vinland the Gude by the first Viking settlers.

[@fawkesmorque]

I've read that too. And while they are not wide spread here in Germany, I know a couple of breeders. These cats are quiet expensive compared to the other ones.

[@kathylecluyse7820]

@@fawkesmorque Depends on the breed. Devon Rexes aren't cheap either!

[@TukikoTroy]

Uhuh, there are 3 words missing from the end of the creepy pledge of allegiance: "...the rich people."

[@Gerryjournal]

What country still has a pledge? America is such a Backward country

[@trulybtd5396]

The car analogy works very well for the concept of american freedom. You are free, at a cost. And if it has a cost, it is not free.

[@lolaesther]

I live in Canada. We have our problems, but nothing like our friends in the US.

[@AP-RSI]

6:55 I'm German and nearly 60 years old and I had never a car! And had never transportation problems!

[@linesydclb8845]

How much better would the mental health of the people of the US be if you had time off, if you weren't worried about your jobs all the time, if you knew if you got sick, you would be ok financially?

[@cucublueberry8078]

You don't know about Endometriosis? SOOOOO many women suffer from that. It really makes our lives miserable, please inform yourself about Endometriosis, it's important to understand many women's monthly struggle.

[@tkps]

You can't really expect men to take a specific interest in it. I don't take an interest in it because I don't know anyone who suffers from it and I'm a woman. If I did, I would but I don't. I know what it is but that's all I need to know.

[@cucublueberry8078]

@@tkps well... Doesn't this kind of fall under "being interested in the struggles of your fellow human beings"? I'm a woman but I do know about prostate cancer (I swear to God my partner didn't even know he had a prostate) , mental health in men, erectile disfunction and so on. Isn't stuff like that vital to living together and understanding each other?

[@paulinemegson8519]

@@tkpsummm yes you can. Most women know about prostate issues. Most women could rattle off the symptoms of a heart attack, in MALES, far fewer know them for a woman or even that they’re different. There has been way too long the attitude that “womens issues” were brushed under the carpet cos it didn’t matter!! And it does matter, it matters a LOT . Women make up a significant part of the workforce.

[@cellevangiel5973]

We have freedom of speech as well. But nobody can freely insult or threat people the way Trumpf does. That is insane and would, should be penalized. But a lot of what we consider "normal" in Europe is unheard of in the USA . Then off course you can think the USA is the best. One example, the salaries in Belgium are coupled to the cost of living, ever heard of ? Americans are proud of their freedom, but they don't know what freedom is. The freedom to go to the univ without ending with a huge dept, that's freedom. But there a load of examples. I daily see the children walking and biking to the kindergarten and elementary school. Isn't that freedom? For us Europeans, the USA is another world and I assume that works both ways.

[@tkps]

Australia uses common law meaning anything goes until a law's made to prevent it. Our speech is based on that. So you can't attack a protected class like sexuality, race, disability, etc. E.G. I can publicly say "I hate gay people" "being gay's a sin" or other rubbish but if I said "I hate Joe Bloggs for being gay" Joe Bloggs could report me and I could be prosecuted though I've never heard of it happening. UK has similar laws. Overzealous police misconstrued them causing a court loss. Police command was told to retrain them all on free speech.

[@ilikepussys]

Belgium sucks

[@cellevangiel5973]

Why ? Please tell me as I don't know it. @@ilikepussys

[@mbr104]

Im swedish and when we had our daughter we had 80% of our salary for 365 days and we shared it between us. Also we can decide to take out half time pay for two years which we did. Our daughter then started preschool with teachers that have a 2-3 year university education especially for young children pedagogy. We paid 90 dollar per month because its what we use our tax for. There is 3 such preschools on our small suburb. The town garantees all children a place and many of them are private and not owned by the tax payers but subsidized by tax money. We are free to get a job and contribute to the developement of our society. Sweden❤❤❤❤

[@jpfoto64]

