Western Europe’s Democratic Socialism at Work

All is not well in Flanders.

You may have been following the problems in Belgium, as you are more concerned with the outcome of democratic socialism once Obama gets into power. I could make a snide remark about his ascendancy but I won’t. Let’s stick to the facts, which most politicians have only a fleeting knowledge of these days.

Belgium has long been a country divided. They speak two languages– French and Dutch. Throw in the Flemish dialect and that makes three. A long history of religious struggles within the country does not help the cultural divide. Belgium is a beautiful country, as you can see by the picture above, snapped in August when much of the U.S. has turned brown. Flanders is very green, the temperatures are moderate. The food is excellent, their two main claims to fame, chocolate and every meal comes with French fries.

As of last week, I believe they formed a new government. Unlike the U.S., Europeans have the ability to unseat their governments almost on a whim it seems. The struggle remains between the (French speaking) Walloons and the Flemish. At issue, was allowing Flanders to form their own government, in an effort to shed the enormous burden the Walloon controlled part of Belgium places on it. Even though a new government has been formed– The outcome is still not clear.

At issue are the social costs incurred each year in Belgium. As with many European countries social cost are a heavy burden on the tax payers. On the front end, the social programs seemed like a good idea. On the back end, taxpayers in Flanders are revolting. Social costs are exacerbated by the influx of citizens from other European Union countries. They arrive in Belgium because the standard of living is higher and their social programs much better than their own countries.

One sees trucks with writing in German, Dutch, French, and English. I even saw one with the Czech language on it, and .cz web address. On one front the EU is working, but on other accounts it’s failing. One would doubt there would be a peaceful and profitable way to unwind the EU.

The problems in separating Belgium are much smaller than would be in Balkanization of the U.S. And while there is animosity between the fly over states and the left and right coasts, it pales in comparison to feelings between the Walloons and the Flemish. If the U.S. were suddenly to find itself with a predominant religion in one region or the other we might see a more heated debate about secession.

If you are interested in the future of the United States of America, look to Europe and the struggle they find themselves in with high social costs, excessive tax burdens, and increasing strife with the Islamic community. In time we may see those exact problems here. In the interim if you need a get away in July, check out Brussels and Brugge, with side trips to the countryside.