a local perspective

Europeans have a different perspective on the roles of the government than we Americans... some of these views may not be all too bad. They seem to be quite content with their socialized healthcare and to them it is expected that the government provide them with great healthcare. The people I talked to liked the security provided to them for unemployment (although this has undoubtedly increased European unemployment duration), but some said they felt the government may provide a little too cushy unemployment benefits. Although they enjoy long holidays, they also like to work-men and women-which makes them need health care. Women are payed to have children and they consequently feel it the government's role to provide child care so they can continue working. They feel strongly about the responsibility the government has to control carbon emissions but are also willing to comply with the government's mandates.