Move To Denmark Damn It!!!!

I was recently engaged in an interesting debate on Facebook regarding the benefits of living in Denmark versus the United States. Full disclosure, I have never lived in Denmark. However, I see a lot of ideas from the Bernie Sanders camp like to cite Denmark. This alone makes Denmark a Socialist/Communist country.

Here is the controversy. In Denmark, and other European countries, public policies have shifted to take care of every citizen in their country by utilizing the following strategies:

Much Higher Minimum Wage
Healthcare For All - Single Payer System
Free College Education
Free Child Care
Shorter Work Week

So this is what Socialism looks like? Hmmmmm. Why are we so scared of such a system? It is due to the fact we think people will become lazy and not work. It is not about that at all. It actually makes people more productive.

Another counter point is the higher income tax (some as high as 40%) and higher sales tax (some as high as 25%) It sounds counterproductive compared to our system. However, let me provide you and example of how we actually pay a lot of taxes comparatively. It is just hidden in our system.

For example:

Student Loans - Those who go to college spend a lifetime paying them back on plans that are 10-15% of their income.

Property Taxes - In NYS some communities pay as high as 12 thousand dollars on personal property taxes.

Federal Income Tax - Can be as high as 28% however middle income families pay a much high burden than the rich.

State Income Tax - In states that have state income tax, another 5-8% of your income can go towards state income tax

Child Care - Ask anyone. At least 10 percent of your income.

Healthcare costs - Can be as much as 10 percent of your income and depending on coverage, it can bankrupt you if there is a catastrophic illness.

We are living in a lottery system in the Untied States. Those that complain about Socialism have the odds in their favor. However, once one of the big five expenses hit their family, they begin to realize that a better system would benefit all Americans.

So, maybe we should go to Denmark. Not to live, but to learn about their system. Knowledge is power and we have the power to make our lives much easier in the United States by providing an effective safety net like the models that are currently successful in Europe.

NYC Is A Shining Example Of Responsible Gun Policy

While the nation grieves yet another gun tragedy, both sides of the gun debate have immediately become immersed in an all too familiar debate. The problem with gun policy is similar to many problems facing our nation, and that is we are too polarized. Right away, Fox News and MSNBC begin to choose sides and rally their base. What is lacking is a sound policy. Do we have one as a nation?

The answer may surprise you. We have a great example of gun policy right here in New York State. In particular, NYC has worked extremely hard to promote social policy that has saved lives. The facts are astounding. 20 years ago, 2250 or more families were victims of violence. Today, the deaths have been reduced to 400.

New York State and New York City has strengthened gun laws. In addition to that, programs were created to extract guns from high risk communities. In 2006, a gun suppression task force targeted hot zones. More importantly, violators were given harsh punishments. The law was enforced no matter who you were including the famous arrest of Plaxico Burress. NYC made sure that carrying a gun without a proper permit would be punished with a harsh sentence. The continued progress will rely on other states enacting similar policy. The guns that are illegal in NYC today are mostly bought out of state. The trend is also true for the rest of New York.

The road to sound policy has not been an easy one. Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg are under constant attack to their policies. However, they have worked. For other states to see similar results, they will have to rely less on polls and more on sound social policy.

The Dark Side Of Pope Francis Coming To Town......

Pope Francis coming to the United States has been inspirational to many. It is great to see the openness to his message. He provided examples for our legislators to consider regarding the plight of the poor and the environment. His message of simplicity by driving in a Fiat and eating with the homeless reminded many that we have an obligation to our fellow citizens to consider inequities in our own society.

Underneath it all, social media presented a much darker view of the visit. Centuries old habits of discrediting the Pope and the teachings of the Catholic Church came to light. Instead of enjoying the message behind the visit, they felt threatened by his presence. Similar to our President and Congress, they took apart sound bytes and challenged his doctrine. Essentially, fear reared it's ugly head, and the comments and conspiracies became a standard response.

What the Pope's visit is a reminder of is the importance of the separation of church and state. What separates our civilization from the chaos in the Middle East is the Constitution. The first amendment is a protective barrier. that religious zealots try to weaken, so that their message can be universal. the belly of the beast for many is Catholicism and Secularism. The Pope coming to the United States was for them, a threat and not a message of hope.

Generous Thinking Has Many Layers - (Watch This Video)

Generous thinking. Something that goes unnoticed unless picked up by Social Media. There is a lot to learn about the concept of generous thinking. In this video, it is so important to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals that understand we are greater than one's self. Some may watch this video and focus on the disability. The truth is that this video is more about the abilities of a community to rally for one individual's ability to think generously of others. (The Coach, The Team and Opponents) Watch this video and see for yourself. The child who practices generous thinking, along with the coach allow for a very special moment to happen. There are so many dynamics at work in this one act of kindness caught on film. See for yourself.

Restarting a Dream

After a very long break, I am restarting the dream of this book. I will be publishing again! Also, new projects empowering people have started. I am also expanding Fatherhood Initiatives and working with students and parents to enrich learning. So many exciting events to share over the coming weeks.

Decency Publishing Will Be Online Exclusively With Kindle

2012 is starting out with great news. Decency Publishing will expand into ebooks. This change in marketing will give us access to a world wide market. Thus allowing the messages of our local writers to be read around the world!

2012 Edition Coming Soon

Well, its about time for an extreme makeover. The New Quest for Human Decency will be coming out in 2012. The first book will have unedited new chapters. After some feedback, a final edition will follow. Thanks for all of the support.