I recently had a discussion with an EU citizen, from a Nordic nation, about tax rates in her nation as apposed to the USA's tax rates. She stated that in her country the "tax" rate is about 50% of income earnings. I asked her what does that rate cover, and according to her the below list summarizes the major benefits that taxes cover in that Nordic nation:
The table illustrates what the American in question effectively pays to attempt to achieve the first three items in the above list. Of course, the effective "tax" rate cannot take into account the lack of guarantees built into the US economic system.
Items four and five above are not guaranteed by US Federal laws. They are based on "free" market forces; therefore, they cannot be simulated effectively. Also keep in mind that the effective "tax" rates would be higher for a "middle class" or economically "poor" employee.
- Guaranteed universal health care regardless of ones employment status
- Guaranteed paid for eduction including payment for post-secondary higher education (College, university, etc.)
- Guaranteed pension plan with universal health care for retirees
- Guaranteed vacation time (many weeks)
- Guaranteed sick leave
- etc.
The table illustrates what the American in question effectively pays to attempt to achieve the first three items in the above list. Of course, the effective "tax" rate cannot take into account the lack of guarantees built into the US economic system.
Items four and five above are not guaranteed by US Federal laws. They are based on "free" market forces; therefore, they cannot be simulated effectively. Also keep in mind that the effective "tax" rates would be higher for a "middle class" or economically "poor" employee.
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