>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. ;-)

I agree. I've been to Switzerland a few times and they did value conformity much too much to be comfortable for me. Germany was much the same in some areas. It is an attitude that is nurtured at birth. However, for Switzerland, they are also an extremely and fiercely prideful country which contains areas that could almost be considered separate countries and are just as argumentative about each other's area there as it is here on the UT between other countries and the U.S. :o)