Happy in Europe (Full Version)

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Level -> Happy in Europe (2/27/2007 3:35:46 AM)

EU citizens are officially happy: poll



Mon Feb 26, 11:57 AM ET
 
European Union citizens are overwhelmingly happy with life -- and that's official.

A pan-European opinion poll conducted for the European Commission and published on Monday showed that 87 percent of EU citizens considered themselves happy, with a record 97 percent in Denmark.

Only in Bulgaria, which joined the bloc in January, did a majority of people (55 percent) say they were unhappy.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070226/wl_nm/eu_happiness_dc



NorthernGent -> RE: Happy in Europe (2/27/2007 3:48:44 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Level

A pan-European opinion poll conducted for the European Commission and published on Monday showed that 87 percent of EU citizens considered themselves happy



You have to be really, what's the alternative? Having the weight of the world on your soldiers? No thanks. It's a case of be content or do something to change your lot - there's no use crying over spilt milk.

The German pension issue makes sense because they have more to lose than most (as they have an amazingly high level of welfare). If you don't know much about Germany, you'll be amazed at the level of state pension and other benefits. Also, jobs at the lower end of the scale are relatively high paid (when compared with other countries), at least they used to be in the old West Germany.



sleazy -> RE: Happy in Europe (2/27/2007 5:55:42 AM)

And in the mid 1980s the safest way to travel on the road was in a coach with a drive under the age of four (only one minor accident, only the driver suffering minor injuries not requiring medical attention).

Having actually partaken in a few official polls I do wonder what the question actually was, many polls are designed to generate the desired results rather than actually find out anything of real interest. Of course what is really interesting is the un-asked questions such as
quote:

Respondents were not asked whether they trusted the EU.
I sure wouldnt mind seeing the results of a poll conducted by researchers out to prove the exact opposite, or better yet one that was truly impartial.



meatcleaver -> RE: Happy in Europe (2/27/2007 6:13:01 AM)

I've lived several years in both France and Germany and now Holland, I think while Europe is far from perfect, it is a great place to live. I've always wished Britain would be a more positive voice in Europe rather than sticking to its historical prejudices. I think the British would have a happier time if they ran Britain more like other EU countries instead of buying into the rightwing's propaganda about other EU countries pricing themselves out of the job market. Wages are higher here and the cost of living is cheaper and democracy is more democratic than in Britain. OK I'm going off topic here.

I agree with what NG implied.  It's best to leaving ruling the world to others, you are only hated for it anyway. I'm glad Europe has left that in the past and the central agenda for the EU is the economy of Europe and the welfare of its citizens. It's a long way from Utopia but its not a bad place to live.

I live in Amsterdam, within two hours of Paris, Brussels, Berlin, London, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Zurich, within three of Madrid, Rome, Prague, Warsaw. A big variety of cities and cultures, the air flights are cheap, the trains are cheap (except UK) and I visit a new city regularly just for a change of scenery. Life couldn't be better for me.



caitlyn -> RE: Happy in Europe (2/27/2007 6:51:31 AM)

I haven't travelled extensively in Europe, but the close proximity of cities seems very appealing ... possibly because I live in a place where nothing is in close proximity. I would love to live in Europe, but probably in a place like Italy, where its warm. I've gotten used to the Texas winters that last two weeks, and would hate to live in a place where its cold for months on end. Cold is something you enjoy while on ski trips. [;)]



meatcleaver -> RE: Happy in Europe (2/27/2007 7:36:19 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: caitlyn

I haven't travelled extensively in Europe, but the close proximity of cities seems very appealing ... possibly because I live in a place where nothing is in close proximity.



I've traveled thousands of miles in the US and seen nothing (cities I mean) but traveling the same distance in Europe I could have visited so many different cultures and language areas. The one thing I liked about the US and Canada was the wide open spaces and being able to escape civilisation.



Sanity -> RE: Happy in Europe (3/3/2007 7:38:05 PM)

If they're so damn happy, why is it they're rioting all the time.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Level

EU citizens are officially happy: poll



Mon Feb 26, 11:57 AM ET
 
European Union citizens are overwhelmingly happy with life -- and that's official.

A pan-European opinion poll conducted for the European Commission and published on Monday showed that 87 percent of EU citizens considered themselves happy, with a record 97 percent in Denmark.

Only in Bulgaria, which joined the bloc in January, did a majority of people (55 percent) say they were unhappy.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070226/wl_nm/eu_happiness_dc



FangsNfeet -> RE: Happy in Europe (3/3/2007 10:04:52 PM)

So how were these polls conducted? E-mail, phone call, and or by forms mailed and to be filled out?

Of all the people who participated in the poll, how many had there own residence and job? How many were homeless?

Statistic polls can say anything you want. Even random phone calls are done in selected neighborhoods. How many people are really happy versus being content with there life?

Polls usually have a political agenda behind them to show support or to attack a person/action within a comunity. Either someone wishes to make themselves look good or to make someone else or something look bad. Polls are used to support status quo or to make a change in society. If and when another organization does the same poll, they'll have different numbers. 

I'm just not buying the "Are you Happy or Unhappy" poll.  



meatcleaver -> RE: Happy in Europe (3/4/2007 2:49:08 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sanity

If they're so damn happy, why is it they're rioting all the time.



Because its jolly good fun and its that time of year, spring is in the air.

The Danish government should have known that messing about with Ungdomshuset squat would give young people a reason for a jolly. I bet the rioters haven't been so happy in their lives.

In this particular case, I doubt Americans understand the mentality but it is more akin to '67 and telling the government and its suits to go and fuck themselves.

Just to add. No doubt if this was in the US the police would be shooting and people and rioters could expect 90 years in prison or something.



pahunkboy -> RE: Happy in Europe (3/4/2007 5:42:15 AM)

BINGO- polls and stats can "prove" anything.

mathmatically- the poll means nothing. 1+2=3.   add in the fake nonprofits- teh name implies one side- when often it is a facade for lobbiest.

PR is everything. "perception management"

we have a 50% chance of seeing teh yer 2100. prettty good odds-if u think of it.



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