Is America the greatest country in the world?

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Comments

  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 49,473
    Yes, of course many, many things are easily comparable.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,072
    PJPOWER said:
    PJPOWER said:
    PJPOWER said:
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    I thought this thread was about if the USA is the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD or not... or am I in the wrong thread?
    Ummm yeah.  And to do so wouldn't you need to compare to the world? Is Sweden in the world? 
    Sweden is in "the world". Yes. It's a country located in the north of Europe, neighbouring Norway, Denmark and Finland. And the monkey wrench was invented there.


    Yeah, there it is! I thought it was!  Kinda looks like it could use some Cialis.
    In the US, there are many different cultures.  Each state has it’s own set of rules and opportunities.  Lots of land to explore if you are tired of the scenery.  It would be better to compare Sweden to a single state than a country full of diversity.  Sweden is an incomparable bubble.


    A worn-out and pretty stupid argument to try tio put US into some unique untouchable position. You're putting your country in a bubble.

    That is like saying "You can't compare Canada and Sweden because Sweden is a monarchy". Or whatever moot reason.
    Where did I say the US is untouchable, just that the two countries are pretty incomparable. Just as a large city has unique needs incomparable to small towns.  That’s why Sweden having a higher unemployment rate than the US is not as big of a deal because you are still talking about way less unemployed.  Maybe you can compare limp dick Sweden to limp dick Florida if you are trying to measure dicks here.  
    Why would it be less of a deal with our unemployment?
    Because you are talking about thousands less people affected on your tiny little.....island.
    I thought I made that clear.
    So, what does the size matter? The percentage of unemployed versus people working would still be relatively similar? So, what is the actual difference that makes it incomparable?
    Sweden lacks diversity. That is a weakness and also can make some things easier
    Sweden has only added 3 million people to its population in the last almost 70 years.

    The USA has added over 150 million in that time.

    clearly you could see you managing diversity and rapid change and size makes some things more difficult?
    hippiemom = goodness
  • PJPOWERPJPOWER In Yo Face Posts: 6,499
    PJPOWER said:
    PJPOWER said:
    PJPOWER said:
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    I thought this thread was about if the USA is the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD or not... or am I in the wrong thread?
    Ummm yeah.  And to do so wouldn't you need to compare to the world? Is Sweden in the world? 
    Sweden is in "the world". Yes. It's a country located in the north of Europe, neighbouring Norway, Denmark and Finland. And the monkey wrench was invented there.


    Yeah, there it is! I thought it was!  Kinda looks like it could use some Cialis.
    In the US, there are many different cultures.  Each state has it’s own set of rules and opportunities.  Lots of land to explore if you are tired of the scenery.  It would be better to compare Sweden to a single state than a country full of diversity.  Sweden is an incomparable bubble.


    A worn-out and pretty stupid argument to try tio put US into some unique untouchable position. You're putting your country in a bubble.

    That is like saying "You can't compare Canada and Sweden because Sweden is a monarchy". Or whatever moot reason.
    Where did I say the US is untouchable, just that the two countries are pretty incomparable. Just as a large city has unique needs incomparable to small towns.  That’s why Sweden having a higher unemployment rate than the US is not as big of a deal because you are still talking about way less unemployed.  Maybe you can compare limp dick Sweden to limp dick Florida if you are trying to measure dicks here.  
    Why would it be less of a deal with our unemployment?
    Because you are talking about thousands less people affected on your tiny little.....island.
    I thought I made that clear.
    So, what does the size matter? The percentage of unemployed versus people working would still be relatively similar? So, what is the actual difference that makes it incomparable?
    Sweden lacks diversity. That is a weakness and also can make some things easier
    Sweden has only added 3 million people to its population in the last almost 70 years.

    The USA has added over 150 million in that time.

    clearly you could see you managing diversity and rapid change and size makes some things more difficult?
    Clearly only sees “USA bad”
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,867
    edited March 2019
    PJPOWER said:
    PJPOWER said:
    PJPOWER said:
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    I thought this thread was about if the USA is the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD or not... or am I in the wrong thread?
    Ummm yeah.  And to do so wouldn't you need to compare to the world? Is Sweden in the world? 
    Sweden is in "the world". Yes. It's a country located in the north of Europe, neighbouring Norway, Denmark and Finland. And the monkey wrench was invented there.