In the usa businesses are in the middle of a city. In europe the citycentrer has shops, restaurants and cafe's bars etc. I amsterdam and many other european city's the businesses and financial districts ate at the edge of the city. Easy accesible by car, bike and publick transport. An other axample that the use is build around compagnies and europe around people. And about freedom. The freedom to swing your arms is were my face begins. The freedom for you to carry a gun is the ed of my freedom to feel safe. Not have to worry that you can get hurt by gun violence. Not to have drills at school against mass shootings, not to worry to zig zag when you hear a loud bang. Those fears do not exist in europe and so you have more freedom in not be scared or afraid. In the netherlands even pepper spray and baseball bats (unless you can prove that you play baseball) are illegal. Freedom in the usa starts at 16, Untill than you are under constant surveillance like a prisoner. Not to be able to travell alone by bike ot public transport to go to scool, a friends home, sport club, or just to play and explore outside with friends. Without constant supervjsion of an adult.

[@jamonit7169]

You are conflating safety and freedom, so often "safety" is used by governments to restrict our freedoms, oddly you didn't once mention the freedom to speak which as a Brit I don't have. The founders of the USA made it their first amendment for a very good reason.

[@mirrrie]

​@@jamonit7169which good reasons xD? There's nothing I want to say I can't.

[@DakotaCrossed]

In the United Kingdom, my understanding of liberty is rooted in the assurance that my well-being is safeguarded. I find comfort in the knowledge that my health is not jeopardized, as access to healthcare is a fundamental right, ensuring that I won't face mortality due to a lack of medical assistance. Moreover, the sense of freedom extends into the workplace, where I am entitled to a generous allotment of paid time off, totaling 40 days annually. This encompasses various scenarios, including instances of illness, bereavement, and the assurance that I won't be penalized for prioritizing family obligations. The UK's commitment to social equality is notably evident in its comprehensive approach to providing support during times of sickness or family emergencies. This contrasts starkly with the disparities in the USA, where the extent of inequality is genuinely disconcerting. In the UK, there is a reassuring absence of the pervasive threats that plague American society, such as the distressing possibility of children falling victim to mass shootings in schools. In essence, the UK's approach to freedom embraces a holistic perspective that encompasses healthcare, workplace benefits, and societal safety nets, fostering a more equitable and secure environment compared to the stark inequalities witnessed in the USA.

[@Lupinemancer87]

It varies from country to country but at least in the Scandinavian countries, the paid Maternity Leave can last up to a whole year, sometimes split between the mother and the father. Usually the mother gets most of it, with the father being able to choose the remaining if he so desire. Also the idea that Education is free is a bit more complicated then that. Techincally, all these services we have that are "free" including education, healthcare, etc., are paid for through our taxes which is why ours are so much higher then other countries. So it's free because it's already been paid for.

[@ms-ht1cj]

But Americans pay taxes too! I watched another video and it seems their taxes are even higher than in some of European countries. The difference is, Europeans get something from it. 😊

[@shellieeyre8758]

I took a year off after each of y children (UK); 6 weeks full pay, 6 months 80% pay and then an optional 6 months at no pay but with my National Insurance paid and my job held for me.

[@juliaperry2812]

same in the UK Health, Education paid for by taxation , but a fairer system as it means everyone is entitled no matter what their circumstances, maternity leave is 12 months for the mother I think fathers get two weeks paid leave,

[@kaelon9170]

In the Netherlands, maternity leave is 6 weeks of paid time off before the calculated delivery date, and another 10 weeks after the birth, for 16 weeks total. Paternity leave is 1 week of paid time off after the birth, and optionally up to another 5 weeks where the father gets social benefits rather than regular salary (in which the government pays you 70% of your regular salary, rather than your employer).

[@thedryparn1279]

In Sweden we have 480 days of leave split between the parents. 380 of them with 80% of your salary and 90 with a minimum pay.

[@daveofyorkshire301]

Freedom is just a word, look at how free YOU really are? What motivates your life? what drives your decisions? why do you do what YOU do? Ask yourself, are YOU where you want to be? Are you doing what YOU thought you would be doing? If YOU are indebted YOU aren't free. If you dependent YOU are not free.

