America Compared: Why Other Countries Treat Their People So Much Better (Reaction)

[@Asa...S]

Americans look down on people with low wage jobs. Europeans look down on companies paying their staff low wages.

[@christophkagermeier6417]

Der ist wirklich Gutdünken

[@HankD13]

Very true.

[@seelenwinter6662]

i live near 2 air base in germany and i know soldiers from 30 years ago with their big cars and playing the big guy... nowadays they have so less money, that they cant leave the air base and drive the cheapest car avalieable...

[@maxbrooks1191]

That's disgusting

[@RonLarhz]

This! My country too. Our total population is about the same as denmark. But our land way. Smaller.

[@TheRecklessMetalhead]

Yet, the Americans are still bragging about how free they are. Whenever an American says that we have the number one freedom in the world, I cringe.🤦‍♂

[@sheerluckholmes5468]

Yet when you ask them to define those freedoms, they can't. What freedoms do they have that I or other people around the world don't have?

[@sinlokemp]

Tell the to Sleepy Joe, who always say USA is the greatest country blah blah blah. USA is not the greatest or was the greatest country it was all a facade and soft power marketing like Hollywood and Burgers.

[@Fetguf]

They are number 17 on the freedom scale, or something like that.

[@andyallan2909]

@@Fetguf Truly surprised that their ranking is so high.

[@TheRecklessMetalhead]

@@Fetguf It's been updated to number 19 or 20 from the last time I looked up.

[@FayeSless-di3jg]

What you find so shocking is just normal to virtually all Europeans. Slavery didn't end in the USA, it just became corporate.

[@RNTV]

Comparing living situations that we deal with hear to slavery conditions seems like a very very far stretch. I get your point, but let's compare apples to apples. I've worked some of the worst jobs in existence. Never felt like slavery

[@FayeSless-di3jg]

@@RNTV To any European those conditions would absolutely be regarded as slavery. But I get your point - lets just call it modern serfdom!

[@Menditarra]

@@RNTV Letting a few people make money with many people's health makes people equal to merchandise. It's not so far from slavery in concept. You don't need shackles and whips for that, just exploiting people's basic needs is enough.

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@RNTV It's not that far off the truth if you look at how the US system works, heck even health care is tied to your job through insurance, it's easy to see how businesses can abuse that by lowering conditions and pay because workers can't afford to lose there jobs of risk of losing there health insurance. I wouldn't call it slavery but it's not far off as it puts a lot of pressure on Americans to accept any job, even if the pay is crap and then the fear factor of losing your insurance by losing your job, means you're willing to accept worse conditions, by many definitions, it is slavery and I do agree with him that slavery didn't end, it just shifted towards the corporate model and expanded to the majority of the population. This isn't normal in almost every other modern country.

[@jessbellis9510]

@@RNTV It's corporate slavery, aka modern day legal slavery. Not historical slavery.

[@Erulin68]

"It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it" - George Carlin

[@kugelkopf2987]

I am born 86 in Germany. I had it believed. Your Problem are the 50% of Americans they like Trump! This is a inner fight. That can only repair youself.

[@LeoLady3966]

My new American dream is moving abroad.

[@Arsenic71]

True. The USA are not a democracy but an oligarchy. Why? Because you have to have at least 300 milllion dollars to -buy the presidency- run for office. Several US universities have confirmed that many years ago already.

[@jsb7975]

Wonder if he still would say the same thing. More going on and things changed.

[@yannicklucas1836]

@@jsb7975 Yes, things have change. Now one party striped women from their rights, try to kick people from voting lists and want to crown their nominee as a king in order for him to avoid jail for his crimes.

[@jimpalmer9263]

“No society can legitimately call itself civilized if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means.” This quote from the founder of the NHS is at the heart of our social democracy here in the UK. The US should have voted for Bernie Sanders: he is considered far left there but his ideas are mainstream here in Europe.

[@roslynjonsson2383]

@@jimpalmer9263 Mainstream here in Australia too. I still don't understand why Bernie Sanders was overlooked. He would've changed the USA for the better for sure

[@Yogoniogi]

the tory gov and new gov both are shitting on this qutoe. slowly trying to privatise the system

[@gejuje]

Yes, Sanders would have been a normal danish Social Democrat. Actually he`s good friends with some of our Social Democratic politicians, and often visits here.

[@jemmajames6719]

Our NHS is a complete mess and it’s not for lack of money, it needs a complete overhaul. It has been for many decades a postcode lottery if you could get treatment for certain medical conditions. Now people are dying waiting to be seen, people are spending days on trolleys in A and E not getting on a proper ward, some are dying there. My father in law has this happen to him recently, also in hospital my husband realised three weeks in they haven’t been brushing his teeth. Now in a half way home, my husband goes every day finds they haven’t got he out of bed some days, no underwear on or protection, and he’s wet or worse. So my husband ends up cleaning and changing him, brushing his teeth and giving him a shave everyday. He has to ask all the time why is he still in bed, has he had a walk today, he has to brush his teeth and shave him. This is basic nursing, what if a person has no family or they can’t go everyday?

[@andycooper6085]

@@jemmajames6719 It's for the money being redirected into privatisation companies and management, rather than being allocated where it is needed and a key thing was the stopping of training bursaries for nurses and doctors.

[@sarparker5362]

The richness of a country should be judged not on the bank accounts of its most advantaged citizens, but on the quality of life of its most disadvantaged citizens.

[@pragma5282]

Exactly. There are billionaires in Nigeria too

[@danusorn8655]

The thing is, the wealthier the country, the poorer the poor in that country

[@vernonwright8886]

Labour Unionism?

[@bolobolo7928]

Exactly! A chain is only as strong as its weakest link

[@richardjohnson2026]

that's right it should

[@robertphelps1574]

Gets on my nerves when I hear Americans say the United States is the greatest country on earth or in history

[@paul1979uk2000]

No country can claim to be the greatest in the world, It's arrogant to even say so, and even thought there is the greatest, it really depends on how what you define as being great, but one thing I do know, the US is clearly not the greatest, it's got too many flaws compared to other modern countries that I wouldn't even say the US holds up that well against other modern countries, especially when it comes to quality of life.

[@jessbellis9510]

Some pollies here in Australia have started pushing this bullshit over here. "Australia is the best country in the world" Like fecking NO IT ISN'T. Australia ain't even top 10 any more.

[@jessbellis9510]

@@paul1979uk2000 A country can be the greatest at _something_ but not "the greatest" since something that broad is entirely subjective.

[@Lovmyself]

It is if you're a woman, yes northern Europe is also a good place for a woman to be, but I think Madonna put it well "I love America because it's the country where I've been able to do what I've done"

[@williambilly3269]

Especially buffoons like donny Trump.

[@leesapollo]

The UK can be annoying and its politics can become pantomime but when I watch this video I’m reminded how lucky we are.

[@davidyohalem629]

Where the voting members of the Tory party (about 150,000 people) can select Liz Truss to be PM? She didn't last as long as a head of lettuce. Britain is far more structurally messed up (post-Brexit) than the US. The UK is a bad example for dumping on the States. Labour is now suffering the consequences of the last 15 years of Conservative misrule (rather like Biden has suffered following TFG.)

[@rogoth01themasterwizard11]

the thing that bothers me the most about Americans reacting to this video, is when they get to talking about the 'work life balance' section, what 95% of the world considers basic human rights and things that government should provide from taxation, Americans think of as 'benefits', like the employer is doing you a favour by providing these services, it blows my mind how actually backwards America is, and why I always refer to it as the richest thrid world country on earth.

[@mojojojo11811]

It doesn't blow my mind how backwards the US is. What blows my mind is they don't realise how backwards it is even compared to 3rd world countries.

[@redf7209]

What bothers me is that American corporations operating in other countries try to operate the same as they do in the US. When they can't they start lobbying those other govts for re-regulation, funding parties that lean that way, providing consultancies that offer dirty tricks, advocating winning elections at ALL costs, bribing officials, undermining media, promoting right wing media. campaigning against unions, - in some countries funding murder of unionists /environmentalists- ( see 'killer coke') Any pushback is interpreted as anti-American and before you know it you have CIA interference. This is why South America is in such a poor state fuelling drugs and emigration..

