Pick your poison - tortoise or the hare

Great read in Newsweek comparing the US to Europe during the recession. It wasn't that long ago when it was Europe looking to the west and dreaming of the benefits of a booming economy. Times have changed so now attitudes on both sides are changing. Europe (excluding the recent Thatcher/Thatcher-with-a-smiley-face a.k.a. Blairism) doesn't fully experience the good time highs nor the bad time lows that the US sees. It's always moderated and movement in one direction of the other is always slower. Is it better or worse? It really depends what is important for the government and it's people. Both have their benefits though it's hard to argue against the economic security and well being of Europe during the tough times.

One angle that is not in article is the slow, painful process of being hired in Europe, or at least France. As a general rule, Americans can change jobs quickly whereas over here this typically takes six months even during the good times. Because it's difficult to get rid of employees - it's not impossible, as the American right suggests - organizations are painfully slow to hire. The welfare state is there to keep families going which is great, but the process can take a very long time. Draw your own conclusions but if nothing else, this gives a good overview of the recession from this side of the pond.