Name two local laws / customs to transplant to US

[bengangmo]

For obvious reasons this is for NON 'Mercan 'Raffers.

Name any two local (for you) customs or laws that you think would benefit the US

I'll go first, from New Zealand

1. Random stops for DUI / DIC / Breathalyser and mandatory talk into the sniffer thingy police carry
2. Minimum wage for wait staff and only tip for exceptional service (no "mandatory" tipping in other words)

[Mbossa]

Also from New Zealand:
1. Fully legalised prostitution
2. Multi-party politics

[Taur]

1. Socialized health care.
2. Restrictions on hand guns and prohibition of fully automatic rifles. [Canada has three categories: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited.]

[Solfy]

Originally Posted by bengangmo

1. Random stops for DUI / DIC / Breathalyser and mandatory talk into the sniffer thingy police carry

We've already got that one.

[Lo-Slung Denim]

From the UK:

1. Yup, socialized health care, but please improve it and make it work.
2. Recognised civil partnerships.

Can I have two in return please?

1. Legal age for drinking being 21.
2. Respect for those working in the service industry.

(I once read in a book, or on the internet, or in a magazine, or maybe I dreamt it, that us Brits are embarrassed by those in the service industry e.g. wait staff, cleaners etc because we think it is scummy. And that the 'Mercans expect excellent service so have a higher regard for those that provide it. If that's true, I would like that please. Brits can get awfully stuffy about things like that.)

[Erasmus Darwin]

Originally Posted by Board Taurus

2. Restrictions on hand guns and prohibition of fully automatic rifles. [Canada has three categories: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited.]

Prohibiting fully automatic rifles in the U.S. wouldn't do anything. Crime with the few rare legally owned fully automatic rifles is virtually non-existent.

[WednesdayAddams]

Originally Posted by Lo-Slung Denim

2. Respect for those working in the service industry.

(I once read in a book, or on the internet, or in a magazine, or maybe I dreamt it, that us Brits are embarrassed by those in the service industry e.g. wait staff, cleaners etc because we think it is scummy. And that the 'Mercans expect excellent service so have a higher regard for those that provide it. If that's true, I would like that please. Brits can get awfully stuffy about things like that.)

Yes and no. Wait staff at restaurants, hotel maids etc? Yes. Those people work hard for not a lot of money (and yes I am somewhat entitled when it comes to the service I expect). Workers of McDonalds & other fast food joints? I haven't noticed a lot of respect given.

[bengangmo]

Originally Posted by Solfy

We've already got that one.

You do? Where the coppers set up a checkpoint and test everybody driving down the road?

[Veb]

Originally Posted by bengangmo

You do? Where the coppers set up a checkpoint and test everybody driving down the road?

Cops around here used to set up blocks on busy streets, supposedly checking for wheel-tax stickers (when we used to have a wheel tax). It was a thinly-disguised sobriety check. They'd stop cars, look for the sticker but basically look for probable cause to check drivers for BAC.

[Illuminati Primus]

1. Multi party politics. If I never read another thread on the Pubs vs the Dems it'll be too soon, because they always ALWAYS descend into an agreement that neither side is better but there's no alternative and the lobyists run everything. For a country that prides itself on inventing modern democracy the US is certainly attached to a system that gives people very little actual political choice when it comes to voting.

2. Nationally recognised civil partnerships. Yes I know you all want same sex marriage but at a federal level it's just not happening anytime soon, and civil partnerships are working out great here in the UK so I think the US should try them too. It would probably help on the road to full SSM, even if it's not the full deal.

[WormTheRed]

Since I'm not up-to-date on Norway, I'm sticking with Sweden on this one.

1. Fully recognized ssm.

2. Expanded maternity leave (in Sweden the parents get 12 months - 3 each and 6 to split between them)

[Taur]

Originally Posted by Erasmus Darwin

Prohibiting fully automatic rifles in the U.S. wouldn't do anything. Crime with the few rare legally owned fully automatic rifles is virtually non-existent.

That is true, Erasmus.

We have a "grandfather" clause on prohibited weapons; that is, on enactment, you may legally keep (and bequeath, I think, but not sell) what you already own, and you cannot purchase any others in the prohibited class thereafter. I just don't feel the citizens of any country have any real need of fully automatic weapons. Why can't hand guns and semi-automatic rifles be enough to satisfy virtually everyone's desire/right for protection and sport? There aren't enough of the 307 million Americans who actively collect or sport shoot these pricey guns (and ammo) to warrant sale or trade in them, in my opinion.

[Boon]

Originally Posted by bengangmo

You do? Where the coppers set up a checkpoint and test everybody driving down the road?

I've never been in one like that, but most cities will have check points where a cop(s) will sit and specifically pull over suspected DUI's. Here in Vegas it's been pretty frequent as of late.

[bashere]

Originally Posted by Boon

I've never been in one like that, but most cities will have check points where a cop(s) will sit and specifically pull over suspected DUI's. Here in Vegas it's been pretty frequent as of late.

