Obama: "We're responsible for each other". Really? Since when?

[bripat9643]

I know you won't understand this, but a "health community" is better, because that means everyone is healthy.

Your first wrong premise is that the welfare society produces a "healthy community." the idea that people can't survive without government is simply too absurd for words.

Then one has to ask what you mean by "better" Better for whom? How do I benefit from your good health if it means the government is taking everything I earn?

 

[bripat9643]

I'm not a Christian, so why should I accept that horseshit?

It's just an excuse to get your hands on what other people have earned.

Really? Why?

Because we are members of the human race.

.

You still can't come up with a reason, eh?

 

[bripat9643]

A normally functioning member of society has BOTH healthy self interest AND a sense of civic responsibility.

Why?

Because mankind is a social animal, of course.

What does that have to do with confiscatory taxation? How does being "social" justify taking 50% of what I earn?

 

[bripat9643]

"Every one, as he is bound to preserve himself... by the like reason, when his own preservation comes not in competition, ought he, as much as he can, to preserve the rest of mankind, and may not, unless it be to do justice on an offender, take away, or impair the life, or what tends to the preservation of the life, the liberty, health, limb, or goods of another" --John Locke; from Second Treatise on Civil Government

How does that justify confiscatory taxation?

 

[bripat9643]

They pay all kinds of taxes which, of course, you are aware of. I realize it's a talking point for cons.

They don't pay a dime in income taxes, which gives them every incentive in the world to raise taxes on the rest of us who do pay taxes. That's why Marxist scumbags like you support the income tax.

 

[Avatar4321]

We are responsible for each other. We are all supposed to minister to the needs of those around us. We are supposed to lift the downtrodden. We are supposed to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those in need of comfort. We are supposed to help empower our family, our neighbors. And that starts when we empower ourselves.

I repeat we are responsible for each other. Not the government. We are. As Individuals. Each of us has a responsibility first to ourselves, then our family, then to the community at large. And that requires us to take responsibility for our actions. It requires us to govern ourselves. And it requires us to not outsource our responsibilities to the government.

When we minister to others, it has to be through persuasion, long-suffering, brotherly kindness, gentleness. Not through the use of force. That's why government can never do it properly. Governments, by definition, are violent. They use force and the threat of force to get people to comply.

You want to restore our rights to where they should be? Then we, as individuals, need to start restoring our responsibilities. We need to do our duty to ourselves, our families, and our communities. Because our rights are inherently connected to our responsibilities and duties. They can't be separated no matter what anyone tries to tell you.

Rid yourself of lies in your life. Look at every aspect of your life. If there is the hint of a lie or corruption, get rid of it. Seek out the truth and you will find it. Because lights cleaves to light and truth cleaves to truth. Unless we eliminate the corruption in our lives and commit to and follow through with our responsibilities, we will be in bondage.

The truth will set you free. Isn't that what we all want?

 

[Big Fitz]

A normally functioning member of society has BOTH healthy self interest AND a sense of civic responsibility.

Why?

Because mankind is a social animal, of course.

Highly assumptive. Who's defining 'normal' around here? A social animal does not automatically denote a sense of 'civic responsibility'.

What exactly do you mean by that turn of phrase? Do dolphins or chimps or elephants have a sense of 'civic responsibility'? They're all social animals.

 

[Political Junky]

"Every one, as he is bound to preserve himself... by the like reason, when his own preservation comes not in competition, ought he, as much as he can, to preserve the rest of mankind, and may not, unless it be to do justice on an offender, take away, or impair the life, or what tends to the preservation of the life, the liberty, health, limb, or goods of another" --John Locke; from Second Treatise on Civil Government

How does that justify confiscatory taxation?

2010 Quality of Life Index: 194 Countries Ranked and Rated to Reveal the Best Places to Live – International Living - Since 1979

 

[Big Fitz]

"Every one, as he is bound to preserve himself... by the like reason, when his own preservation comes not in competition, ought he, as much as he can, to preserve the rest of mankind, and may not, unless it be to do justice on an offender, take away, or impair the life, or what tends to the preservation of the life, the liberty, health, limb, or goods of another" --John Locke; from Second Treatise on Civil Government

How does that justify confiscatory taxation?