[@michalandrejmolnar3715]

Democrats want to change that for better!

[@thomash3716]

Yep - backwards they are... it´s just a fact! And they are also a very rich thirld world country... almost at a banana republic level!

[@martimasters7704]

That is not true. Federal Labors laws are very specific and state labor laws can add even more rules. As for your 95% of the world, that's total B.S. A whopping SEVENTY-TWO PERCENT of the world's population live in autocratic dictatorships. As for third-world, you clearly have no idea what the word means.

[@jaakkomantyjarvi7515]

A common argument in the US is that if you give people free stuff then they will just abuse the system. I don't have the details to hand, but a Finnish guy who started a business in the US decided to apply Finnish employment practices (even though he obviously didn't have to) -- fair wages, unlimited sick leave, weeks of paid vacation, paid maternity leave -- and was told that he was crazy, because his workers would just rip him off. Guess what? His employees were happy and loyal, productivity was excellent and the business did really well.

[@manub.3847]

A few years ago, German car manufacturers in the USA wanted to introduce works councils* based on the German model. Their employees had to join a union before this was possible. * In German labor law, union membership is not mandatory in order to establish a works council. If there are 5 employees, at least 3 must be eligible. The number of works council members to be elected varies depending on the total number of employees. If there are 200 employees or more, the law provides for a number of works council members to be exempted from work. Those who are not exempted are subject to time off work for their duties = attending meetings and committees. In my company last year there were 29 works council members, 7 of whom were exempted.

[@markfeland2285]

Yep corporate America abuses the hell out of government handouts

[@aussie6910]

He also had people walking out of interviews calling it a scam.

[@markfeland2285]

@@aussie6910 The very people he wouldn't want to hire anyway, how is that a problem?

[@aussie6910]

@@markfeland2285 Didn't say it was a problem. Just stating part of the story jaak left out. Too many Americans live in a bubble & just don't get that they're worse off as a whole in many areas.

[@PatrickF.Fitzsimmons]

The biggest problem in America by far, is not racism, not sexism, not homophobia, but education.

[@sammyd8860]

I would add lack of regulation of the corporate sector and lack of unionisation in the workforce

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

Or, more importantly, the lack of education.

[@yumyummoany]

Lots of people do ‘fill in’ jobs here in the UK, commonly stacking shelves in a supermarket. It should be applauded for not just sitting at home! $15 is the UK minimum wage now - plus the first $16,200 is tax free. Then, health care, 5 weeks holiday plus statutory holidays all included! You ain’t doing too well over there!

[@catarinaolaussonFreddyflang]

I would say corruption..

[@Agra586]

Lack of knowledge, poor regulation protections, corruption and isolation... yeah average Americans are isolated by our institutions so we remain ignorant and complacent

[@j.d.445]

Going out on a limb here. In Europe and other countries who take care of their citizens, we are brought up in a "we/us" society. America is a "ME and MY rights" society. As a Dane, I'm hopeful that future generations in America will be able to make a change. By watching and reflecting on videos like this, you're already on your way. Thank you both 😊

[@aussie6910]

America is big on individual 'rights' not so much an individuals responsibilities.

[@davidyohalem629]

Da jeg boede i Danmark... anyway, Jylands Posten published some silly inflammatory cartoons about Mohammed. They caused riots in the Mid-east and a Danish Embassy was burned. The defenders of the cartoons said they were defenders of "free speech." People died. Just because one CAN do something doesn't mean one should. Anyway, I lived there for ten years. Denmark works very well. For Danes. Not so well for foreigners.

[@seldom_bucket]

The crazy thing is the American healthcare system costs more in tax per person than the UKs NHS..

[@gregorygant4242]

That's because it''s not a health care system it's a health BUSINESS system !

[@seldom_bucket]

@@gregorygant4242 😅 I would say even 'business' is too nice a word

[@kennethdodemaide8678]

It costs twice as much as Australia's universal health care.

[@Howling-Mad-Murdock]

True. The US has the least efficient healthcare system in the developed world when you compare health outcomes to expenditure. Japan’s is ranked 1st.

[@PolarisMidnightSoldierLux]

American here, my mom spent most of her life working between 50-80 hours a week. Now that she's about to retire, we're planning on leaving the US so I can look for a professional job in Europe and she can spend the last years of her life in peace. Yes, Europe definitely isn't perfect, but I refuse to slave away the rest of my youth here.

[@michalandrejmolnar3715]

Democrats want to 😊 change all of this!

[@kevanwillis4571]

Look at Luxembourg.

[@marvinc9994]

Good for you!

[@BergenDev]

So she will be doing what most Americans complain about. Mooching immigrant, looking for free healthcare and benefits. Working those hours a week in the US do not validate all those benefits in Europe.

[@edbi5505]

@@BergenDev les soins ne sont pas gratuits, un prélèvement en pourcentage sur les salaires est fait, de cette façon tout le monde paie pour tout le monde, ça s'appelle la solidarité ....

[@paladin5163]

I have said it before, MONEY IS GOD IN AMERICA. And the people with all the money make the rules. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer, the rest just survive.

[@88balloonsonthewall70]

Its important to mention the benefits European workers receive was not given to us by the goverment, it was fought for through the labour movement. And thats the only way it can happen in America too.

[@ThatsNotFunnyThatsSick]

There should be a corporate tax of 50% so Google can charge you $1.00 for each minute you are on KZbin. Do you expect the elite left to go without? Will it be only one bedroom apartments in Silicon Valley? Your a fool.

[@jome7382]

The same goes for the UK, the rich get richer & the poor get poorer... But at least we have the NHS.

[@csjrogerson2377]

@@jome7382 UK and Europe have better education, safer roads, safer streets, a better government system and better employment conditions for workers.

[@anyexpat]

America is not a democracy it is a bribeocracy

[@JamesCrichton-m1g]

As a British person who has spent years visiting and working in the USA I have but one comment. Every time I tried to explain workers rights, maternity leave and a comprehensive medical system I was told that we are lazy communists! This comes from people who have no idea what communism actually is. I had three stents inserted in my heart when I had a heart attack in Italy - completely free. in Spain I have had cardiology care, dermatology care (skin cancer), pins inserted in my ankle and many other things - all free. For a predominantly Christian country, especially right-wing evangelists, I'm surprised that they don't follow the words and actions of Jesus. He was basically in his actions a socialist,even if at the time this term was not used.

[@bernadettelanders7306]

Australian here, we get holiday pay, sick leave, etc etc, - and our affordable healthcare comes from our taxes. Americans pay taxes as well, for what? Definitely not their health and work situations. And I have been called a communist and socialist by a few Americans. They don’t understand their companies are ruling the country re their wages etc and not their government, let alone unions who fight for workers basic rights and fair wages etc.

[@elscotto290]

Oh my god I've never thought about it that way but yup Jesus was a socialist, didn't he even have a whole thing about profiteering and selfishness when it came to money? I'm not all up on the Bible but I'm sure I remember something like that as a kid.

[@trekki7272]

I read some where "America isn't A country It's a Corporation" and now I know why😢

[@True_Heretic]

I think it was one of the lines that Brad Pitt's character said in the film "Killing them Softly".

[@stevetynant6666]

Not sure why you would be embarrassed about working for McDonald's, to me anyone who gets out of their bed to support their families deserves nothing but respect no matter what they do.

[@scottlowson7344]

I,m currently on immunotherapy. I was diagnosed with cancer in august last year. I have had 3 biopsies, 4 CT scans, 1 ultrasound scan. My cancer is metatastic. I,m being looked after by some wonderful people and I have no words to explain how grateful I am. Actual cost for all this? A payment from my wages that nobody in my country grudges so actually when I needed help it cost me £0.