    Yeah, there it is! I thought it was!  Kinda looks like it could use some Cialis.
    In the US, there are many different cultures.  Each state has it’s own set of rules and opportunities.  Lots of land to explore if you are tired of the scenery.  It would be better to compare Sweden to a single state than a country full of diversity.  Sweden is an incomparable bubble.


    A worn-out and pretty stupid argument to try tio put US into some unique untouchable position. You're putting your country in a bubble.

    That is like saying "You can't compare Canada and Sweden because Sweden is a monarchy". Or whatever moot reason.
    Where did I say the US is untouchable, just that the two countries are pretty incomparable. Just as a large city has unique needs incomparable to small towns.  That’s why Sweden having a higher unemployment rate than the US is not as big of a deal because you are still talking about way less unemployed.  Maybe you can compare limp dick Sweden to limp dick Florida if you are trying to measure dicks here.  
    Why would it be less of a deal with our unemployment?
    Because you are talking about thousands less people affected on your tiny little.....island.
    I thought I made that clear.
    So, what does the size matter? The percentage of unemployed versus people working would still be relatively similar? So, what is the actual difference that makes it incomparable?
    Sweden lacks diversity. That is a weakness and also can make some things easier
    Sweden has only added 3 million people to its population in the last almost 70 years.

    The USA has added over 150 million in that time.

    clearly you could see you managing diversity and rapid change and size makes some things more difficult?
    What exactly are you getting at is more difficult?

    This diversity thing also seems to be a "catch all" for shielding the US from cirtisicsm. 

    Why aren't you having health care guaranteed for your citizens like all other western democracies?
    - We are diverse.

    Why are you the only western democracy that has the death penalty?
    - We are diverse.

    Why are you leaving the Paris agreement?
    - We are diverse
    Post edited by Spiritual_Chaos on
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 49,473
    edited March 2019
    It's actually a good question. America normally likes to boast about its diversity as a good thing (so does Canada) ... but some of you are basically saying here that diversity is a major detriment to your country.... Something's off here, to me, as I do think that, as long as racists and xenophobes aren't running things, diversity is indeed a strength and not a weakness.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    Paris agreement: that s our loony president. Luckily it is not a life time position and the longest he will be in is another six years.  
    Death penalty: I have zero problem with the death penalty.  
    Health insurance guarantee:  expensive and I m guessing most Americans don’t want to pay for it. It is just a different way of thinking. 
    What else you want answered Mr. All Over The Map?
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • jeffbrjeffbr Seattle Posts: 7,177
    PJ_Soul said:
    I don't think any Swede can honestly deny that there aren't plenty of Swedish racists and xenophobes. That is clear just in the anti-immigrant sentiment that is very strong there, just like it is in the USA, France, Canada, Germany, Australia, Hungary, and pretty much every single other so-called "white" country on the face of the planet.
    No swedish person is. And I think people are kind of thickheaded (not emaning you) if they think that "putting forth criticism of the US" equal "thinking that Sweden is perfect and without flaws"

    But that thickheadedness actually show the US mentality of being unable to take criticism of the "ONE LAND UNDER GOD!", feeling personally attacked and thinking that someone criticising the SACRED USA! means that they must think that their country is sacred instead.
    Well, I'm not nationalistic, and not particularly patriotic either. I point out plenty of problems with the US, especially when it comes to healthcare and wage disparity. But I think that you spend an inordinate amount of time looking for reasons to denigrate the US. So while I'm not protesting your points, nor defending the US, I am wondering what drives your obsession. You almost always respond to posts with questions. And when someone answer them not to your liking, the question is re-framed I'm presuming in hopes of getting the answer for the trap you were setting. Anyway, the thread is fairly tired at this point. The US isn't perfect. I'm sure most here in the US would accept that statement at face value. Is it the greatest country in the world? Depends on the measure one wants to use, and how general the statement is. One can say that is the greatest country in the world to them because they can own a semi-automatic firearm with a 30 round magazine without a license, and they would be correct. One can't say it is the greatest country in the world if literacy, healthcare, education, etc.. are the criteria. But it is a place of boundless opportunity, beautiful geography, amazing food, peoples, cultures, inventions, entrepreneurship, etc... It isn't the only country with those things, however. American Exceptionalism is something that plays well during election campaigning, but the reality is that it wouldn't be possible to have an agreed to set of criteria to determine the 1 greatest country in the world, since everyone places different value on different things.