2010 Quality of Life Index: 194 Countries Ranked and Rated to Reveal the Best Places to Live – International Living - Since 1979

And the internals are....

Learn how we calculate the Quality of Life Index scores – International Living - Since 1979

Choose a Country BelizeBrazilCosta RicaEcuadorFranceItalyMexicoNicaraguaPanamaUruguayAlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicEnglandEstoniaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaMonacoMontenegroNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaScotlandSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTurkeyUkraineWalesArgentinaBahamasBelizeBoliviaBrazilChileColombiaCosta RicaCubaCuracaoDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaraguaPanamaPeruThe U.S Virgin IslandsUruguayAustraliaNew ZealandBruneiCambodiaChinaIndiaIndonesiaJapanMalaysiaMyanmarPhilippinesSingaporeThailandUzbekistanVietnamCanadaMexicoEgyptMoroccoSouth AfricaUganda Where to Retire


Further Resources

• Take the Quiz to Find Your Perfect Country to Live
• The World's Healthiest Places to Live
• FREE Daily E-letter
• Quality of Life Index
• Annual Global Retirement Index
• Retire Early
• Retire Overseas: Why You Should
• World's Best Climate
• Expat Advice
• Make Money Overseas
• Classified Ads
• IL Videos
• News
• IL Radio: Podcasts
• Expat Profiles

Home » Learn how we calculate the Quality of Life Index scores
Learn how we calculate the Quality of Life Index scores

Posted on February 11, 2010 by IL

• Print
• News RSS
• Share

International Living’s Quality of Life Index 2010: Where the Numbers Come From

To produce the Quality of Life Index we consider 194 countries in nine categories:

1. Cost of Living
2. Culture and Leisure
3. Economy
4. Environment
5. Freedom
6. Health
7. Infrastructure
8. Safety and Risk
9. Climate

This involves number crunching thousands of pieces of data from official government sources, the World Health Organization, The Economist, and many other journals, tables, and records (see the full list of sources below)
But, we realize, you can’t quantify quality of life by numbers alone. Quality of life relates to something broader. Opening your front door in the morning and being able to wiggle your toes in the sand may be more important to you than cost of living. You may rate good neighbors and good doctors above infrastructure in a country. Perhaps the state of the economy means less to you than the pleasure derived from watching a perfectly executed tango. It is for these reasons that, as well as using statistical data in our Quality of Life Index, we ask our far-flung editors and readers to tell us about their quality of life in the countries in which they have chosen to live.
Marks Out of 100
We present each country in each category graded on a curve—each country is scored relative to every other country. In each category you can see that the scores run 0 to 100. This means the country that gets 0 is the worst in that category, and the country that gets 100 is the best. We do this to make the Index easier to read—so, if a score is a low number or a high number, you know right away if that’s a good or a bad thing.
We Admit It—We’re Biased
For the record, we’re biased. For every category, we had to make decisions. And, when the numbers our research returned seemed incredible to us…we favored our own experience over published government statistics.
Our sources, staff, and contributing editors are all influenced by a Western bias. We have definite, preconceived ideas about what constitutes a high or low standard of living, what constitutes culture and entertainment, and what climate is the most enjoyable. We also consider the world from the point of view of the majority of our readers—Americans spending U.S. dollars.
Please also remember that statistics obtained from official government sources are not always current, accurate, or reliable. And some statistics are highly subjective. What someone else might consider a museum, you might think of as a garden shed.
Other statistics may be estimated, outdated, or incorrect for any number of reasons. Since the statistics we gathered don’t always reflect our own experiences, we sometimes interject a subjective factor to make the numbers better reflect reality.

Explains how France is #1.

 

[Big Fitz]

"Every one, as he is bound to preserve himself... by the like reason, when his own preservation comes not in competition, ought he, as much as he can, to preserve the rest of mankind, and may not, unless it be to do justice on an offender, take away, or impair the life, or what tends to the preservation of the life, the liberty, health, limb, or goods of another" --John Locke; from Second Treatise on Civil Government

How does that justify confiscatory taxation?

2010 Quality of Life Index: 194 Countries Ranked and Rated to Reveal the Best Places to Live – International Living - Since 1979

And the internals are....