[@mral8145]

Love and good luck to you! Take care. Xx

[@madelaca4589]

Take care! Where do you live? I live in Uruguay and my case is similar to yours, except I don't have metastasic cancer. I had chemotherapy and immunotherapy, several scans and I had to pay nothing! In our country, it is mandatory that every employee has medical care, which is financed by a small monthly payment taken from the employees salary and a larger amount paid by the employers. We have 20 days paid vacations if we work full time (usually 40 hours a week) or less if we are temporary workes. 90 days paid maternity leave. Also, we have a bonus called "aguinaldo" which is a 13th salary paid yearly. And I assure you Uruguay is a very, very small country in population. Only 3.5 million and we are not a rich country. But social laws, women's vote, and several other benefits have been instated for over a century. This extreme capitalism has really drowned the American worker! And I truly don't understand why working in a fast food chain is viewed as diminishing. Work is work and everyone should be proud and grateful to have a job.

[@briansharvill1794]

I had a bone marrow biopsy and was diagnosed with MDS, a blood cancer in May of 2020. My initial consult which lasted for 30 minutes cost $7,500 dollars or at the exchange rate today, that's 5,800 pounds for a 30-minute visit. Since my diagnosis 4 years ago I have spent over $35000 dollars and that is just to be followed by a doctor every 4 months. Right now, I am still in the stage before treatment, so I am terrified of the cost of treatment if just 12 visits and the attending blood lab work has run me $35,000 (roughly 27,000 pounds). I can only imagine what it will be with transfusion dependency, chemotherapy and medications, and an eventual stem cell transplant.

[@madelaca4589]

@@briansharvill1794 That's outrageous ! Oncology treatments, consults and medication should be free or available to everyone for a small payment, affordable to most people. Wish you the best with your treatment and a good outcome!

[@rosspapagelakis5693]

sorry to hear but id rather be in debt than being sick

[@Share451]

German here! You know what’s weird! We are also a free country! Free speech, freedom from illegal searches and seizures, freedom of the press we have it all.

[@heldertorres4296]

Switzerland here.. Same here and everywhere in the EU 😂😂

[@neptune5728]

Dane here: we not only have freedom, we even have rights.

[@davidyohalem629]

@@neptune5728 And you have the Janta Lovn. Sad to say, it's often a cultural drive to mediocrity.

[@davidyohalem629]

Yet in Germany, you have an increasingly powerful neo-fascist movement in the east.

[@WookieWarriorz]

Population size doesnt matter. All of europe over 400 million. Have more than 6 weeks paid time off, unlimited sick days (duhh). Over a year paid maternity and paternity etc

[@danobanano2505]

All of Europe over 740 million*

[@matthewcharles5867]

Population is irrelevant.

[@danobanano2505]

@matthewcharles5867 not really? Whenever an argument is conceived as to why the US can't bring itself to give the same rights, the go to is either the size of the US(Which is smaller then Europe) or the population of the US, since they think theirs is bigger then ours. Making these statistics quite relevant.

[@manueltapia1859]

Yes really silly to justify that. The person is talking about the right pay to employees of McDonald's that is a billion company so money is no a problem to them is creedy that is the problem 😮

[@Marianne-k4u]

Here in Denmark we do appreciate even the street sweaper for keeping our street clean

[@WookieWarriorz]

No one in the UK even knows what medical debt is, the concept hasn't existed for over 75 years. The concept of paying is absurd, do american hospitals really have places to pay, theres no systems or infrastructure for taking payments in uk hospitals or doctors its a wild concept to us.

[@Muckylittleme]

We do pay in taxes, but it is a much better system because we also have the choice of private health care,

[@briansharvill1794]

if you are in the hospital they come to your room and ask for payment or some sort of "deposit". you always get a visit from the financial office in the first 24-48 hours. Failure to pay means the end of your stay as soon as you are "stabilized".

[@MrBrock-kp5te]

I wish I could believe you ! I’m in debt to the dentist and to the eye people…. the NHS is being sold slowly and stealthily to American healthcare. We are far too complacent in the UK.

[@michalandrejmolnar3715]

Don't forget Labour did NHS

[@ramongarcia567]

​@@Muckylittleme créeme eso siempre es un mal paso, no deberíamos permitir la sanidad privada nunca porque acabas pagando con fondos públicos parte de un negocio privado, los que quieran tener un negocio privado que se lo paguen ellos que para ellos son los beneficios, aquí en España tratan de privatizar cada vez más la sanidad pública siendo una de las mejores del mundo y gratuita( con los impuestos, claro), para conseguirlo se recortan gastos de inversión ena pública con lo cual se genera falta de personal médico, atraso en las visitas,etc. Sin embargo la privada recibe financiación pública así como la educación con lo cual son derechos esenciales que se deterioran con el tiempo hasta que los perdamos, curiosamente los impuestos no bajan los pagas multiplicados por dos,la parte que va a la pública más la parte que destinen a la privada ,todo para satisfacer a los empresarios que quieren hacer negocio con los derechos más básicos de las personas, que son los que nadie puede prescindir de ellos , todos comemos, necesitamos educación, salud, etc para nosotros y para ellos porque somos los que mantenemos nuestros países y somos tan poco críticos que eso nos parece normal

[@SaraKvammen-tx7qc]

I live in Norway, we have a capitalist/social society.We are a wealthy country,where the high taxes goes to benefits for all.That's why I like paying my taxes.

[@j.d.445]

Same goes for Denmark and myself. I gladly pay my taxes - it's the proper way to have a "trickle down" economy.

[@birgittalagerstrom6264]

Same in Sweden 😀

[@olavinto]

And 🇫🇮

[@aramisone7198]

Same in Sweden.

[@bobbyshaftowenttosea5410]

When everything you hear from a couple confirms you had every right to think very highly of them

[@RNTV]

🙏💚💜

[@bobbyshaftowenttosea5410]

Blimey, Ive never had 7 likes before, never mind in 15 mins! Im aiming higher next time

[@Harlington-q3n]

America calls it socialism - and doesn't want it! We call it respect for our fellow citizens.

[@geraldinegaynor1360]

Socialism is the sharing of the rich to give to the poor. It’s a great concept.

[@martimasters7704]

Socialism is the economic system associated with communisim, which was a total failure because none of the communist countries ever got beyond the dictatorship stage. What democratic countries have are SOCIAL BENEFITS. All of these countries have a free-.market economy.

[@martimasters7704]

@@geraldinegaynor1360 No it's not. Socialism is the economic system where everyone works a job according to the government, which is what Marx and Engels proposed in their failed Communist Manisfesto. There is no "sharing" except in private donations in democratic countries. Interestingly, in the USA such donations are generous. To force "sharing", democracies collects income tax and the tax rate increases with income. What America and Europe need to do is force a one-time wealth tax on everyone with an income of more than 25 million dollars and make the oil companies pay a windfall tax because they made records profits during the pandemic and they are still making record profits because the price of gasoline and oil has not come down. They can blame OPEC all they want to, but you can take a look at Royal Dutch Shell and Exxon-Mobil annual reports.

[@Piss_Off_Plz]

Anything America doesn't like is socialism in it's eyes

[@nikke8058]

It’s not only McD in Denmark, it’s all over Europe.

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

Maccas here in Australia.

[@RustyDust101]

@@geofftottenperthcoys9944 MickyD's here in Germany. 😃

[@garyskinner2422]

Never look down on someone, unless you're helping them up

[@55tranquility]

I agree what's shocking is that Americans are blown away by paid maternity leave and vacation time - these really are human rights. We have about 5 or 6 colleagues who come and work at our UK office and live in the UK for a year or two each year as we are an Anglo American company. Literally when they start they all have an additional half day in their onboarding program as we found they were not using their vacation days, sick days etc not to mention not going to hospitals or seeing a Dr if they are sick. So we have to reinforce this is their right and medical care is free so they should use it. One of my American colleagues who I'm still friends with now, was literally stunned because she got prescribed medicine for her Acne and all it cost her was £9 for the entire three month course. She was telling everyone - and we were all like, yeah that's right, that's normal - she thought the pharmacist had made a mistake!. Then she told us back in the States the same medicine (not to mention the cost of seeing a Dr) would cost her $1,725 which is why she hadn't got it before at home.

