Column: Why Scandinavian women make the rest of the world jealous

[RainDog]

2. high literacy rates, low rates of religious belief

these are two constants, found here in these nations, and in nations around the world in which their living conditions improve.

strangely, a lack of religious belief is more likely to result in better treatment for women, minorities, the poor... all those the religious texts talk about as deserving grace from religious folks - but, instead, religion now serves as a cudgel to hurt the very people the religious leaders said to help.

no where is this better illustrated than in the U.S.

these nations also do not spend an excessive amount of money on military. they maintain forces to defend their borders. they don't try to be the world's police officers.

these nations also do not treat capitalists like they descended from god, like overheated testicles in need of protection for their glorious gifts to the nation. they're taxed and treated as part of the nation, but not the only part.