Learn how we calculate the Quality of Life Index scores – International Living - Since 1979

We Admit It—We’re Biased
For the record, we’re biased. For every category, we had to make decisions. And, when the numbers our research returned seemed incredible to us…we favored our own experience over published government statistics.
Our sources, staff, and contributing editors are all influenced by a Western bias. We have definite, preconceived ideas about what constitutes a high or low standard of living, what constitutes culture and entertainment, and what climate is the most enjoyable. We also consider the world from the point of view of the majority of our readers—Americans spending U.S. dollars.
Please also remember that statistics obtained from official government sources are not always current, accurate, or reliable. And some statistics are highly subjective. What someone else might consider a museum, you might think of as a garden shed.
Other statistics may be estimated, outdated, or incorrect for any number of reasons. Since the statistics we gathered don’t always reflect our own experiences, we sometimes interject a subjective factor to make the numbers better reflect reality.

Explains how France is #1.

 

[M14 Shooter]

That was the quote that stood out the most. That somehow I am responsible for John Doe or anyone else for me. Yet, I'm then told I cannot be judgemental about another person's lifestyle. Well, if I'M gonna be held responsible for that person, then I better damn well be allowed to make judgement on them. For example

You -are- 'allowed' to make judge people, as per the 1st amendment.

This whole "we're responsible for each other" hooey is just another sugar coating on the bitter pill of socialism - it has to be sold to thinkng people w/o those people realizing what they're buying.

 

[Twofox]

I am responsible for my family and those I choose to be responsible for, my extended family.

I give generously out of the goodness of my heart, and do so, not to feel good, but becuase someone needs help. BUT, once you insist that I give, that's where it ends immediately. I have the option to say NO.

Someone mentioned that this country was built on collectivism... Ha! It was folks being personally responsible, and working together. Not collectively. There is a distinction.

 

[sinister59]

That was the quote that stood out the most. That somehow I am responsible for John Doe or anyone else for me. Yet, I'm then told I cannot be judgemental about another person's lifestyle. Well, if I'M gonna be held responsible for that person, then I better damn well be allowed to make judgement on them. For example...........

- Shaquita the welfare queen should not be able to have more kids. She won't work. Blows money on the lottery. I'm responsible for her. So...no more kids. Drug test her. And if she is driving any car valued at over $3,000, we take it, sell it, and give her 3K to buy a used car. The rest goes into the general fund.

- Bubba the redneck trailor trash should not be able to keep getting drunk every day. He's lost his job for drunkenness. And all he wants to do is watch NASCAR and shoot guns all day. He can afford ammo because I subsidize his food, housing and healthcare.

- Pedro must go back. I'm not responsible for 6 billion people, only the 300 million US citizens. Sorry Mexicans, board the bus and go home. I can only be responsible for so many people, ya know?

- FAT PEOPLE. This is the one that hits me the hardest. If I am indeed responsible for everyone else, then my mild intolerance for fat asses is now full blown hate. If you are ******* fat, I'm tired of paying for your bills. Your health bills. Your food bills. You eat more, thus causing prices to be higher. Your car burns more gas due to more weight, thus, pushing gas prices higher. You consume more healthcare, thus, cause them to go up. Mr. Obama, tell ME, the person responsible for all others, how you're gonna stop obesity. Michelle pushing carrots ain't working.



So, Mr. President, now that you've told me I am responsible for everyone else, I am demanding a few changes in the lifestyle of my fellow people that I'm responsible for. The days of tolerance and not passing judgement are over. Gay people, you spread STD's faster than others simply because you don't use protection as often. Stop being gay. Fat people, stop being disgusting fat blobs and just screwing up countless things as a result. Shaquita? No more ******* kids, get a job, line up for a drug test. Bubba? You're done, no more booze.



But wait. HOW can we control all those people's behaviors? Obviously, to share responsibility, we must pass judgement and correct it. But how can we engage in this liberal utopian shared responsibility, while also having the freedom to be Shaquita, Bubba, Pedro, fat, gay, etc, etc, etc????? You can't be held responsible for each other while at the same time enjoying the freedom to succeed or be a **** up.