[@gejuje]

This is gonna be a long comment, but you seem like people who really want to learn. I`m danish and let me tell you some of the benefits as you call them, we call them rights, i have. Before i start, let me say, american politicians and news stations constantly screams about socialism, it isn`t, Denmark is a very capitalist country, everything is privately owned and we have more millionaires per capita, than the USA. We do have taxpaid healthcare and education, simply because that is cheaper and more efficient and benefits us all as a country, but all the other other benefits i mention here, is simply due to Union membership, 80% of danish workers are Union members and that makes us really strong and able to negotiate good terms in the workfield, here`s some of them. 37H work week, a total of 8 weeks paid vacation and Holidays, full pay during sickness, no limits on the number of days, a years fully paid parental leave, and 8% on top of your wage put into a retirementfond, that is mandatory here, also for foreign countries like McDonalds, i have a niece that works for them, her average yearly income is ca. 45.000$. One more thing americans are usually told: But danes pay everything in taxes, no again not true, if you Google it the average income tax for danes is 34%, and i have over the years compared with 5 american friends, they pay less tax, but when we add all the things my taxes cover, healthcare, education and so on that theirs don`t, i always have more of my paycheck left to live for than any of them, and i still have a way better security net to take care of me. Overhere we always laugh when americans talk about the "radical left", there is no radical left, that is just how all other industrialized countries are governed, it`s the USA that has turned horribly rightwing the last 40 years.

[@bernadettelanders7306]

The Americans don’t believe in unions? Your country does and so does mine, Australia. I’m in my 70s now but as a child and teenager I remember my father joined his work union to give the employees what was fair and right. I remember dad coming home saying, “we are striking again “. The union didn’t want a lot, they wanted fair wages and more humane working conditions - and they got them and went back to work. I’m worried if they tried that in America, civil war would erupt. Many are told unions are so bad. I learned so much just listening to dad talk about it. But can Americans?

[@gejuje]

@@bernadettelanders7306 No they don`t, the brainwashing from Murdoch and his rich friends has been very successful, that`s why american workers has just about the worst conditions and longest hours in the developed world. Their rightwing news has managed to convince them that anything, like taxcuts for the rich is good american capitalism, and anything that could give the ordinary american a decent life, is horrible socialism.

[@j.d.445]

Gejuje: As a fellow Dane, I agree 👍

[@geraldinegaynor1360]

I am 80 and was in the nurses union. We got a raise automatically every so often to keep up with inflation. No problems. I am Australian.

[@Jeni10]

Just so you understand, here in Australia and many other countries, we have laws that protect citizens by having a basic wage set for each type of job. An employer can pay more than the basic wage but they’re not allowed to pay less than it, which means you can afford to live in a rented room at the very least, and pay for utilities, food and clothing etc. We have laws that govern employers and employees, annual leave, parental leave, sick leave and special leave. The law protects us and keeps us safe as citizens, including our food laws etc.

[@Asa...S]

What's considered "benefits" in the US, like vacation time, parental leave etc is considered rights in Europe. No one here is like "My company is _giving_ me vacation time, or parental leave. It's just expected, they have to. It's laws and unions that gives us that. Governments and politicians that aren't in the pockets of the corporations. Don't Americans really like to say like "We the People", but is it just empty words? What power does the people really have, when the people are so dependant on the corporations, even for their health? It's like you're at their mercy, and has to be grateful for what you get.

[@olavinto]

Yeah. In Finland our benefits (on top of those mandatory rights) would be something like private health care and other health/self-care advantages, gym memberships and so on. Perhaps free/cheap(er) public transportation. Not that every company provides any but most larger ones that have actual hr departments do.

[@StephMcAlea]

Never be ashamed of providing for your family. I'm from North Wales and the stories coming out of the USA are horrifying. Come live in the UK!

[@MaoZhu-j6q]

America the Land of the Free, if you are a gun, a car or a corporation. Ordinary Human citizens are just a necessity to make those freedoms for guns cars and corporations, not for themselves

[@roslynjonsson2383]

Aussie here. Our minimum wage is $24.10 AUD ph, regardless of the job. I was diagnosed with MS in 2012 - my monthly infusion, neurologist 3 x a year, home help 10hrs per week, social outings 4hrs per week, 2 x MRIs a year, 3 x JCV blood tests per year, occupational therapy when needed, speech therapy when needed, mental health therapist if needed, all costs me $0. My Aussie government pay approx $90 grand per year to keep me alive and living in my own home. If I was American, you may as well have just given me a wooden box. So glad I'm Australian 😊

[@Brentoncooper-b4h]

IN AMERICA CAN U PAY FOR THAT WOODEN BOX? IF NOT RUBBISH TRUCK WILL CART U OFF

[@roslynjonsson2383]

@@Brentoncooper-b4h Good point. Rubbish truck you say - ummmm I'll be dead already, so either which way lol

[@jessbellis9510]

I'd 100% be dead if I lived in the USA. Been dealing with depression and severe insomnia for almost 15 years and chronic fatigue for 10 years. Tried everything possible to treat/fix it, but the chronic fatigue diagnoses basically sealed the fact I was never getting truly better. Been on disability pension for 5 years, which makes my various meds SO much cheaper, as well as getting Medicare rebates for my psychiatrist and psychologist appointments. In the USA I would've sent my family bankrupt with my medical shit - I've had various stays in private mental institutions for a month at a time, and our health insurance paid for ALL of it. US health insurance is so broken and screwed up to me.

[@jessbellis9510]

@@roslynjonsson2383 "Don't panic, it's organic"

[@roslynjonsson2383]

@@jessbellis9510 We're lucky people to be Australian, that's for sure. Good luck with your struggles darlin, and don't ever think that you're alone, because you're not 🤗 Chronic fatigue is part of MS, so I know that struggle very well. I also have a few side conditions from the MS - Thermo Nuclear Dysfunction (my body can't regulate temperature anymore), optic neuritis, permanent nerve pain in my right side and acute vertigo (I just finished a 7 week episode 2 weeks ago). So I feel ya hon. Sending hugs and understanding your way ❤🤗

[@sammyd8860]

The guy at the start said that Americans are wilfully ignorant of the rest of the world. But America is run by corporations, right ? It is in their interests to keep you ignorant, not to realise that you are being shafted compared to all other countries. So perhaps individual Americans are not being wilfully ignorant. But corporations are wilfully keeping them that way ...

[@davidyohalem629]

As Mitt Romney said "corporations are people, too". Or as Calvin Coolidge said: " the business of America is business." Or, as they said in the 1950s "what's good for General Motors is good for the USA." Or, as the Shrub and Cheney put it, "Iraqi oil will pay for the cost of the war." But yes, Americans are willfully ignorant. They not only refuse to defer to expertise, they disparage it. Alexis de Toqueville found American anti-intellectualism disconcerting (in the 1820s!), especially in a place where innovation was valued.

[@AdrianRussell-h8o]

American has a tipping culture, which expects customers to give a tip to servers in restaurants and many other jobs. This is why Americans who visit UK and other countries can’t understand why they don’t have to tip. The reason is that UK employers pay their staff good living wage, so their staff do not have to rely on tips.

[@rebel4466]

In the end, the customer will pay their wage in one way or another

[@hwgray]

@@rebel4466 So what?

[@Fokko]

@@rebel4466apparently not always. I’ve i don’t take part of the tipping culture in America. Now what?? People working in food/branches can’t pay their rent ... because of me⁉️😳😳😳😳 Wild

[@chrisreinert9981]

My wife and I moved from Seattle to Norway in 1985 and have never regretted it. When we moved here and people asked why we moved to Norway, we said we were Reagan refugees and the Norwegians laughed. We've visited the US about every 5 years or so. The last two times have convinced us that we are not moving back to the US. I have lived all over the US and see how non regulation of capitalism as ruined the expectation of "upward mobility" the US used to have.

[@Nikki-yn7yv]

A job at McDonald’s is not an embarrassment, lots of different people work in these restaurants here in the UK not just students , or Ex-criminals

[@ln8173]

They are able to pay their workers more, they just choose not to and you accept it 🤷‍♀️

[@mcstaal]

And he didn't even talk about the paid maternity leave for farthers, often 3 month or being payed 1000 dollars/month for studying. Europe invest in people and it is worth it.

