Interesting article, however so much was left out and the focus was limited to the positive aspects of European government. I have spent a lot of time in Europe and there are some positive things. But when you talk to the people and compare how they live to how we live you end up thinking their way of big government is a failure.

Take things like % of income that is taxed. Runs a minimum of 50% to a high of over 85% Dependant on country. Talk to the people about that and there is a definite lack of incentive to grow your income.

Home ownership is significantly less for the average citizen than the US. Most people are forced to rent because they can't afford a home. Only what we would call "high income" people own their own home or it has been in the family for generations. And then most a very concerned about losing the home due to taxes.

Vacation is good but an issue. Most people get 6 weeks vacation the first year of employment. And they also get up to 20 holidays. Sounds great right? However the impact this has on productivity, the cost of doing business and the lack of being competitive with other countries is staggering. It forces a much more protection type import and export stance.

Health care. Free to all, again sounds great. But talk to the people. They wait forever for appointments, if missed they go to the end of the cue, and EVERYONE has a story about how a friend or relative or someone they know died because they could not get the proper care in a timely manner. And your choice of doctors is very limited.

So make sure you look at all sides of the big government issue. He paints everything in a positive light and reality is not discussed. Also what have you ever seen our government do effectively? If they did, UPS and Fedex would not exist. And there are many other examples as well.