    I guess my biggest problem with your posts is the way you generalize US mentality, as if it were some monolithic thing. I know it is hard for a member of a small, homogeneous society to understand this, but in a very large, diverse society, there isn't a single mentality. There are many, many divergent views on the same topic. Weird, huh?

    Now my question for you - What do you hope to accomplish with this thread and your constant digs? What is the end result you're seeking?

    "I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,867
    mcgruff10 said:
    Paris agreement: that s our loony president. Luckily it is not a life time position and the longest he will be in is another six years.  
    Death penalty: I have zero problem with the death penalty.  
    Health insurance guarantee:  expensive and I m guessing most Americans don’t want to pay for it. It is just a different way of thinking. 
    What else you want answered Mr. All Over The Map?
    D I V E R S I T Y
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,867
    jeffbr said:
    I guess my biggest problem with your posts is the way you generalize US mentality, as if it were some monolithic thing. I know it is hard for a member of a small, homogeneous society to understand this, but in a very large, diverse society, there isn't a single mentality. 
    I sure hope this is sarcasm.
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,072
    PJPOWER said:
    PJPOWER said:
    PJPOWER said:
    OnWis97 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Plenty of Canadians and politicians in Canada walk saying Canada is number 1...
    every nation does it to a degree. but honestly in the US it's simply not on the same level as anywhere else. 
    How does one make that assertion?  What is it based on?  Is this just a typical generalization around the world that America thinks it is the best in everything?  
    America has pluses and minuses just like every other country in the world.  
    just growing up over the years and observing the differences in culture between the US and everyone else, both in entertainment and in real life. ask anyone who has traveled anywhere else. there's no other nation that just erupts into chants of their country's name spontaneously, even when it makes zero sense. 
    As an American, I cannot prove it, but I feel it as well.  We seem a bit more devoted to talking about how we're #1 than others.  Then again, maybe people sit around over beers in Norway and talk about how they're the greatest country in the world.  I'm pretty much only privy to what's going on in the USA. USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
    Well I know people in Sweden like to post how awesome they are on the internet. :)

    Honestly I don’t get either side of this. Posting over and over about how awesome the USA is or posting over and over what’s wrong with the USA.
    I thought this thread was about if the USA is the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD or not... or am I in the wrong thread?
    Ummm yeah.  And to do so wouldn't you need to compare to the world? Is Sweden in the world? 
    Sweden is in "the world". Yes. It's a country located in the north of Europe, neighbouring Norway, Denmark and Finland. And the monkey wrench was invented there.


    Yeah, there it is! I thought it was!  Kinda looks like it could use some Cialis.
    In the US, there are many different cultures.  Each state has it’s own set of rules and opportunities.  Lots of land to explore if you are tired of the scenery.  It would be better to compare Sweden to a single state than a country full of diversity.  Sweden is an incomparable bubble.


    A worn-out and pretty stupid argument to try tio put US into some unique untouchable position. You're putting your country in a bubble.

    That is like saying "You can't compare Canada and Sweden because Sweden is a monarchy". Or whatever moot reason.
    Where did I say the US is untouchable, just that the two countries are pretty incomparable. Just as a large city has unique needs incomparable to small towns.  That’s why Sweden having a higher unemployment rate than the US is not as big of a deal because you are still talking about way less unemployed.  Maybe you can compare limp dick Sweden to limp dick Florida if you are trying to measure dicks here.  
    Why would it be less of a deal with our unemployment?
    Because you are talking about thousands less people affected on your tiny little.....island.
    I thought I made that clear.
    So, what does the size matter? The percentage of unemployed versus people working would still be relatively similar? So, what is the actual difference that makes it incomparable?
    Sweden lacks diversity. That is a weakness and also can make some things easier
    Sweden has only added 3 million people to its population in the last almost 70 years.