[@RNTV]

He did get into that a bit later. It's sad

[@Asa...S]

"maternity leave for farthers" Paternity leave.

[@anyexpat]

Farthers are farther away

[@pharol]

I have lived in Denmark for 53 years. Don't have a lot of money but I wake up every morning, feeling lucky and grateful for being born here. I really have sympathy for the average American and I sincerely hope that things will change to the better for you

[@baramuth71]

Which is absolutely objectionable, these people work hard for the little money, but the CEO's in the leadership pocket several million dollars in bonuses. The whole thing belongs in court, it's pure exploitation in another video I saw that California has raised the minimum wage to 20 dollars, and McDonalds doesn't want to pay that and is therefore leaving California.

[@101steel4]

Recently got out of hospital after a motorcycle accident. Transport, mri scans, food, medication, surgery and furniture (commode, chairs etc) delivered to my house. My bill £0. Ive been off work for 2 months so far, im still getting paid and have no idea when I'll be returning. I'm not worried about it either.

[@Station-Network]

I am currently experiencing the sickness system in Germany myself. I had a traffic accident at the beginning of May, my shin was broken. I was taken to hospital in an ambulance, was there for 2 weeks, had an operation (with everything that entails), now have physiotherapy and am on sick leave until at least the end of July. I also continue to receive my salary (the first 6 weeks from my employer, then from the health insurance fund). Even my employer says "just stay at home and get well first" (although I could work from home). How much has it cost me so far, including medicine? Nothing, not a cent.

[@baramuth71]

In the USA, that would be financial bankruptcy

[@adzijderlaan7070]

​@@baramuth71 it is not free someone has to pay. You pay monthly and the rest is tax payer. But you have never too worry about the sickness bill.

[@baramuth71]

@@adzijderlaan7070 No, I don't need to worry about any bills, that's true. What people in the USA don't understand is, yes, you in Europe pay more taxes than we do. But we also get a lot back that you don't get in the USA. We don't pay 10 - 12000 dollars a year for school or university, We don't pay the doctor's bill, We don't have horrendous hospital bills, several 100,000 dollars for a hospital room alone is criminal. We do not pay overpriced sums for medicine. The whole system in the USA is total exploitation

[@thorstenguenther]

Nope, the compulsory health insurances are not paid for by the tax payer, they are paid for by employers and employees at a fixed percentage of our monthly income. And our employers also have to have insurance against accidents and and other work related health issues through a "Berufsgenossenschaft".

[@rebel4466]

@Station-Network A happy worker is a good worker and loyal to the company. That can be worth way more than your time at work for a couple of weeks.

[@jaaskai]

You might have a TEAM USA in the Olympics but you don't have it in the society.

[@Brentoncooper-b4h]

TEAM USA ARE NOT REALLY A TEAM BECAUSE SOME ARE GRUMPY SUPPORTERS AND SOME ARE SLEEPY SUPPORTERS AND HATE EACH OTHER JUST FOR THAT SIMPLE FACT

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

As a UK citizen, American's could justifiably say the same about NATO and our totally inadequate attempts to build sufficient forces to defend ourselves, hiding behind the American coat tails. Quite frankly, in this ever more dangerous world, Europeans (which includes the UK) in the last 30 years, have spent money that should be used for defence, on giving our citizens a good life. While that's a worthy goal the primary purpose of any Government is to defend itself and its citizens.

[@jaaskai]

@@UnknownUser-rb9pd As a Finnish man I could argue that this isn't the case in every Nato member country. In case of war Finland could, in reasonable time, get around 1 million armed fighters, who have army experience, due to the transcription system here. But preparing for war is not an excuse for not taking care of your society and citizens. Ecpecially as those citizens in the worst case scenario should be fit enough to fight.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

@@jaaskai I agree that Finland is better prepared than many though you of course only just joined. However it is not just men but ammunition and equipment and as the Ukraine war has demonstrated unless you have very large stocks of ammunition and spare military equipment eventually an opponent like Russia will wear you down. At the end of the cold war the UK defence spending was 4% of GDP and the last time the UK fought a war alone in 1982 against Argentina, it was 6% of GDP. We are now hoping to boost it from a little over 2% to 2.5% by the end of the decade and have ammunition stocks that would last a couple of weeks at best in the Ukraine war. And the UK is one of the higher spending European nations on defence.

[@jaaskai]

@@UnknownUser-rb9pd true. On the other hand Finland has guite a lot of spare ammunition and military equipment stored to be used if needed and because we are sityated where we are it would be idiotism to hand all of those to Ukraine as nuch as we want to. Joining Nati was never before an option because we know from experience that you can't rely on other countries helping. For example in the Winter War against the Soviet Union we were promised by UK etc that we will be helped, but almost nothing arrived. It is the same country with different name that is being the invader in Ukraine now. We know how they work and think. Help is being provided by Nato countries, but not enough. Not even close. It is as was for us back in the days when my grabdfathers generation fought against Soviet tanks with what ever they could get their hands on, Molotov cocktail s, birch logs erc. Luckily there were enough of them willing to die for our country. The problem in my perspective is that in USA there is no collective need or will to take care of their own people. And eventualy as the younger generations realize rhat, thanks to these videos, sonething will happen and it might not be pretty. When it does us Europeans have to deal with Russia ourselves.

[@anderswiik7432]

I'm a Swede in TN.I just read in the Swedish news that grandparents will soon be able to get paid parental leave when helping out with their grandchildren.Really groundbreaking and pretty darn cool imo.Great reaction as always,be safe down there and stay hydrated 🌞

[@bevhowell7665]

Australia for many years. The Additional Child Care Subsidy Grandparent helps some grandparents and great-grandparents pay for approved child care for their grandchild or great-grandchild. To receive the Grandparent Subsidy, you or your partner must: Be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. Get an income support payment (e.g. the age pension)

[@anderswiik7432]

@bevhowell7665 That's awesome.Australia seems like a country that actually cares about its people.I'm only 5 years old in the US,but my feeling is that the people running this place couldn't care less about it's citizens......

[@catslikewitches1332]

Germany here. First I have to make a demarcation as there are 2 laws around the birth of a child: 1) Mandatory Maternity leave (mother protection act): The mother has to stay at home (for the health of her & the baby) 6 weeks before due date and 8 weeks after giving birth. (Full payment by the healthcare provider). 2) Parental leave (more accurate ;-) parental child rearing time) This was implemented about 35 years ago. Also included are grand-parents, other family members, long-term foster parents (e.g. when the birth parents refuse an adoption) and parents with an adopted child up to 8/18 years (the latter only in extrem situations). It all depends on who has official custody over a child. The only big difference in this law between then and now is, that parents are allowed to switch up to 2 times (e.g. mother-father-mother) and that companies have to give fathers the same possibilities and rights as mothers. BTW there is no difference in this law between hetero- or same-sex-parents! (Just a statement for absolute clarification!) The parent gets its payment from the goverment for at least 14 months. Included thereby are health care and pension dues. The max. time frame is 3 years per child. There are more regulations in those laws, but that would go into the fine details and make for a too long comment ;-) Take care

[@PaulK-ve1pu]

I'm from the UK and need a hip replacement soon. Cost of doctors appointment-zero. Cost of appointment with orthopaedic surgeon-zero. Cost of preliminary investigations eg bloods, swabs, ECG-zero. Cost of surgery-zero- Cost of rehab-zero. Paid whilst recovering? Employer pays full salary for six months. Paid annual leave?-41 days. God bless America.

[@Bobmudu35UK]

It's not free.

[@kevinmurray2643]

It's free at point of need.

[@PaulK-ve1pu]

@@simonrobbins8357 Yes, it's true; some are more fortunate than others, but at least there's a safety net. A minimum standard enforced by law. And of course I meant the NHS is free at the point of delivery. I should know; I work in the NHS!

[@Zentron]

​@@Bobmudu35UK yet the cost in tax contributions is far far far far less than people in the US have to pay for their healthcare, which they get far far far far less of!