[@maddyc2412]

Woo woo

[@ElunedLaine]

I had 2 Maine Coones. A ginger boy called Rex and a mismarked grey girl called Electra. Sadly both gone now so I've only got 12 cats left now

[@ElunedLaine]

I'm in the UK btw

[@picholoup]

My son has a Maine Coone ( and three other cats.)We have two cats. One is the typical alley cat. Cool little bugger and a birman sacré who to our great pain will leave us in two days. He is in the final stages of lung cancer and we want him to be put out of his misery. Medication is starting to be ineffective and besides, there is not the slightes sliver of hope for and imporvement. I can see it and my heart is breaking. I pass my dayes in tears. He's such a sweet, patient guy. We will miss him so much.

[@nevillemason6791]

In the UK and most if not all European countries, an employer can't just fire you from a job. There are set procedures to go through first. There must be a very valid demonstrable reason. Only if you commit 'gross misconduct' like violence towards someone, could you be dismissed without notice. Being sick for a few days or on maternity leave would not be a valid reason. They can't just get rid of you because your face doesn't fit.

working without vacation just per se is weakness on freedom department

[@sykogemini]

You keep referring to Europe. These freedoms are in more than just Europe. It’s all developed countries outside of the USA.

[@alicetwain]

Endometriosis is a potentially disabling condition that hits up to one woman out of ten. It occurs when the endometryum (the tissue that grows in the womb during the menstrual cycle) starts to grow outside the womb too. It causes severe menstrual pain and very heavy periods, but it can evolve into a really disabling condition. A friend has it, and she lives in more or less constant pain. She was unable to have children, and out of a week she is unable to work for in average two or three days. The main therapy for endometryosis is birth control pills, but some women are uable to go on birth control (as it can have major side effects). In the US coulture, where menstrual pain is normalised, most cases go undiagnosed. Celiac disease is a form of "allergy" (not exactly an allergy, but it's the simplest way to explain it) for gluten. People who have it have fairly severe effects: high fever, diarrhea, vomit, and on the long run malnutrition and potentially death. The therapy is simply avoiding the foods that contain gluten, such as bread, pasta, but also a number of processed foods. These can be substituted with gluten-free alterantives, which are more costly. In most European countries you get reimbursed at least partially these special foods.

[@libbysevicke-jones3160]

The lady living in Finland is so right. Being a New Zealander visiting the States on various occasions, sexual harassment is a real thing. If a male did that in my country they would be had up for sexual assault. Take time out and listen to a good number of American male comedians. They are disgusting, most of their comic acts are bases on Racism And Sexism. And what shocks me the most, the American audience think their gigs are funny. No American comic could hold down a job in New Zealand, they would be in court before a judge with a long list of racist and sexual charges against them. Thrown into jail then deported. Between the basic holidays and public holidays we are legally entitled to here in NZ, we have a minimum number of 6 weeks. If we work on one of our public holidays we get paid time and a half plus a day in leu. We also get paid bereavement leave, sick days, and maternity leave. Our minimum liveable wage is $27 per hour and our income tax is one of the lowest in the western world. We also have every good job protection. Having worked in management for many years, we would say “it takes 5 minutes to hire a staff member BUT 9 months to fire them by going through the legal process of firing a bad worker. There are massive fines for both managers And the companies when an employment dispute goes south.

[@JackieYoung-q6t]

Australia has paid annual leave, by law a full time worker gets at least 4 weeks leave a year, we get paid sick pay, paid maternity leave, our minimum wage is nearly $30 per hour, we also get Super annuation this is money your employer has to pay on top of your wage into a super fund that you chose, the federally mandated amount is %10 of your wage but some companies pay more, this money accumulates over your whole working life and is invested by your super fund, it covers all workers, full time, part time, casual even self employed people have to have a super fund, my daughters started her super fund at 15 when she got her first part time job, when you retire you get your super fund, depending on your income this can be up to millions of dollars if you have a very high income but the average for the ordinary Australian is between $500, 000 and $800,000.Australian dollars for your retirement.