    The USA has added over 150 million in that time.

    clearly you could see you managing diversity and rapid change and size makes some things more difficult?
    What exactly are you getting at is more difficult?

    This diversity thing also seems to be a "catch all" for shielding the US from cirtisicsm. 

    Why aren't you having health care guaranteed for your citizens like all other western democracies?
    - We are diverse.

    Why are you the only western democracy that has the death penalty?
    - We are diverse.

    Why are you leaving the Paris agreement?
    - We are diverse
    That’s not what I said at all. Your hatred is blinding you.


    hippiemom = goodness
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,072
    mcgruff10 said:
    Paris agreement: that s our loony president. Luckily it is not a life time position and the longest he will be in is another six years.  
    Death penalty: I have zero problem with the death penalty.  
    Health insurance guarantee:  expensive and I m guessing most Americans don’t want to pay for it. It is just a different way of thinking. 
    What else you want answered Mr. All Over The Map?
    D I V E R S I T Y
    Your passive aggressive bullshit has to stop. You sound like a baby.
    hippiemom = goodness
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,867
    jeffbr said:
    Now my question for you - What do you hope to accomplish with this thread and your constant digs? What is the end result you're seeking?

    I just want to take you all...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A-IoOEPbUs
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,867
    edited March 2019
    mcgruff10 said:
    Paris agreement: that s our loony president. Luckily it is not a life time position and the longest he will be in is another six years.  
    Death penalty: I have zero problem with the death penalty.  
    Health insurance guarantee:  expensive and I m guessing most Americans don’t want to pay for it. It is just a different way of thinking. 
    What else you want answered Mr. All Over The Map?
    D I V E R S I T Y
    You sound like a baby.
    Then I hope you will speed back to me. And I don't mean maybe.
    Post edited by Spiritual_Chaos on
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • oftenreadingoftenreading Victoria, BC Posts: 12,821
    PJ_Soul said:
    I can think of some things that America definitely does super well, better than everyone else. Customer service for one. They absolutely kick ass when it comes to customer service in general (no, that doesn't mean it never sucks there, nor that it is always worse everywhere else).
    Also, their public campgrounds are kept up REALLY well. Of course, it's next to impossible to actually get a spot to camp in any of them, but if you are lucky enough to get one, those campgrounds are usually immaculate and well serviced with great amenities.
    Also, they actually post road signs telling idiots to fucking stay in the right lane unless passing. In Canada, we don't have those signs anywhere (or at least not where I've been - it's possible they exist further east), and even though it's technically what you're supposed to do, it's never enforced. Some people don't even fucking know it's a rule.
    And, America's booze is relatively cheap.
    Also, the country is jammed packed with entertainment. It's always easy to find a million fun things to do - far more than anywhere else I've been or heard of.
    Finally, in any decent sized city, it is easy to find just about anything you want, at any given time. Or at least that's how it feels. Just google "where to buy _______" and it seems that there is almost always a place selling it within walking distance, lol. So basically, America has CONVENIENCE down to a science, like no other nation on Earth (that is probably why they have more obesity too, but hey, I'm looking at the positives right now).
    There are “keep right” signs very close to you.

    Just over the water, in fact. 
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • jeffbrjeffbr Seattle Posts: 7,177
    jeffbr said:
    I guess my biggest problem with your posts is the way you generalize US mentality, as if it were some monolithic thing. I know it is hard for a member of a small, homogeneous society to understand this, but in a very large, diverse society, there isn't a single mentality. 
    I sure hope this is sarcasm.
    Actually it wasn't. It was an unfair generalization to demonstrate how your unfair generalizations can be perceived. With so many political parties in Sweden I understand that there is diversity of thought an lots of varied opinions, but since you seem to think there is a US mentality, which you talk about, I thought I'd see what you thought about a dig at a monolithic Swedish mentality.
    "I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
  • mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.



    Never knew this.