[@untilthen7418]

Unless we get rid of money it will never change!

[@barnowl.]

UNIONS are the strength of workers. Get UNIONIZED !

[@bernadettelanders7306]

Aussie aren’t you😊 same here. Yes I know a bit about some unions here in Aus, hard work, from what I remember in the 70s, but getting results was brilliant for the worker. Many unions fought hard for the employees. I remember work strikes in the 60s and 70s until the workers got what they deserved.

[@Agra586]

I hope you can look back at Reagan's legacy and the fact he told the striking union members they would be fired if they did not return to jobs. That is only one reason why Americans are afraid of joining unions. Your point about unions is valid but it's not that easy in the US

[@bernadettelanders7306]

@@Agra586 Unions must be difficult in each of our countries.

[@barnowl.]

@@Agra586 In Australia unions have weight within the political landscape..

[@geraldinegaynor1360]

BUT Joe Biden is getting behind the Unions and validating them. Workers need a United voice as in Australia. We had the Basic wage back in 1917. It’s our backbone, thanks to the strong Union movement.

[@matthewbourne8150]

Most American's do not know or are willfully ignorant of the fac that there are 208 other countries in the world. Not just 'Merica. "Willfully ignorant"

[@matthewbourne8150]

typo - 'fact'

[@davidyohalem629]

I think there are 208 recognized countries in the world. The US is not number 209. But it's also not number one!

[@1marconisa]

And there is nothing worse than wilful ignorance - the refusal to learn something different. Now that IS a crime.

[@elmarwinkler6335]

Hello you two, It is funny how many people think that Socialism ist the same as Communism. I am caring for my neighbors, who have to work hard, I also care for the people who go to a special store, where they can buy affordable food (Donated by our super markets) and second hand clothings. That means I am a Socialist, not a communist. If you are not allowed to care for others.......... You got me. Be safe. Elmar from Germany

[@jerbil9353]

UK Citizen here. When I broke my arm, not only did I receive medical treatment completely free including an ambulance ride, hospital stay, surgery, and physiotherapy. But the government paid me £4,000 to live on, because I couldn't work whilst my arm healed. Imagine that, a government that takes care of its citizens.

[@CaroleCR]

It has been proven that a company that takes care if it's workforce has a higher productivity as well as a happy staff.

[@kei-te-pai]

Growing up in New Zealand, I always looked up to America. I never would have thought that in such a short time I would be feeling sorry for Americans. But I really do :( And honestly, we all do. I have conversations here about how sad the state of things have gotten over there. I briefly lived in America around a decade ago, and I loved it. It is a magical place and Americans are lovely people. But boy, was I glad to come home

[@andrewobrien6671]

I worked in a QSR one day when I had a horrible customer come in and was a basic bully and condescending, I served him politely and as he left he turned to me and said "That is why I am successful and you are not". I smiled, because he didn't realise I owned the shop, filling a shift and was doing OK, thank you very much. When a customer turns to you you and says "I pay your wages", remember no you don't my boss does.

[@linabmoniz]

As a European, it never crossed my mind that the rights we have here were not the same in other countries, much less in the United States, which is supposed to be an evolved country. I am sad to see that the exploitation of workers continues there. I was satisfied with your analysis.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

Yet in the US, we have excellent coverage state by state, and are not forced to go under a giant federal umbrella. In the US, we are not required to hand over our phone and its password on demand, and we aren't jailed for expressing our own opinion. I'll stay here.

[@j.d.445]

​@@LadyIarConnachtDane here: WUT?

[@Solus749]

@@LadyIarConnacht what are you smoking.....we are not dermanded to hand over phones and passwords willy nilly. There is a whole branch of our law that cover privacy, personal and customer rights....much to american companies dismay.

[@RaduRadonys]

@@LadyIarConnacht Did you know that Europe invented GDPR? I bet you didn't lol :)) stay there, nobody wants you with that mentality here in Europe.

[@RaduRadonys]

@@LadyIarConnacht My European president is the worst person on earth, there is no worse person ever... Let's see how fast I will be jailed for saying that LOL :)).. and what I said it's only mild, because the AMERICAN COMPANY GOOGLE/KZbin will DELETE my comment if I say something inappropriate about other people.. LOL the irony.

[@wimschoenmakers5463]

You must be asleep, to believe in that American Dream ( George Carlin )

[@sheikyebouti184]

'We don't have a dream in Great Britain. We Don't!! There is no British dream. This isn't because we lack some sense of moral purpose. This isn't because we haven't got a sense of guiding destiny taking us to a better tomorrow. We don't have a dream in this country because we're awake!!' (Al Murray)

[@bernarddagnall8682]

In UK health care is a right and owning a gun a privilege. In the USA it is exactly the opposite reasoning.

[@somefatbugger]

I'm an Australian and we have such a different attitude to what our society means to us. It's there for all of us, together. That's what mateship is all about. I have actually enjoyed listening to you both learn and discover the colour of our world and respond with well-articulated, intelligent and most of all considered and considerate thoughts. I like that a lot.

[@Steve_W27]

Yeah there’s always emphasis put on this so called “special relationship” between us in the UK and the USA and how we are each other greatest allies. But I think most of us in the U.K. would definitely feel more aligned and have more things in common with the Aussies - similar values and don’t mind calling each other cnuts or whatever as a terms of endearment.

[@somefatbugger]

@@Steve_W27 I agree.

[@The24winter]

I am an Aussie, originally from the other parts of the world. I am really proud of the country I adopted and would do anything to protect the way of Aussie lives. We are really a great nation who care for humanity.

[@georgiegorge6679]

@@Steve_W27 bloody oath 😁

[@Steve_W27]

@@georgiegorge6679 🤣

[@Kess952]

Nothing to do with population. Every European country is the same when it comes to wages and holidays.

[@Badner83]

About the food quality: The video "How the US ruined bread" says more than enough about that!!!

[@dan_kay]

"We are moving to Denmark..." You could move to literally any country within the EU and find the exact same situation. Sure, the minimum wage is lower in Portugal than in Denmark or Sweden, but the conditions for the workers are the same.

[@daysofgreenday65]

Second Thought is fantastic, the world needs a lot more content creators like that. People need to stop measuring wealth by the number of rich people and start measuring it by the absence of poverty. #fuckcapitalism

[@stephsteph4574]

I'm from Germany and having a job without paid vacation days sounds crazy to me! Everyone needs a break and time to rest!

[@lesley4085]

Great reaction. Even the language that corporate America uses, what they term worker’s benefits we in the UK and Europe refer to as worker’s rights. Well done to your relative in turning his life around. As regards low income jobs when my adult son was between jobs he worked as an early morning cleaner at Aldi and I couldn’t have been more proud 😊

[@Cintanbjjjjj]

America... Wake up....

[@vkdeen7570]

its kinda like gaslighting, u get told you're in the greatest place, and therefore, u can never speak out against problems

[@sammyd8860]

In USA there is an ingrained hysteria against anything vaguely "socialist" but many of the world's countries adopt a degree of it e.g. socialised housing and health care which benefit everyone. Where did that hysteria come from ? From the people who would benefit from free healthcare and affordable housing ? Or from the corporations who would see their profits reduced ?

[@Agra586]

True, during the cold war there was McCarthyism which was about strengthening the ranks of those who supported the US and driving out anyone's loyalties to anything he considered "communist/socialist". In 1978 the US socialist party dissolved. The push never really stopped despite the cold war ending and "that obsession" created the massive wealth inequality of today

[@garthpetch4173]

And when you consider that Health Insurance is based on a form of Socialism. Put money in into the corporation and the corporation with pay for the cost of the health care. Difference between a tax payer paying tax and the health system will treat you free of charge. Of course all the middle - men will miss out on their cut.

[@hwgray]

@@garthpetch4173 "Put money in into the corporation and the corporation with pay for the cost of the health care." No, it will not.