Well, we can't. Thats why left wing ideology in full bloom always turns into a regime like Cuba, USSR, China, North Korea, Vietnam, Burma, Russia, and others. Because you need an overwhelming, central force to control the behaviors of the masses in order to fairly hold them all responsible for each other.

Welcome to tyranny folks.

before the "ME" generation thats how American felt .if a neighbor was in trouble everyone helped now there's you

 

[Avatar4321]

before the "ME" generation thats how American felt .if a neighbor was in trouble everyone helped now there's you

If you want it back, stop outsourcing your responsibilities to the government and act on behalf of your neighbor.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

 

[Twofox]

before the "ME" generation thats how American felt .if a neighbor was in trouble everyone helped now there's you

If you want it back, stop outsourcing your responsibilities to the government and act on behalf of your neighbor.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Very good point. But it's too easy to believe that Gov't can take care of you instead. American complacency at it's best!

 

[sinister59]

before the "ME" generation thats how American felt .if a neighbor was in trouble everyone helped now there's you

If you want it back, stop outsourcing your responsibilities to the government and act on behalf of your neighbor.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

I do , I don't vote party lines never did . I vote for the best person I think is for America.
the government is America , so I don't vote people that spew crap of hate toward other Americans ,
like yourself .

 

[Cecilie1200]

That was the quote that stood out the most. That somehow I am responsible for John Doe or anyone else for me. Yet, I'm then told I cannot be judgemental about another person's lifestyle. Well, if I'M gonna be held responsible for that person, then I better damn well be allowed to make judgement on them. For example...........

- Shaquita the welfare queen should not be able to have more kids. She won't work. Blows money on the lottery. I'm responsible for her. So...no more kids. Drug test her. And if she is driving any car valued at over $3,000, we take it, sell it, and give her 3K to buy a used car. The rest goes into the general fund.

- Bubba the redneck trailor trash should not be able to keep getting drunk every day. He's lost his job for drunkenness. And all he wants to do is watch NASCAR and shoot guns all day. He can afford ammo because I subsidize his food, housing and healthcare.

- Pedro must go back. I'm not responsible for 6 billion people, only the 300 million US citizens. Sorry Mexicans, board the bus and go home. I can only be responsible for so many people, ya know?

- FAT PEOPLE. This is the one that hits me the hardest. If I am indeed responsible for everyone else, then my mild intolerance for fat asses is now full blown hate. If you are ******* fat, I'm tired of paying for your bills. Your health bills. Your food bills. You eat more, thus causing prices to be higher. Your car burns more gas due to more weight, thus, pushing gas prices higher. You consume more healthcare, thus, cause them to go up. Mr. Obama, tell ME, the person responsible for all others, how you're gonna stop obesity. Michelle pushing carrots ain't working.



So, Mr. President, now that you've told me I am responsible for everyone else, I am demanding a few changes in the lifestyle of my fellow people that I'm responsible for. The days of tolerance and not passing judgement are over. Gay people, you spread STD's faster than others simply because you don't use protection as often. Stop being gay. Fat people, stop being disgusting fat blobs and just screwing up countless things as a result. Shaquita? No more ******* kids, get a job, line up for a drug test. Bubba? You're done, no more booze.



But wait. HOW can we control all those people's behaviors? Obviously, to share responsibility, we must pass judgement and correct it. But how can we engage in this liberal utopian shared responsibility, while also having the freedom to be Shaquita, Bubba, Pedro, fat, gay, etc, etc, etc????? You can't be held responsible for each other while at the same time enjoying the freedom to succeed or be a **** up.

Well, we can't. Thats why left wing ideology in full bloom always turns into a regime like Cuba, USSR, China, North Korea, Vietnam, Burma, Russia, and others. Because you need an overwhelming, central force to control the behaviors of the masses in order to fairly hold them all responsible for each other.

Welcome to tyranny folks.

before the "ME" generation thats how American felt .if a neighbor was in trouble everyone helped now there's you

Which STILL doesn't make me responsible for that person.

And by the way, perhaps if liberals hadn't gotten the entire country into the mindset of "I don't have to worry about it, the government will give him a check", you might see more of the personal rallying-around-the-neighbors attitude now.