    How very chickenshit of them (if Spirtual's explanation for cozying up to Nazis is accurate). I mean... America (and Canada I might add) sent their sons abroad to fight for life and liberty on the very continent Sweden tucked their tails on.
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • PJPOWERPJPOWER In Yo Face Posts: 6,499
    mcgruff10 said:
    Paris agreement: that s our loony president. Luckily it is not a life time position and the longest he will be in is another six years.  
    Death penalty: I have zero problem with the death penalty.  
    Health insurance guarantee:  expensive and I m guessing most Americans don’t want to pay for it. It is just a different way of thinking. 
    What else you want answered Mr. All Over The Map?
    D I V E R S I T Y
    Your passive aggressive bullshit has to stop. You sound like a baby.
    Easy, he is just upset about the horrible Swedish alcohol that he has to choose from.  It’s like the bitter beer face in public forum post form.
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    edited March 2019
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.



    Never knew this.

    How very chickenshit of them (if Spirtual's explanation for cozying up to Nazis is accurate). I mean... America (and Canada I might add) sent their sons abroad to fight for life and liberty on the very continent Sweden tucked their tails on.
    Del I just wanted to let you and the rest of my Canadian friends know that I spent around a half hour on Canada’s role on d-day this past week.  Good stuff!  I am Proud to have you guys as our neighbors!!  I really have to head north of the border soon. 
    And yes, Sweden was very chickenshit during the Second World War.
    Post edited by mcgruff10 on
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • mcgruff10 said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.



    Never knew this.

    How very chickenshit of them (if Spirtual's explanation for cozying up to Nazis is accurate). I mean... America (and Canada I might add) sent their sons abroad to fight for life and liberty on the very continent Sweden tucked their tails on.
    Del I just wanted to let you and the rest of my Canadian friends know that I spent around a half hour on Canada’s role on d-day this past week.  Good stuff!  I am Proud to have you guys as our neighbors!!  I really have to head north of the border soon. 

    We are more alike than unalike.

    I like to think of us as a kinder, gentler, machine gun hand.

    F**k I got Neil spinning as I type this stuff with a nice shiraz after a crazy couple weeks. I'll pm you with some details!
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    An old, old wooden ship.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.


    Yes, I was aware of Sweden's role.  Did you know Finland had to pay Russia war reparations? 300 million in 1938 prices.  It is not something to be proud of, especially considering how many Canadians and Americans sacrificed to defeat the Nazi's.  
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • AnnafalkAnnafalk Sweden Posts: 4,004
    Annafalk said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    Annafalk said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.



    The leaders at that time did all they could to keep the country out of the war. 
    Sweden also exported bearings and anti-aircraft guns to the British.
    There were ten times as many volunteers Swedes fighting as soldiers with the allied as there were with the nazists. 
    Sweden helped save many Jews especially from the neighboring countries. Raoul Wallenberg saved many Jews in Hungary with the Swedish passports etc
    You only describe all the bad things.
    Isn’t that What happens in this thread when describing the United States?
    I haven’t, I think the United States are great in so many ways. You have for example great nature, mountains, beaches, national parks all kinds of variety. Great entertainment possibilities, education, healthcare, friendly people etc
    I would like to stop comparing Sweden with the USA because it’s actually really silly.

    You are bringing too much sense to this. ;)

    Thanks.
    Thank you :) all countries have their positive and negative things. I would hope we could move forward, learning from the past and all work together for the whole world sake. We don’t have to compete about anything, it doesn’t help anyone. We need to focus on the right things.
  • AnnafalkAnnafalk Sweden Posts: 4,004
    edited March 2019
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.


    Yes, I was aware of Sweden's role.  Did you know Finland had to pay Russia war reparations? 300 million in 1938 prices.  It is not something to be proud of, especially considering how many Canadians and Americans sacrificed to defeat the Nazi's.  
    Another thing, a very brave Swede Raoul Nordling saved Paris from getting totally bombed out during WW2. (I’m just saying we aren’t all bad it’s really much down to which politicians are at rule at the time.)
    I must say i’m extremely grateful for all the allied fighting against the nazis, how would our world look like if the allied hadn’t won? It’s a scary thought.

    Post edited by Annafalk on
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,867
    edited March 2019
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.



    Never knew this.