[@davidyohalem629]

@@Agra586 The first red scares in the US date back to the Gilded Age (1890s.) Pinkertons were used to suppress strikes by coal and steel workers. The Army was called out and used against striking rail workers. The second red scare was ca. 1920. Unions were still considered hostile to capital and were suppressed. Socialism was popular enough that Eugene Debs garnered about 1 million votes in the 1920s. General Pershing, ca. 1930, used a military charge into Hooverville (an encampment of unemployed veterans and their families who were protesting a lack of pensions for soldiers.) President Herbert Hoover did nothing to ameliorate the effects of 25% unemployment because he believed the market would recover (the invisible hand) without intervention. But the modern US does have socialism today, at least relative to the old free market system. There is regulation (the SEC, the FTC, and HUD, HHS, etc.) The public works projects and services that require institutions to operate (the TVA, the Colorado River Pact, the BLM, the Interstate Highway system, the FAA.) Even the leasing of public lands to corporations is socialist (PUBLIC lands!) The Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare bureaucracies arose out of socialist theory. As did the EPA. Their regulatory powers have recently come under attack from the SCOTUS. And they are all under threat from the possibility of a second Trump term (see Project 2025.) The Socialist Worker Party disolved in in 1978. Out of its ashes was born the DSA.

[@PaulDrake-u7m]

Thank you both so much for showing this and your comments.

[@christinebakewell3475]

I’m so grateful that here in the U.K. our national health service is free and full pay when you have kids with plenty of time off- feel sorry for American families that are disrespected by their own government.

[@rogerrms2180]

Greed rules in the USA

[@gfimadcat]

Living in France right now but this applies to most EU countries: I make a decent salary, I'm on a 36hr workweek contract (but work 40), so every month I earn 2 days off - paid. So that's 24 days right there. I also get 25 days of paid vacation. This means not only can I take vacation in summer, I can take it around Christmas and New Years as well. Paid, mind you. I'm building up a pension (and in the Netherlands, where I'm from, I've built up a pension as well), I have free healthcare, unemployment benefits if need be. The trade-off for this is that yes, I end up paying more out of my salary. I pay about 10% in actual income tax, and another 20-30% goes towards the various contributions to pension, health care, and other things. If you do the math though, I still end up paying less than most Americans do. And I can call an ambulance any time I like and it won't bankrupt me :) And this seems to be absolute magic to most Americans. And that's pretty sad...

[@nadeansimmons226]

Denmark was just an example. All European countries pay similar wages at MacDonalds

[@Liverpoolboy01]

That’s probably why Best Buy left the U.K. , they could not dictate to the employees!

[@rosa32]

Shocking! I'm from the UK and I had 1 year off maternity plus I was allowed time off for appointments. I have twins so I was having appointments every week towards the end.

[@popeye807]

So much for America being the greatest country in the world!!!

[@alexfletcher5192]

This is simply an explanation of why America as a country is rich, but much of the population emphatically isn't. But that's the trade-off it has accepted from day one.

[@canadianmike626]

In Canada my wife took 44 weeks and I took 3 months at 100% pay for our first and for or second my wife took 56 weeks and again I took 3 months. Also we have free healthcare so we pay nothing for birth. My sister in the US had to pay 20000usd for their first and 24000usd for their second. That make my heart hurt at the thought.

[@laurie113]

HEALTH CARE IS NOT ……FREE….. in Canada!!!!!! Or any country.! Whether paid through Taxes or Extended Healthcare $ (YOU PAY) . It is NOT FREE! a you don’t pay to have a baby, you don’t pay to see MD’s / Specialists. BUT YOU /WE all pay it in some way. The better Company you work for,the better the BENEFITS.

[@geraldinegaynor1360]

Taxes are the best way to provide adequate health care for all the people. There should be NO haves and have nots. We all have the right to health care.

[@RaduRadonys]

@@laurie113 Healthcare is not a benefit dude. Stop with the slave mentality. DO you think the police services and firefighter services are benefits too? Because why not??? Everything should be PAID in a capitalistic country, right?

[@BigBoy-ql5rn]

@@laurie113 It's FREE at point of need, which is when you're the most sick/vulnerable and unable to work to earn money. THAT'S WHEN YOU NEED HELP and THAT'S WHEN HEALTHCARE IS FREE. Why is this so difficult to grasp? And why do you fxckers still defend slavery in 2024?

[@kerrythorn8575]

The rich people have made Americans terrified of socialism.

[@mojojojo11811]

I think you need to research what Socialism is because as a European I'm terrified of it too. Thankfully, nowhere is Europe is 'socialist'.

[@heldertorres4296]

​@@mojojojo11811socialism is not communism , and Europe is based in socialism yes,.but moderate and with a lot of right wing policies too..

[@BigBoy-ql5rn]

@@mojojojo11811 Help, socialism is after me!!! They're chasing me with free healthcare and shxt! OH NO!!!

[@juliebird5307]

Change comes from the people!

[@christianlundberggymnasies1292]

Same in Sweden. 480 days for a child, 90 of those must the father take.

[@jonnyberggren4598]

I have taking this discussion many times with Swedes who complains about Sweden. Especially about the tax. And even if often people get angry on me I still will say... Many Swedes doesn't really understand how good we have it here in Sweden. And that many (even many US people and others from other countrys) who only stare on the Swedes taxes. Forgets all that we get from it. Things that they pay out of their own pocket. Healthcare, kids get food in school, good and maintained roads, a workin and very very well functioning waste system, good transportation. Busses and trains. And so much more... So if you dont have to pay for healtinsuramce and all the much more expensive insurances there is in US, you get Healthcare for everyone, you can apply for any school you want and the education is free. And during school for other expenses you get a very cheap loan from the state for youre living costs. If you want to. I can go on with more thing's but if you behin to count everything that we get thru our tax. Even Americans begin to understand that in the end Sweden is a quit remarkable place. And actually in the end sum is a better total life for everyone. And the main thinking is that the society cares for everyone. And thats why the system works and I and many Swedes are happy to pay tax. Cause its benefits everyone and we actually see what we get back from it. Many US people get stuck in the thinking that its just a nad socialistic idea. But its when you actually see and compare to other countries. That You understand how well we are. I was homesick for mental problems a cuple of years. Society helped me with free Healthcare, and free psychiatric help. Gave me money for living, bills, and food during that time when O was actually helpless otherwise. In US I would probably be on the street a long time ago. I was home with my daghter almost a year with paid parental leave. As a newly father... My father's cancer medicine in he's last year of he's life costed 14.500 Swe crowns a month. But for us nothing cause it was paid for as soon you get over the stated high cost protection sum. So if we just stop for a minute. And think about it we should all be very thankful for livng in this country. Yes we also have our problems. And yes some things getting worse here too. But sometimes when I hear some complain. I really think they should have a reality check.... I know there's allways people who will talk against me about this. And come up with arguments. But as one who have been there myself. The biggest thing for me why I think our system works and why its important to care and appreciate it as it is. Is cause it serves every single one in our country. Especially compared to many other countries. And again, if you really understand everything we get (and actually see for ourselves what we get) for our tax money.. That others must pay for themselves for. And the main quality of life this brings to us in the end. Then we all will be even more thankful. And for me caring about everyone is something beautiful. Especially as I have seen how the tax money helped me and other loved once close to me. So thats why Im happy to pay gor all I get and the benefits for everyone. And then I dont have to even mention all the stupid gun laws, abortion laws, only 2 candidates for presidents thats none is a good choice... If we only talk US theres not a single reason I would want to live there.... But thats a cuple of other long and controversial thoughts for some too hahaha... Sorry if my old school English is not the best. All the best / Jonny

[@lordcharfield4529]

Well done for showing this 👏 Second Thought is a great channel. America needs a revolution!

[@diannegooding8733]

The companies are taking advantage of you with laughter ringing in their ears!

[@luke8031]

What comes through watching this is your both nice people. Thanks for the video.

[@mattieclan8957]

In NZ, by law workers are entitled to 20 days (4 weeks) annual leave + sick leave, bereavement leave, + 13 public holidays + family violence leave + parental leave (caring for a new child) Can cash up not more than 1 week of annual leave because the purpose of annual leave is to take rests from work. The above are minimum requirement by law. An employer can offer more than the minimum including superannuation, long service leave or any other perks.

