Top Ten Things the U.S. Could Learn from Europe

While the U.S. is one of the most advanced nations on Earth, we aren't perfect. Here's ten things that the U.S. could learn from Europe.
The Top Ten
1 Provide Universal Health Care

Most advanced European countries have some sort of universal healthcare. At the same time, the price for healthcare services are usually cheaper than they are in the US. While most countries have the government offering healthcare, this doesn't need to be the case. For instance, Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Health outcomes are very positive, and 99% of all citizens have some sort of insurance. By the way, their system is entirely private. No Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal insurers. The U.S. could greatly benefit from offering universal care.

2 Make Paid Paternity, Sick, and Vacation Leave Mandatory

Most European countries mandate that companies offer paid paternity, sick, and vacation leave. Because of this, worker productivity is better than on the U.S. Also, babies are healthier and are less likely to be born into poverty.

3 Teach to Each Student's Potential

Lots of European countries have gone a completely different direction than the US regarding public education. Instead of continually doing rigorous testing, lots of European schools realize that each student has different needs. Therefore, there is not one size fits all in education. European schools have smaller classrooms, less testing, and more innovation, which results in much better outcomes than the US.

4 De-Militarize the Police

This isn't an attack on police. I actually have several family members who were a cop at one point, so I have a ton of respect for most cops. However, our country's police force is horrible compared to most of Europe. Cops in the US have access to tanks, assault rifles, flamethrowers, grenades, etc. In Europe, cops only use deadly force if absolutely necessary. In the US, some cops are way more trigger happy. For instance, there was one case where a man was wearing headphones, so he couldn't hear the cops commands. He kept walking, and didn't threaten or attack anyone. He was then filled with bullet holes. The US needs to de-militarize our police forces, and stress non-lethal tactics to subdue criminals, unless lives are at stake.

5 Improve Public Transportation

Europe has some of the best public transportation in the world, while the US is severely lacking. Not only would constructing more public transport provide a stimulus to the economy, it would also make it easier for the unemployed to seek work.

The thing is why I think the US hasn't been doing a lot is stuff like Britain and Germany are small while the US is big.

I agree. NYC is the only city with decent public transportation

6 Reform Sex Education

Most European countries offer detailed sex education classes and affordable birth control. In return, they have far fewer unintended pregnancies and STDs than the US, where teens are given little information about sex, and the subject is considered to be taboo.

I agree. What's with all these teen pregnancy, these dumb people in crappy areas

7 Decriminalize Victimless Crimes

Some European countries have decriminalized things such as drug use and prostitution. In return, they have far less violent crime and incarceration rates than the US.

We have so many people in jail for minor offenses, a lot of drug crimes

8 Modernize Infrastructure

America's infrastructure is also lacking compared to Europe.

9 Increase Education Standards

Americans are generally just less educated than Europeans. Only 40% of Americans believe that evolution really occurs, compared to 80% of Europeans. Educational standards should be raised across the board.

So we're going to have to wear school uniforms?

10 Serve Healthier Food

There is PLENTY of healthy food available in the USA, making people eat it is another thing altogether. In fact it's a major problem that healthy items in school lunches are thrown away by the ton because kids absolutely refuse to eat them.
Also, its now a virtual tie between the USA, Mexico, and the UK for the "most obese" country.

The US is the most obese country in the world. European countries are generally healthier and have less sicknesses related to obesity.

Serve better quality food, not gross boxed Mac and cheese, and stuff high in sugar, fat, and salt

The Contenders
11 Elect A Much More Competent Leader
12 Get Rid of the Two-Party System
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