I was just thinking about government and welfare and whatnot, and I recalled that the Scandanavian countries are the only healthy welfare states at the moment. In pondering why this was the case, I recalled GEG's love of Norweigian death metal, and the thought struck me: perhaps one must sell one's soul to satan in order to have a functioning healthcare and welfare system. It is highly likely that if the United States and other countries openly worshipped satan that we would find ourselves in a much better financial and social situation. I for one am willing to throw up the horns and rock out if it means that I can have healthcare paid for by Joe citizen and a generous pension upon retirement. Is anyone else up for it? Can anyone account for their success other than a higher number of Metal bands per capita?

I appreciate all input on this matter.

In satan,
Simple Schoolboy

Lulzatronic.

Every other person in Finland is on welfare though.

Not every norwegian is satanic, though... But I think we are one of the most liberal countries when it comes to freedom of speech. First it was the Muhammad-carichatures (allthough it origined in Denmark, it was first when a norwegian paper printed them, the news went worldwide).
And now this is one of the main topics in the news nowadays... One of the main norwegian TV-channels made a sketch where they burned bibles:

http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local ... 261100.ece

Comedian burns Bible as cameras roll
Otto Jespersen, one of Norway's most controversial comedians, has caused another stir by burning pages from the Bible in the heart of a conservative West Coast city.
Comedian Otto Jespersen seems to enjoy stirring up controversy.


The city of Ã…lesund is already well-known for a fire that destroyed most of it at the beginning of the last century, and for rebuilding efforts that produced unique examples of Art Nouveau architecture.

Now some flames have thrust Ã…lesund into the headlines again, after Jespersen lit a fire in the center of town. The burly, middle-aged Norwegian seems to have a thing for fires: He's perhaps best known for an American flag-burning stunt on national TV three years ago, to protest the US-led invasion of Iraq.

This week, with the help of the local fire brigade, Jespersen lit a bonfire in front of Ålesund's city hall. With cameras rolling for his TV show "Rikets Røst," Jespersen first started burning some Norwegian books. Then, with the willing cooperation of Ålesund Mayor Arve Tonning, he threw paper money on the flames.

Tonning went along with the stunt to tease local residents known for their business sense and knack for making money. But then Jespersen ripped out several pages from the Bible's Old Testament and threw them on the fire. Tonning didn't like that and said he tried to stop Jespersen, but was ignored.

"I protested strongly and said I wouldn't go along with it," Tonning told newspaper VG. "But that guy (Jespersen) isn't easy to stop."

Odd Bondevik, the conservative local bishop, was also disgusted by Jespersen's stunt. "We've just been through a process in Norway about trying to understand how important it is to hold some things holy," said Bondevik, referring to the recent uproar over the publication of cartoons offensive to Muslims. "Otto Jespersen has lost respect for the holy with such an offense."

Bondevik said he won't pursue the matter, but hopes Jespersen's channel, TV2, will show "editorial responsibility" in the matter.

Tonning wants Jespersen's program stopped. Jespersen, meanwhile, claims he doesn't understand the uproar. At the very least, he succeeded in attracting plenty of publicity.

Scandunavia kicks ass!! no doubt about that but it is a pity that is so fucking cold.