 

[Cecilie1200]

before the "ME" generation thats how American felt .if a neighbor was in trouble everyone helped now there's you

If you want it back, stop outsourcing your responsibilities to the government and act on behalf of your neighbor.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

I do , I don't vote party lines never did . I vote for the best person I think is for America.
the government is America , so I don't vote people that spew crap of hate toward other Americans ,
like yourself .

The government is NOT America. The people are. The government is a necessary evil the people tolerate in order to do certain things. And at the point where dipshits start believing it "is America", or that objecting to government-forced "charity" is "spewing hate toward other Americans", it stops being a necessary evil and becomes just an evil.

 

[sinister59]

If you want it back, stop outsourcing your responsibilities to the government and act on behalf of your neighbor.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

I do , I don't vote party lines never did . I vote for the best person I think is for America.
the government is America , so I don't vote people that spew crap of hate toward other Americans ,
like yourself .

The government is NOT America. The people are. The government is a necessary evil the people tolerate in order to do certain things. And at the point where dipshits start believing it "is America", or that objecting to government-forced "charity" is "spewing hate toward other Americans", it stops being a necessary evil and becomes just an evil.

we will have a government like it or not , it just depends is it our or a forgien one , so quit demonizing the government just because you don't agree , the government here is the out come of our votes not oppressed on us .
its us in one form .

if the US is too demanding for you ? Canada < go there .
there are welfare cheats , most are coreperations , you want to ***** ! how about the billion corperation cheat us out of tax money , starte whining there and work you way to people ,

 

[Lasher]

That was the quote that stood out the most. That somehow I am responsible for John Doe or anyone else for me. Yet, I'm then told I cannot be judgemental about another person's lifestyle. Well, if I'M gonna be held responsible for that person, then I better damn well be allowed to make judgement on them. For example...........

- Shaquita the welfare queen should not be able to have more kids. She won't work. Blows money on the lottery. I'm responsible for her. So...no more kids. Drug test her. And if she is driving any car valued at over $3,000, we take it, sell it, and give her 3K to buy a used car. The rest goes into the general fund.

- Bubba the redneck trailor trash should not be able to keep getting drunk every day. He's lost his job for drunkenness. And all he wants to do is watch NASCAR and shoot guns all day. He can afford ammo because I subsidize his food, housing and healthcare.

- Pedro must go back. I'm not responsible for 6 billion people, only the 300 million US citizens. Sorry Mexicans, board the bus and go home. I can only be responsible for so many people, ya know?

- FAT PEOPLE. This is the one that hits me the hardest. If I am indeed responsible for everyone else, then my mild intolerance for fat asses is now full blown hate. If you are ******* fat, I'm tired of paying for your bills. Your health bills. Your food bills. You eat more, thus causing prices to be higher. Your car burns more gas due to more weight, thus, pushing gas prices higher. You consume more healthcare, thus, cause them to go up. Mr. Obama, tell ME, the person responsible for all others, how you're gonna stop obesity. Michelle pushing carrots ain't working.



So, Mr. President, now that you've told me I am responsible for everyone else, I am demanding a few changes in the lifestyle of my fellow people that I'm responsible for. The days of tolerance and not passing judgement are over. Gay people, you spread STD's faster than others simply because you don't use protection as often. Stop being gay. Fat people, stop being disgusting fat blobs and just screwing up countless things as a result. Shaquita? No more ******* kids, get a job, line up for a drug test. Bubba? You're done, no more booze.



But wait. HOW can we control all those people's behaviors? Obviously, to share responsibility, we must pass judgement and correct it. But how can we engage in this liberal utopian shared responsibility, while also having the freedom to be Shaquita, Bubba, Pedro, fat, gay, etc, etc, etc????? You can't be held responsible for each other while at the same time enjoying the freedom to succeed or be a **** up.

Well, we can't. Thats why left wing ideology in full bloom always turns into a regime like Cuba, USSR, China, North Korea, Vietnam, Burma, Russia, and others. Because you need an overwhelming, central force to control the behaviors of the masses in order to fairly hold them all responsible for each other.

Welcome to tyranny folks.

It's called the social contract.

You signed onto this nation's version of it the day you were born.

Where did you get that mess of pottage? Have you been a communist very long?