[@moewi75]

19:05 that's the crucial point: "did you get any benefits..(...)...healthcare..." The point is: Healthcare is not a benefit - it's a human right! At least if you ask anyone in the developped world outside the US.

[@DimitriMoreira]

University of Princeton did a study back in 2016 and concluded that the USA is no longer a Democracy but an Oligarchy instead. A couple of friends just recently moved to Denmark 3 years ago. He is Italian and she is Argentinian. They both clean windows since they got there. 3K euros per month. They just had their first kid, both in their mid-to-late 30s. Just FYI.

[@davidyohalem629]

It's Princeton University. The US was founded by plutocrats to serve the needs of plutocrats. It only became an oligarchy with the invention of a professional class of civil servants, around the mid 1820s. But it's never been a democracy. Sad to say, under TFG it became a kakistocracy, but that trend began under Reagan.

[@katka5155]

In the Czech Republic, maternity leave is 3 years, the company holds a place for you and the child is paid state health insurance until the age of 18, or until 25 if he is studying.

[@draygontaygen677]

The truth is a had pill to swallow, I do hope things get better for the people of America.

[@Johnpir8978]

As a British citizen I look at USA as almost a third world country

[@burnettiejadoul2346]

I am an American who moved to Europe over 20 years ago. I found an admin entry level job within a couple of weeks. I automatically recieved paid sick leave and had 21 paid vacation days. My father worked for a company in the US for over 20 years before his death and had only 10 paid days of vacation.

[@andyallan2909]

The main problem in the US is 'normal citizens complete lack of freedom. This is brought about by an electoral system that doesn't have the interests of 'ordinary people' as its main concern, and also by the complete absence of a 'true picture' (an unbiased news service) of what's going on. Everywhere, 'money is king' - which means (if you look into it) big-business and corporations want to control/influence all legislation that may have an effect on their 'interests,' even if the company's interests are not good for ordinary citizens. In the US, politicians rely heavily on sponsors to provide finance to support their electoral costs. Politicians running for Congress, House of Rep., State Governor, President, etc. look for sponsorship from 'big business' corporations, various 'lobbies' (example - gun lobby) and from rich individuals. These financial handouts could be viewed as bribes and are an obvious (and blatant) conflict of interest. Why would a politician promote better working hours/better work-life balance/better health care, etc. (for citizens) if that's going to cut the profits of some big business who sponsor them? What politician, who wants a long career, is going to push legislation that is going to hurt his/her sponsors? Also consider: big businesses, in the media field, they line up behind their favoured political parties (example: Republicans - Fox) and almost everything they write or broadcast favours their preferred party and disparages the views of any rivals. At this point, bear in mind the new catchphrase has arisen over the last few years, 'fake news.' Let's use the Republicans as an example: a republican voter/supporter will tend to watch broadcasters and read newspapers who support her/his viewpoint. If they don't read the opposition press (or watch their media support) they won't hear about any possible drawbacks or other suggestions. I know this has been the case for a considerable time, but now there's something new. Social media is now being used effectively to convince people that media outlets supporting different political views are lying about almost everything and they call any criticism of their preferred party, "fake news." So, in this example and if bombarded with the same social media messages often enough, a supporter of the Republican Party will come to believe everything that their favoured news channel tells them, and that any objections or alternative suggestions pointed out by the 'other side' are just fake news/lies. Supporters and members of the democrats, in the mean-time, are doing exactly the same thing. Opinions are polarising as the mass of the population come to be convinced that the 'other side' are cheating, spreading lies, etc. and ruining their democracy/country/freedoms. Everyone is getting fearful/angry/worried/etc. Meanwhile big businesses carry on making big profits unhindered by any legislation that may be to their detriment. Everyone's attention is elsewhere. As opinions polarise, the middle ground is being increasingly squeezed and there are fewer 'floating voters' who may be persuaded to change their minds during an election campaign. Parties are beginning to take a stance of, 'Why bother?' This means it will make less of a difference if there is an inept old man running or perhaps a person a large proportion of the population don't trust. It makes less difference because people have already decided which party is important to them. It's now 'the party' that is growing in importance in peoples' minds (less so than the individual) - because ordinary people now believe that the other party cheats and lies - so they have to keep 'them' out. All of this is what's ruining people's freedoms. Big business manipulation and 'fear' generated by constant repetition of nonsense on social media that is gradually brainwashing people into believing they're being cheated. Both sides are guilty of this to various degrees and it's going to end badly if sensible people (from both sides) don't do something about the interference by vested interests in their politics and also the unhealthy influence of social media, and established media outlets. In a true democracy everyone should have access to a balanced (and truthful) news media. (And politicians should be banned from standing or be kicked out if they lie to their electorate, but of course this will never happen because politicians would have to vote for it if it were to pass into legislation.

[@nelerhabarber5602]

In Austria for example you have 5 WEEKS PAID holiday per year plus saint holidays (and we have a lot), national holidays by LAW, also as a part time worker. I worked 2 years between 15 t0 18 hours a week and always had my 5 weeks paid holidays!!!And of course I had my "free" health insurance and unlimited sick days!!!

[@Dutch1961]

If you're looking for the American dream....move to Europe.

[@markpodlesak7204]

You are a great example of parents/family heads putting the family first with love /time. All the best to you.

[@peterforfun210]

Hi lot's of AMERICAN family's have moved to the UK look online KZbin and see how happy they are it would be a good move

[@baramuth71]

If this continues in the USA, there will be huge problems because more and more people will turn their backs on this system. The citizens are not stupid and know that it is far better to live somewhere else. It has never been "The Land of the Free", a slogan that people try to convince themselves is basically just a farce and a lie from above. Better would be the land of slavery, which is more accurate and hits the nail on the head.

[@mercedesmolinamartinez3920]

También a España,aquí cobramos menos , pero vivimos más tiempo y más relajados que en Estados Unidos, también vienen británicos 😂😉😉por el sol saludos a todos

[@RaduRadonys]

@@mercedesmolinamartinez3920 I don't like heat, I hate Spain weather and Southern Europe weather in general, although I really like Spanish language.

[@fxaman]

Here's a mind-blowing fact: Here in Czechia you can stay at home with your kid for 3.5 years. First six months you get almost full pay, than like half of minimum wage for the rest of the time, but state also pays for your retirement pension saving and health insurance the entire time. And our health insurance covers like 98 % of all medical bills. Labor? Ambulance? X-ray? All covered. Plus we get 20 days of paid holiday, but most companies give you 25. And on top of that we're one of the safest countries is the world. And that's just a tiny bit of all the differences. I used to idolize USA when I was kid, but I'm honestly very grateful to live where I live nowadays :) But anyway I really love you two guys, your priorities in life are set right and your kids are lucky to have parents like you. I wish you all the best 🍀❤️

[@JohnHazelwood58]

Not only that you get paid parental leave in Germany, but as kids are expensive, the goverment pays you additional $250 each month to take care of your child. Not only in the first years, but until the child is old enough to go to work. In some cases - with tuition free universities in Germany - you receive the monthly payment up until your child is age 27. And keep in mind: the costs of living are much cheaper than in the US. Same with health insurance You need to have one! It's illegal to have none! The working member of the family has an insurance that covers and includes the whole family. So in most cases the father has the insurance, but his wife and his kids can use it, too - and for free.

[@donepearce]

I've conducted many interviews in my high tech industry for engineers - people with PhDs. I often see a section of their CV (resume) where there is something like McDonalds or a Tesco cashier. For me this is a huge plus, not a negative. Life happens to all of us, and being prepared to roll up our sleeves and deal with it will always attract me to that person.

[@geordieb3959]

AMERICA GREATEST NATION ON EARTH MY ARSE---- LIFE LIBERTY AND BE TREATED LIKE TURDS and CASH COWS FOR THE WHOLE OF YOUR LIVES .

[@robertmurray8763]

I was in the USA 🇺🇸 38 and 37 years ago. I and others were threatened to be killed on the spot for telling the truth. The USA was very FACIST. Americans could not handle the truth!!