It is not to the degree as it is here in the U.S. Their culture is different and it goes backs many centuries. They don't have the multinational companies as we have in America. They aren't the financial capital of the world. We are. And I am including China in this as well which is second now to America. They don't have the billionaires and like we have. So with more wealth comes more expensive homes, cars, yachts, and etc. And because of their culture, they are able to spread of share their wealth more than here in the U.S. That is why their economy which is capitalistic, more free market than the U. S., can thrive along with their socialist form of governments.
American was founded on individualism. Go out there and make it for yourself. The opportunity is there. It was all about self. And when it is all about self it became all greed and selfishness. There is no need or even a concerned about others. In fact, we exploit others to make us rich and richer. And we will sell you health insurance to make us rich first and your health comes second. This is what our culture is rooted in unlike those of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and etc. However, the culture can only change when the people change. When the people change, then the culture will change.
The United States of all the rich countries gives the most, 31 billion at one time to 40 countries in one year.
You are right America has reached the ideal of individual liberty to go for big plans or plans that are more simple. Our choice. I personally don't like Socialism telling us what to do and what we can have. If I am hungry, I know I can go offer to work for my dinner that day at a fast food. A place to temporarily stay, a homeless women's shelter until getting that a job I need. Don't forget Welfare for bigger problems, and then working my way up the ladder.
In a free individual society:
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but don't think you can,
its almost a cinch that you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out in the world we find.
Success begins with a fellow's will,
it's all in the state of mind!
If you think you are outclassed, you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself
before you can win the prize.
Life's battles don't always go, to the strongest or the fastest man.
But sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can!
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I found this poem and I would add the man who thinks he can, acted upon his hope -- and didn't give up with one way or another.