I find it very ironic and sad that America needs to learn from a citizen of Communist China the dangers of a welfare society, and the value of hard work. But a wise person will look for knowledge wherever it is available. It would be good for America to learn from Europe's mistakes so that the Progressives do not tempt us into repeating them.

This quote was taken from an interview by Al Jazeera regarding the possibility of China bailing out Europe. Mr. Liqun the supervising chairman of China's sovereign wealth fund thinks that is a poor risk due to their welfare society. The full quote is below:

"If you look at the troubles which happened in European countries, this is purely because of the accumulated troubles of the worn out welfare society. I think the labour laws are outdated. The labour laws induce sloth, indolence, rather than hardworking. The incentive system, is totally out of whack.

"Why should, for instance, within [the] eurozone some member's people have to work to 65, even longer, whereas in some other countries they are happily retiring at 55, languishing on the beach? This is unfair. The welfare system is good for any society to reduce the gap, to help those who happen to have disadvantages, to enjoy a good life, but a welfare society should not induce people not to work hard." -- Jin Liqun

Here is the Al Jazeera article.

-- Thomas Payne 2