I never said that living under a socialist policy makes you "poor" -,though you did describe them as "socialist paradises" ;-)
but would you agree that certain countries have a better track record for upholding individual rights and its politico-economic corollary?I think that the US and US citizens take great care to preserve both. It's an admirable trait. But not totally unique. FWIW places like Switzerland value "conformity" to an extent that might appall you, but that is their own choice and they are fiercely protective of it. Meanwhile 2 minutes away across the border in France they embrace personal choice with a bloody-mindedness that might make you laugh. ;-)
"... They ne'er cared for us
yet: suffer us to famish, and their store-houses
crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to
support usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act
established against the rich, and provide more
piercing statutes daily, to chain up and restrain
the poor. If the wars eat us not up, they will; and
there's all the love they bear us."
-- Shakespeare: Coriolanus, Act 1, scene 1
