"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

The Meaning Of It All.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Foreign Travel On The Public's Dime":

Sweden is a very socialist country as well. People in this country are not prepared to spend more taxes - especially the way our existing taxes are spent!
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My impression of Sweden was not that they were a socialist society.
so much as they  have a high sense of how to make best use of  resources, public and private.

They still have a monarchy.

In Sweden, homes are not luxurious. They are bright, attractive, comfortable and above all else practical.They are not excessive in any sense.

Meals are not over-indulgent. They are enough. They are enjoyable.
There is little chance of over-eating.

Swedes like to travel. They make choices in their lives. They don't expect to have it all.They choose  priorities.

We met a teacher named Margaret who  was  researching the history of Swedish emigration and creating a museum.

Sweden is  long, narrow and small. People had to leave because  not enough food could be produced to feed everyone.

When they left, the ceremony was akin to a funeral complete with floral wreaths around the neck of the emigre.

There was a wooden chest decorated with symbols  packed  with items  chosen for the new life. .

It was not expected they would ever see their families again.

I found much in Sweden that was familiar .It confirmed my belief that people are shaped by their environment.

Hardship and struggle  creates strength and empathy.The Vikings were  the first explorers.

A severe broody climate creates a serious outlook on life.

Words used  generally mean what they say. 

Wit and sly humour are  born of  everyman's  need for laughter to brighten the days.

Weeks of  blue skies, warm sunshine, balmy breezes and all the good things that derive, are not theirs to enjoy.

They find  purpose in their lives.

It may be a political philosophy springs from  experience of life.

That would make sense, wouldn't it?

It would also be logical to conclude, if everyone's  experience was the same, political philosophy might not vary a great deal.

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