    How very chickenshit of them (if Spirtual's explanation for cozying up to Nazis is accurate). I mean... America (and Canada I might add) sent their sons abroad to fight for life and liberty on the very continent Sweden tucked their tails on.
    Chickenshit/betraying our Norweigan and Finnish brothers or a correct decision to stay out of the war - the discussion about it will never stop here in Sweden. 

    Fun fact: Only time I had to endure a "sweden hater" was when I lived in Oslo for a short while and stood in cue in a supermarket. The old man behind me heard me speaking swedish and started attacking me about how much he hated Sweden and how Sweden acted in the war and towards Norway. 

    Should be noted that during our neutral stance we also helped the Allied.
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,867
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.


    Yes, I was aware of Sweden's role.  Did you know Finland had to pay Russia war reparations? 300 million in 1938 prices.  It is not something to be proud of, especially considering how many Canadians and Americans sacrificed to defeat the Nazi's.  
    Talking about Finland in the war, have you heard of Simo Häyhä:

    Nicknamed "White Death" by the Red Army,[2] was a Finnish sniper. Using a Finnish-produced M/28-30 rifle (a variant of the Mosin–Nagant rifle) and a Suomi KP/-31, he reportedly killed 505 men (according to other sources he is credited with 542) during the 1939–40 Winter War, the highest recorded number of sniper kills in any major war.[3][4][5] Häyhä estimated in his diary that he killed more than five hundred Red Army soldiers in the Winter War.[6] Antti Rantama (Häyhä's unit military chaplain) credited Häyhä with 259 confirmed sniper kills and an equal number of kills by machine/submachine gun during the Winter War.
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.



    Never knew this.

    How very chickenshit of them (if Spirtual's explanation for cozying up to Nazis is accurate). I mean... America (and Canada I might add) sent their sons abroad to fight for life and liberty on the very continent Sweden tucked their tails on.
    Chickenshit/betraying our Norweigan and Finnish brothers or a correct decision to stay out of the war - the discussion about it will never stop here in Sweden. 

    Fun fact: Only time I had to endure a "sweden hater" was when I lived in Oslo for a short while and stood in cue in a supermarket. The old man behind me heard me speaking swedish and started attacking me about how much he hated Sweden and how Sweden acted in the war and towards Norway. 

    Should be noted that during our neutral stance we also helped the Allied.
    Well, you should know that the discussion is settled in the rest of the world, and "correct decision" is not a phrase that ever gets used.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,867
    rgambs said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.



    Never knew this.

    How very chickenshit of them (if Spirtual's explanation for cozying up to Nazis is accurate). I mean... America (and Canada I might add) sent their sons abroad to fight for life and liberty on the very continent Sweden tucked their tails on.
    Chickenshit/betraying our Norweigan and Finnish brothers or a correct decision to stay out of the war - the discussion about it will never stop here in Sweden. 

    Fun fact: Only time I had to endure a "sweden hater" was when I lived in Oslo for a short while and stood in cue in a supermarket. The old man behind me heard me speaking swedish and started attacking me about how much he hated Sweden and how Sweden acted in the war and towards Norway. 

    Should be noted that during our neutral stance we also helped the Allied.
    Well, you should know that the discussion is settled in the rest of the world, and "correct decision" is not a phrase that ever gets used.
    I do not think you are an authority or well advertised in what is being settled in the world or not regarding Sweden's decision to protect its country from war and its citizens from death.

    And tell me again, where was the US before their own country got attacked? Why didn't you people come to the aid of Poland in 1939 if your're not chickenshits?
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    edited March 2019
    rgambs said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.



    Never knew this.

    How very chickenshit of them (if Spirtual's explanation for cozying up to Nazis is accurate). I mean... America (and Canada I might add) sent their sons abroad to fight for life and liberty on the very continent Sweden tucked their tails on.
    Chickenshit/betraying our Norweigan and Finnish brothers or a correct decision to stay out of the war - the discussion about it will never stop here in Sweden. 

    Fun fact: Only time I had to endure a "sweden hater" was when I lived in Oslo for a short while and stood in cue in a supermarket. The old man behind me heard me speaking swedish and started attacking me about how much he hated Sweden and how Sweden acted in the war and towards Norway. 

