What is your view of European social democracy?

[The Joyous Hedonist]

The following is stolen from wikipedia, as I'm too lazy at the moment to explain the theory of social democracy myself (which in fact isn't an easy task considering its flexibility):

''In general, contemporary social democrats support:

A mixed economy consisting of both private enterprise and publicly owned or subsidized programs of education, universal health care, child care and related social services for all citizens.

An extensive system of social security (although usually not to the extent advocated by socialists), with the stated goal of counteracting the effects of poverty and insuring the citizens against loss of income following illness, unemployment or retirement.

Government bodies that regulate private enterprise in the interests of workers and consumers by ensuring labor rights (i.e. supporting worker access to trade unions), consumer protections, and fair market competition.

Environmentalism and environmental protection laws; for example, funding for alternative energy resources and laws designed to combat global warming.

A value-added/progressive taxation system to fund government expenditures.

A secular and a socially progressive policy.

Immigration and multiculturalism.

Fair trade over free trade.

A foreign policy supporting the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights and where possible, effective multilateralism.

Advocacy of social justice, human rights, social rights, civil rights and civil liberties.''

[Andy]

I'm European, and I enjoy some aspects of our style of government, but others aren't as good.

I agree with secularism, regulation of the economy in some areas, a good welfare system and universal health care.

I disagree with fair trade on an economic basis, immigration and multiculturalism are alright in moderation but have gone way too far in certain areas and the human rights culture has actually made it difficult for police to enforce legtitimate laws and protect the law abiding majority of the populace.