[@aussieragdoll4840]

You forgot to mention Long Service Leave (which is separate to your Annual Leave entitlements). After 10-15 years (depends on the industry) working for the same employer, you are entitled to 13 weeks paid leave. In the clerical industry, if you are made redundant, retire due to age or illness, after 7yrs, but before you reach the 10yrs… you get prorated Long Service Leave paid out too.

[@andreasmoser7591]

It is funny i am German and i started my first job directly out of school in Oktober and because of the 3 remaining months i was ordered by my boss to take 8 days of vacation. Not because they were genres or so, no, becos if they didn't give me thies days of they could have gotten in real trouble with the law

[@alanfairbrother890]

Remember there are 49 countries in Europe with 49 different rules on maternity and parental leave . But on holidays the minimum is 20 days. Plus public holidays.

[@lizzisworld7667]

I can walk down the street in the UK without ID and this is no problem, when visiting the States it’s a must do, no footpaths in some areas of the USA, I know it’s a massive country in relation to the UK but the infrastructure to walk is just not there.

[@TattooedAussieChick]

In Australia you accrue leave from the day you start. So after three months you’ll have accrued one week, six months two weeks etc.

[@cadifan]

Same in New Zealand, your four weeks annual leave starts the day you start working at X hours per week, and it accrues every single week, including the weeks you're actually on holiday.

[@JB-zs1oq]

We Aussies are lucky in that our pay rate for 4 weeks of our annual leave includes a 17.5% bonus per week. Not many countries get extra inco,me when on holidays. In some areas we also have long service leave, meaning 2 months paid long service leave on completion of 10 years service with the same employer and one month of paid leave for each additional 5 years service.on completion of 10 years service with the same employer and one month of paid leave for each additional 5 years service.

[@Ali-Bee]

I've been living in the UK since I was 11 and for 37 years. in that time I had no idea America had gotten SO bad. (I knew it was bad, I keep tabs on what's going on and every time I consider going back I'm like... NOPE! but it's way worse than I thought.) But here's the thing. UK has slowly becoming more and more like the states. (jokingly often called the 51st state) Everything that is great for the populace is slowly being eroded as the gov tries harder and harder to make the country more US like. Public services? sold off to the highest bidder decades ago. National Healthcare? underfunded for years with the intent to sell it off to for-profit corporations. Public transport? used to fairly cheap and not-terrible. now it's both expensive and badly run (not to mention not integrated so if you have to use more than one i.e. bus->train or even train -> different operator train) then you'll be lucky if there's even a connection on the same DAY. this could all be fixed with a fair taxation system, but yet again, gov decided to apply more and brutal taxes to the lowest earners while giving more and more benefits to those much higher up the chain (it's frequently pointed out that applying fairly minor tax hikes to the top 5% would raise enough money to transformatively fix the crumbling healthcare system but they don't in order to "stimulate growth". sound familiar? The only thing we don't have (yet) from across the pond is a proliferation of gun crime, but I'm sure that soon to come given how badly funded the police are to actually keep on top of the existing serious crime. oh and for the time being there is still some semblance of workers rights, but since Brexit, there is a push to reduce those too.

[@aleksandrachmielnicki7007]

In Canada the paid matternity leave is 12 months, but you can choose 18 months and have those payments divided over 18 months. Also we like individual freedoms , but collective wellbeing takes precedence. Freedom of speech doesn't include hate speech. It is expensive, but I would never consider US as a place to live. Unfortunately the American vile style of politics is spilling over a little bit to Canada and I wish we were not neighbors.

[@taranvainas]

What kind of freedom is that, that prevents women from being able to decide about their own bodies or children from being able to learn about Michelangelo's David just because some politicians consider it pornography?

