Alan,
Clearly, you have trouble understanding the fact that I was using a bit of hyperbole to make a few points. On the other hand, you have no trouble replacing my words with your own, and you have no trouble distorting history in the years following WWII.
Your statement about who thinks who invented democracy is just silly?
I never used the term "British bureaucrats". I was speaking in generalities. Apparently, you want compelled social responsibility. I ask, somewhat rhetorically, who decides what level and by whom? I think if your personal tolerance level was infringed, then you would likely have quite a different view. I don't know what that level is, because it's different for each individual. BTW, I am not saying that there is absolutely no requirement for funding social needs such as schools, roads, defense, safety, etc. I draw the line when it comes to throwing money at everything that moves. The US has never been a socialist nation, that's the foundation of my philosophies.
You can twist the GDP stat any way you like. The example you stated, Ireland, is in no way comparable to the US. That is a fact. This is not to criticize Ireland. Are the millions of immigrants trying to break down the gates to Ireland, or the UK, or Germany, for that matter? Of course, immigration is not the only measure. I'm sure if I looked at per capita stats, I might be better of if I was a Kuwaiti or other oil country resident. That doesn't mean it's in any way comparable to the opportunity and overall quality of life I have in the US. I agree, this is not about who is in the lead as you say. But, I read so many of the condescending comments on this international forum. I think many of you are a bit jealous. But then, I'm probably some yahoo that doesn't even have a passport, so what do I know about Europe? Yes, that must be it. The fact is that there is no place I'd rather live than the "good ole US of A".
Even though you may have forgotten, I know that not all Europeans forget that it was American sweat, dollars, and most importantly, lives that helped save Europe in WWII. It was also billions upon billions of US dollars that helped rebuild and protect western Europe, and Japan, following the war. I have to check this fact, but I believe that Europe has not repaid most of what the US spent to help rebuild after the war. I wonder where Europe and Japan would be without US assistance? That's those "evil, ignorant" Americans, right. I know you have trouble understanding exaggeration, so I'll make it clear that I'm using exaggeration.
Regarding barging in and telling you what basket cases you are, I have no intention of that. From my perspective I've read more of the reverse here. I am amazed that I see so many that would like to change the economic/political system of the US. Then, you get so offended that I defend it. What if it was the people of the US that were trying to control or change the European economic/political systems?
I will continue to point out the flaws and dangers of a socialist system if it were to be fully implemented in the US.