California, too. It's called a "field sobriety check-point". License and registration, pulled over for test 1. randomly, and 2. if you look like you've been drinking. I've been waived through them a couple of times. We have them here in Ontario as well and I've walked by a couple of them on my way home from a bar.

two local things I like:
1. Child care leave of up to 1 year @ some high percentage of salary. Can be split between parents.

2. 24 hour drivers license suspension. If you have a BAC of under .08 (it might have to be lower than that, actually) but the officer feels you should not be driving, they can tell you it's time to pull over and take a cab home. It gets people who are borderline safe but ill-advised to be driving off the streets.

3. Loser pays in lawsuits. It doesn't actually get awarded all that often, but it adds a certain element of caution.

[Metallic Squink]

Originally Posted by Lo-Slung Denim

1. Legal age for drinking being 21.

Already got that one.

[Solfy]

Originally Posted by bengangmo

You do? Where the coppers set up a checkpoint and test everybody driving down the road?

Yep. On a local level (it varies by municipality) they'll set up checkpoints like the above mentioned ones where everyone gets the once-over.

[Erasmus Darwin]

Originally Posted by Board Taurus

We have a "grandfather" clause on prohibited weapons; that is, on enactment, you may legally keep (and bequeath, I think, but not sell) what you already own, and you cannot purchase any others in the prohibited class thereafter.

Add the option of selling (with prior ATF approval and a $200 tax), and that's essentially the U.S. law on automatics. For regular people, the legal automatic weapons are limited to what was already registered prior to '86 (when the registry was closed to new entries).

I just don't feel the citizens of any country have any real need of fully automatic weapons. Why can't hand guns and semi-automatic rifles be enough to satisfy virtually everyone's desire/right for protection and sport?

In the absence of harm, does need really matter?

There aren't enough of the 307 million Americans who actively collect or sport shoot these pricey guns (and ammo) to warrant sale or trade in them, in my opinion.

They're only pricey because of artificial restrictions imposed by the '86 closure of the machine gun registry to new entries. However, even prior to that, legal machine gun crime was virtually non-existent.

I understand there's an emotional reaction to automatic weapons, but again, it's really hard to justify a ban in the absence of harm.

[WednesdayAddams]

Originally Posted by Metallic Squink

Already got that one.

I think she wants to import that one to her country.

[Lo-Slung Denim]

Originally Posted by Metallic Squink

Already got that one.

Yup, I want it for the UK. I think 18 is too young.

I know I have exceeded my two wishes, but I'd also like your maternity/paternity/annual leave to be better in the US. We get a reasonable chunk of leave - for example I get 29 days paid annual leave a year and if I found myself knocked up I'd have a whole bunch of new employment rights and a lot more paid leave. I read a thread on another board where you guys across the pond get something like two weeks unpaid leave a year! I couldn't believe it!

[Sybarite]

Two from Canada -
1. Strict controls on mortgage lenders and borrowers.
2. Strict controls on entire banking system.

I don't know how long this is going to last, so I'm crowing about it while I can - most stable banking system in THE WORLD in Canada.

[Taur]

Erasmus, you have a compelling argument. Were I not an idealist who'd prefer to see automatics only in the hands of the law and the military, I'd say, "Ok, you win."

[sachertorte]

Originally Posted by Lo-Slung Denim

I read a thread on another board where you guys across the pond get something like two weeks unpaid leave a year! I couldn't believe it!

Two weeks is considered the standard, but some places give more. I get more, but probably not nearly as much as the Europeans.

[Lo-Slung Denim]

Originally Posted by sachertorte

Two weeks is considered the standard, but some places give more. I get more, but probably not nearly as much as the Europeans.

We're always on our holidays

[Sybarite]

We get two weeks paid leave (vacation time) per year here as the norm. Unpaid leave is on a case-by-case basis.

[Metallic Squink]

I actually get about 5 weeks of paid time off. That covers some mandatory holidays (I think about 6 days or so) but that's still pretty nice. Unfortunately, the way my job is, I would never be able to take off 5 weeks in a row.

[Uthrecht]

Originally Posted by Lo-Slung Denim

We're always on our holidays

That's how your colonies got away.

[Lo-Slung Denim]

Originally Posted by Uthrecht

That's how your colonies got away.

Stoned Soldier: Do you care if it falls?
Stoned Soldier: What?
Stoned Soldier: The Roman Empire?
Stoned Soldier: Fuck it!

[threnody]

We get 4 weeks paid holiday, plus public holidays, plus 2 weeks personal leave days a year.

[Erasmus Darwin]

Originally Posted by Board Taurus

Erasmus, you have a compelling argument. Were I not an idealist who'd prefer to see automatics only in the hands of the law and the military, I'd say, "Ok, you win."

Heh. Fair enough.

Then again, in an ideal world, they hopefully wouldn't need them, either.

[Zombies!]

I get 2 weeks paid annual leave, 18 days personal leave, whatever public holidays come up and in emergencies I also have access to compassionate and bereavement leave.

[bengangmo]

Originally Posted by Solfy

Yep. On a local level (it varies by municipality) they'll set up checkpoints like the above mentioned ones where everyone gets the once-over.

Coolness...