[@jannetteberends8730]

People in The Netherlands have cars. We are number 39 on list of number of cars by 1000 people. Higher than Austria for example. But we have a choice of using it, of go on bike, or public transport. But it’s true that it is easy to live without a car. I do it my whole life, and even don’t have a bike.

[@driver288]

Intresting note on the guy living in Australia. So. Guys. It’s not only the entirety of Europe that has a completely different health system and vacation and life/work balance. It’s basically only you who live like this. I have to admire your positivity h la inf to live with such crippling circumstances. I like Americans. Really. Very friendly people. But I would NEVER move there because of these things. Health care salary vacation time schools and life/work balance.

[@sharonfindlay7721]

Im Scottish and me and a friend went on vacation to Memphis and we were so taken back by the cat calls and men thinking it's ok to touch us being honest we were kind of terrified to be alone and that was a big culture shock for us put us off coming back without partners

[@ianbrook7793]

Australia as a minimum wage of $23 an hour and that's for a waitress.

[@ESCLuciaSlovakia]

2:22 In Slovakia, the maternity leave is 3 years (2nd longest in the world), and it's a paid leave. Well, actually it's two consecutive leaves: 1) 34 weeks of maternity leave (6 weeks before giving birth + 28 weeks after) for the mother, OR 28 weeks of paternity leave for the father, 1b) PLUS 2 weeks of leave after the birth for the father, to stay with the mother and child 2 of the first 6 weeks, 2) after that, almost 3 years of parental leave (either for the mother or for the father), that ends on the child's 3rd birthday, or, if the child has special needs, on the child's 6th birthday. The maternity leave for the woman can't be shorter than 14 weeks after the birth, it's mandatory. Even if the child is born dead, she still gets 14 weeks of maternity leave.

[@s3lfFish]

A reminder from a french to all Americans : Never forget though that all over the world, we celebrate the 1st of may because some workers in Chicago were assassinated for wanting 8h/day instead of 12+ and for wanting the end of child labor. You too, have a long and rich history of people who fought for your rights. Never forget the anarchist of Chicago, the black panthers, occupy Wall Street, and the IWW and so much more. The IWW used to be one of the strongest union in the world (along with the spanish CNT). I guess we got "lucky" after WW2, the european countries were half destroyed, and the people in charge had no choice but to accepts certain conditions and rights for the people unless they wanted a revolution , rights that are being reconsidered as we speak. (though the colonial era that is still ongoing under post colonialism, is not at all talked about publicly nor does it appear in school's history books, it's another topic but very very important and explains a lot) And I know I'm gonna sound real french saying it, but all those rights, they're not engraved in stone, people fought for them, and people are still fighting for them as different governement are attacking our social rights that we are slowly losing. Less and less things are being refunded by the healthcare system, everything is done to privatise it (based on the US model), same for schools, and hospitals, and there used to be a time where you'd get 90% of you salary when unemployed, now its 56%. Same for retirement, we used to have retirement at 60, now its pushed back to 62 (at least). more and more people are having a hard time just getting food on their plates. the inequality between rich and poor is getting bigger and bigger, I know compared to the US it seems like nothing. But that's how it starts, they start little by little and they started in the 80's. the repression against anyone who fight for our social rights is also harsher, (as you might have notice) we're experiencing what you got with Reagan in the US, or Tatcher in the UK I guess, or something similar. Let'smake the world, a loving planet. All countries fight for your rights, and unite !

[@maddyc2412]

The French could teach Americans a thing or two about fighting for equality and freedom

[@stuarthancock571]

I only recently appreciated a freedom we have here in Australia. I was suffering some mild chest pain, I'm nearly 50 so I'm old enough for it to be serious. I was in the countryside driving between towns, rang the nearest hospital in a rural area. They just said come straight in. When I arrived, heart monitor pads were put on my chest and a Dr was called in. Half an hour later I walked out, it was a false alarm, but it didn't cost me a cent. If I was American I would have ignored the pain because of $$$ which is just gambling with your life.

