Welfare State

Sue and I have had frequent discussions about the United States and England. She finds it difficult to believe that the U.S. does not provide many of the benefits available here, such as universal healthcare. In England, housing is provided for anyone in need, and all citizens get a card on their 60th birthdays for free local bus transportion. Paid maternity leaves are a year long--and there are paternity leaves, as well. There is also liberal medical leave and a minimum of 6 weeks of time off a year. (People can't understand why Tom isn't here with me, and they are horrified when I tell them he has only 2 weeks of vacation.) That said, the economy is not good in England, and the new government is struggling over possible cuts, most of which are not going down well with the folks here.