Oh, I know. And people in my profession make rather more here than they do there, conversions by currency or $=£....
You know, it's traditionally been accepted that America works out as pretty much the best country in the world in terms of pay but, in recent years, I've found myself wondering if that is still true.
The entire economy seems to have become incredibly predatory, with only the truly rich protected from an increasingly complex set of everyday hurdles. The extra money the middle classes are given by one hand is taken by the other when it comes to things like insurance, medical bills, legal fees, tuition etc and, worse, the system is so entirely focused upon raw profit that longer-term considerations, such as what is actually good or efficient for society as a whole are disregarded. It is bizarre that everyday life in the World's richest, most powerful country can be so brutal. I suspect that much of the money American consumers save on electronics ends up getting spent on insurance, improved home security systems and cars because public transport is too dangerous.
Sure, Americans are shocked to hear how much tax Europeans pay but if you actually spend time in these countries you begin to notice big differences such as free universal medical care and either free or heavily-subsidized college places that lead to a less harsh, less frightened society and, frankly, that is worth a lot more to me that being able to afford a second Porsche.
I love America but, damn, things are moving in the wrong direction; too small a group of people are riding high on the hog and, eventually, the bill for that is going to arrive.