[@0bsmith0]

So many Americans gamble with their lives as you said.

[@russellfrancis6294]

It really is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance Charlie. 😎👍 Best wishes from 🇬🇧

[@Traveltheworld1818.]

New mothers and fathers in Europe have over 18 months of paid paternity/maternity leave

[@bjhellstream]

Freedom is having you basic needs covered if you get sick, injured, unemployed etc. Having vacation time as a right. In fact my employer demands that I get at least 3 weeks in the summer. I got more than 5 weeks paid vacation per year.

[@georgemacdonald3087]

The problem with most of these channels/videos is that they are aimed at a UK audience because UK folk love to hear how great we are when Americans say it. Based on the comments it is apparent that few Americans watch these channels/videos so they don't reach the folk (Americans) who need to know that there is plenty wrong with US work laws or lack of, health insurance, quality of food etc.

[@Mostspecialusername]

Freedom from opression versus freedom to opress.

[@kokkolintu3528]

Yes, please come live in Europe if that's your dream! ❤ I know (from personal experience) that moving abroad is scary at first, and yes it's a good idea to plan it well and save money... But it's also an amazing adventure! 😊 Life is too short for "what-if" and "should-have". Follow your heart! (And hey, you can always return to your home country if you want to. 🤷‍♀ What do you have to lose?)

[@prividinc]

Much of these points also extend to Canada. In Canada, a lot of companies are going to 3 weeks vacation, as a minimum, extended sick days, and parental leave for both parents is paid. My company offers 4 weeks vacation, unlimited sick days and 12 months parental leave, regardless of gender. The US does not even rank in the top 15 countries for freedom. In fact, on the peace index out of 165 countries, you rank at 143.

[@conallmclaughlin4545]

You guys love your constitution... But it's not exactly up to date 😂 That's why in Ireland we can change ours to suit progress

[@Gerryjournal]

The US constitution needs constant amending if it to say relevant with time

[@Mybrickbuildingadventure]

Just to give an idea about holiday leave. I have 30 days per year, when I started they told me that I got the 30 days per year but that the first half year I couldn't take more then 1 or 2 days off in one time. After that I could take 1 or 2 weeks at once. And I also have another 10 days paid that are special holidays like easter and christmas. And I don't have sick-leave, when I'm sick I stay at home, paid.

[@rachellemeyer4887]

From my perspective, as a new Australian citizen originally from the US, it seems like the word Freedom has lost all meaning in the US. Its supposed to represent an important value, but it reality they use it most often as an excuse. They want to keep doing what they are doing no matter the consequence to anyone else, so they invoke their right to "freedom". I guess their right to be a dick is the most important freedom of all? They don't want anything to do with civic responsibility or common goals, its toxic individuality rebranded. When you experience more actual freedom when you leave (all the things mentioned in this video), the self-serving nature and hollowness of the USA's "freedom" is apparent.

[@kevinwalsh1619]

In Arizona freedom means not having Dan Andrews tell you that you have to wear a mask, that you have to lock down, that you can't attend public demonstrations and that you can't exercise more than five kilometers from you residence. When Ducey tried to impose lockdown, hundreds of us gathered at the state capitol complex with rifles, pistols and Confederate flags. The cops didn't bother us, and two weeks later Ducey ended the lockdown.

[@davidpelc]

Yes, usualy in EU countries you can take holiday after 3 months in new job. And usulay boss is forcing you to spend all your holidays for a year, because if you don´t spend it, he/she would have to pay you for the time you are at work plus money for the holiday you didn´t spend.😉

[@miramuchachito296]

It depends of the company too. I have six weeks holidays in Germany and I was able to take them as soon as I got them (around 2,5 by month)

[@davidpelc]

@@miramuchachito296 2,5 and 3 months is not that big difference. ;)

[@miramuchachito296]

@@davidpelc I was talking about the moment you can begin placing free days from your holidays account. I could used them as soon as I got them since the beginning.

[@davidpelc]

@@miramuchachito296 ok, got it