And it never ceases to amaze me that in the US a position that would be quite conservative here (both of my "home countries", actually - ok, one of them countries is maybe the most communist monarchy you can imagine) is called liberal, leftist, socialist, or even communist - and that's the debate that never was, once you shoot it down by "communist". Seriously, the McCarthy era should be over...
Several countries in Europe have a national health care plan - since before WW1. Several countries have a free education system (schools and universities). Yes, ultimately Joe and Jane public pay it through taxes, but (in principle) you pay more if you earn more, so those that are not as well off do get a chance of getting a good education (you know, without having to excel at sports, which has nothing to do with how intelligent they are, look at some European soccer players... though looking at what I make becoming a pro sportsperson is probably more intelligent than getting a science degree).
(no, it's not perfect, and there are too many loopholes for the rich to hide their true income).
Biting the hand that feeds IT