    Should be noted that during our neutral stance we also helped the Allied.
    Well, you should know that the discussion is settled in the rest of the world, and "correct decision" is not a phrase that ever gets used.
    I do not think you are an authority or well advertised in what is being settled in the world or not regarding Sweden's decision to protect its country from war and its citizens from death.

    And tell me again, where was the US before their own country got attacked? Why didn't you people come to the aid of Poland in 1939 if your're not chickenshits?
    Why on earth would we defend Poland?  They were conquered in thirty days by two countries that had enormous armies.  1. No way we could mobilize our troops in the time period.  2.  No way we are taking on Germany and the Soviet Union. 3. At this point in the war we are minding our own business and enduring the Great Depression.
     I mean we eventually did get involved a little over two years later and fought all over the world.
    Tell me again how the Swedish armed forces helped to defeat the Axis powers?

    Post edited by mcgruff10 on
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 28,867
    mcgruff10 said:
    rgambs said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    I was just reading about on Sweden's role in World War 2 and found the following: Was Sweden really "neutral" during World War 2?  

    Sweden's role in the Second World War had its darker side, it allowed the Germans to transit troops, supplies and communications through the country.

    Sweden also profited from the Holocaust. It is known that Wallenberg's relatives made money converting Nazi gold into Swedish crowns and that Sweden provided iron ore and ball bearings to the Nazis. Swedish documents reveal that some Swedes actually sided with the Nazis and volunteered to fight for Hitler. Some Swedes were members of the Waffen SS and served in police batallions.

    A committee was established by the Swedish government in 1997 to investigate the transfer of Nazi gold to Sweden during the war. It is reported that Sweden received 38 tons of gold from Nazi Germany (worth today US $430 million). Many Swedish companies, such as Ericsson, AGA and Hasselblad Cameras, as well as the country's paper and wood industries traded with Nazi Germany. Swedish jewelers bought stolen diamonds, which were smuggled into Sweden by civil servants working at the German legation in Stockholm.

    An exhibition on Sweden and the Holocaust, opening in Lund, not far from where Chavka Folman-Raban enjoyed her first weeks of freedom, aims to shed light on this darker side of Sweden’s relationship to Nazism. The exhibition, accompanied by seminars and publication of new research, shows how Swedish industry benefited from the war and how Swedish scientific institutions were leaders in the fields of race biology and eugenic research. 

    The exhibition also shows how Nazi ideals found Swedish sympathizers and how Sweden limited freedom of speech, and introduced immigration laws which turned away asylum seekers from Germany, many of whom were later murdered in concentration camps.



    Never knew this.

    How very chickenshit of them (if Spirtual's explanation for cozying up to Nazis is accurate). I mean... America (and Canada I might add) sent their sons abroad to fight for life and liberty on the very continent Sweden tucked their tails on.
    Chickenshit/betraying our Norweigan and Finnish brothers or a correct decision to stay out of the war - the discussion about it will never stop here in Sweden. 

    Fun fact: Only time I had to endure a "sweden hater" was when I lived in Oslo for a short while and stood in cue in a supermarket. The old man behind me heard me speaking swedish and started attacking me about how much he hated Sweden and how Sweden acted in the war and towards Norway. 

    Should be noted that during our neutral stance we also helped the Allied.
    Well, you should know that the discussion is settled in the rest of the world, and "correct decision" is not a phrase that ever gets used.
    I do not think you are an authority or well advertised in what is being settled in the world or not regarding Sweden's decision to protect its country from war and its citizens from death.

    And tell me again, where was the US before their own country got attacked? Why didn't you people come to the aid of Poland in 1939 if your're not chickenshits?
    Why on earth would we defend Poland?  They were conquered in thirty days by two countries that had enormous armies.  1. No way we could mobilize our troops in the time period.  2.  No way we are taking on Germany and the Soviet Union. 3. At this point in the war we are minding our own business and enduring the Great Depression.
     I mean we eventually did get involved a little over two years later and fought all over the world.
    Tell me again how the Swedish armed forces helped to defeat the Axis powers?

    Our forced pretty much didn't. But like @PJPOWERalways say -- what would little Sweden be able to do in comparison to the big and diverse US? 

    YOU CAN'T COMPARE THEM.
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
This discussion has been closed.