Hello all!!!

Firstly, I would like to thank all of those on the Sift who have been so kind as to help me get started on this site, and within this community: Eric3579, Newtboy, Ant, PlayHousePals:)

I recently posted a video, the topic of which is a movement towards free education in America. Another topic brought up in this video is that of a higher wage for Americans($15/hr). My background being in Banking and Finance(I work at Lloyds Banking Group) spurred me to write out what I believe in this talk forum:)



The plain fact is that America cannot operate as other countries in the EU. Not only that, but many countries in the EU don't work well at all(Just look at Greece). The only truly stable economies in the EU are Britain, Germany, France, and Russia. Of these, France and Spain are the most economically unsound, and they are both Socialist-based. Germany has a free education system, and they still have an amazingly resilient economy. They aren't socialist, but can afford a free education system without higher taxes simply because they do not spend tens of billions a year on huge federally run healthcare systems and lofty, inadequate-to-superfluous welfare programs that target the poor. Germany also accepts little to no mass immigration of any kind, requiring many to have Germanic ties before becoming citizens. This, combined with strong capitalist economic practices, provides for a system with a stronger middle class(not upper) than all the countries in Europe except for Britain, and, a free education system.

Not that I am advocating America copy Germany's model, however, I am simply showcasing what an economy needs to be operational, and provide benefits for the people. America isn't functioning on Capitalist practices, as much as many would like to tout. The entire Free Market Capitalism originally brought about by the American economic system isn't being used. The Government spends whatever it wants(under the Obama administration, the national debt IS OVER $18 BILLION!!!!!!), debts are NOT paid back, tax loopholes for corporations are not dissolved, and BILLIONS in Federal funds are just given(yes, given) to the "poor" through welfare programs that, instead of helping American Citizens, help immigrants...

If America cut the loopholes for companies, abolished the horrible "Obamacare" healthcare system(and adopted a better model, such as the UK's), Stopped mass immigration(and provided for gradual immigration, ensuring the mass amount of immigrants actually contributed to the economy), dissolved the immense amount of welfare programs, and went back to free-market capitalism, then yes, there could be provided for a Free Education, and possibly a higher minimum wage...

Currently, however the demand for $15 an hour minimum wage, It wont work. Not in America. Businesses cant have enough money to pay people a substantial $15 an hour and provide health benefits. It would be a disaster. Not only that, but it is a clear disaster that people should have the sense to realize.

I think that continuing would only prove redundant, although I welcome discussion:)