NewMustangDE
Well-Known Member
At least in Germany they do maintain ”most” roads to a high standard. Potholes we have plenty off as well, certainly in my village just outside of Cologne![MENTION=21272]kwpony[/MENTION] no offense taken. Unfortunately what you describe is true. Our tax money was not used for its intended purpose but for the purpose of maintaining a corrupted political system (it is still corrupted, nothing has changed, even after all those austerity measures that were completely ineffective) and a huge number of useless public servants who were there (and still are) only for political reasons.
However, all this is not my fault and I hate paying taxes for things I am not responsible for. But the fact is that taxation in Europe is extremely high compared to the US. Just look at the outrageous car prices in most European countries (Germany and the UK not included) and you will understand what I am saying.
In the UK it is a well known fact that car taxes do not get back into infrastructure. Never has, never will. Roads there now are absolutely terrible. The A12 from London to Ipswich (which I travel reguarly) are riddled with potholes and so much traffic that it almost comes to a standstill. They do nothing to improve this.
In Sweden, for example, our high taxes pays for one of the highest living standards in the world with free healthcare, free uni’s (well, some small fees you still pay), guaranteed pension (higher than in other countries) etc etc. the list is long. Unlike in the US where one almost have to appologise in order to exist.
The German system is good but nowhere near the UK or Sweden.
I have lived in Sweden, UK, US and Germany.
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