Then I would like to nominate one more - ONE set of laws for the whole country

And there's two that I want to borrow for my current location
1. Proper political freedom and free-er speech
2. A custom car culture

[Colonel Plink]

Originally Posted by Board Taurus

Erasmus, you have a compelling argument. Were I not an idealist who'd prefer to see automatics only in the hands of the law and the military, I'd say, "Ok, you win."

When the Government can be counted on to always act only in the best interests of the People, I'll agree with you. In the meantime, I'll take my Second Amendment without Infringement. Hold the fries.

[Sybarite]

I've finally thought of something I would like to import to Canada from the US - your infrastructure. Your freeway network kicks ASS! (Well, Jim thought of it, but I agreed.)

[Sybarite]

Originally Posted by Colonel Plink

When the Government can be counted on to always act only in the best interests of the People, I'll agree with you. In the meantime, I'll take my Second Amendment without Infringement. Hold the fries.

That's an attitude that you can totally keep in the U.S.

[Khampelf]

I'd like to import the drug policy of the Netherlands, and the Labor policies of the French.

[Martini Enfield]

1. Advertised prices must be all-inclusive. For example, if a Widget is advertised as being "$49.95", then that's exactly what the purchaser pays for it. None of this "Advertising something for $49.95 and adding various local and state taxes on top of that price at the register so the real price is actually something weird like $57.32" stuff.

2. Paying retail and hospitality staff a fair minimum wage ($16-$20 an hour, plus penalty rates if appropriate) and giving everyone at least four weeks paid annual leave per year.

2a. As a by-product of the above two, abolishing tipping- the prices on the menu will be higher on its face, but that's all the customer has to pay, and the staff are getting paid properly and don't have to "suck up" to, or "pretend to care" about their customers, just to make sure they get enough tips to pay the rent and bills and generally have a productive life.

[HongKongFooey]

Originally Posted by bengangmo

You do? Where the coppers set up a checkpoint and test everybody driving down the road?

:hijack: A co-worker made me laugh a while back. He was at a party and had a few and got in his car to drive home. Not far from his place he sees a lot of flashing lights, cars lined up along the road. Accident he figures, waits a while, and then pulls over on the shoulder and drives past everyone and on to his place. While passing he sees a guy he knows talking to a cop and figures his buddy was involved in the accident.

Next morning he calls his buddy to see if he's OK. Buddy is confused. Accident? That was a checkpoint!

He dodged one there! /:hijack:

[Illuminati Primus]

Originally Posted by Colonel Plink

When the Government can be counted on to always act only in the best interests of the People, I'll agree with you. In the meantime, I'll take my Second Amendment without Infringement. Hold the fries.

Originally Posted by Sybarite

That's an attitude that you can totally keep in the U.S.

Glad it wasn't just me that thought that. Seriously - do you people think that the US military is about to swoop in and press gang you into labour camps or something?

[Fromage A Trois]

Originally Posted by Zombies!

I get 2 weeks paid annual leave, 18 days personal leave, whatever public holidays come up and in emergencies I also have access to compassionate and bereavement leave.

Could someone explain to me how 2 weeks annual leave and 18 personal leave is different from 28 days leave? I get 26 days (plus public holidays). I can take it when I want, subject to the approval of my boss, so I could have 26 3-day weekends or I could have a couple of 2-week holidays (more than 2 weeks needs special approval) and still have some left over. Or any combination.

[Colonel Plink]

Originally Posted by Illuminati Primus

Glad it wasn't just me that thought that. Seriously - do you people think that the US military is about to swoop in and press gang you into labour camps or something?

No. Because of the Second Amendment, they can't. We're too many and too well armed.

What do you think the intent of the Second Amendment was: defense against robbers?

[Taur]

Originally Posted by Colonel Plink

When the Government can be counted on to always act only in the best interests of the People, I'll agree with you.

I think the government is less likely to screw me over than private industry does. Ineptitude and waste wins out over greed and malfeasance.

In the meantime, I'll take my Second Amendment without Infringement.

My opinion is not to deny your country the right to form and arm a military.

Hold the fries.

Are you sure? They're included in the two cent happy meal.

Originally Posted by Illuminati Primus

Seriously - do you people think that the US military is about to swoop in and press gang you into labour camps or something?

It's our fault... we've had our trebuchets and stockpiles of poutine aimed to the south for so long that they're completely on edge.

[Illuminati Primus]

Originally Posted by Colonel Plink

No. Because of the Second Amendment, they can't. We're too many and too well armed.

What do you think the intent of the Second Amendment was: defense against robbers?

I'm pretty sure the intent of it is exactly as you say, I just think it's a tad dated. Those living in the 18th century, both in the States and in Europe lived in a very real danger of their own governments and the threat of tyranny. In the 21st century? Not so much. I'm not clear that what is keeping the US democratic and free is possession of firearms.

[Colonel Plink]

Board Taurus, I couldn't get my reply posted in time for you to scoff at, so let me reiterate:

The Second Amendment was not formed to arm a military. It clearly states that "The People" have the right to be well armed and regulated. Well-regulated, the the parlance of the 18th century, simply meant well-equipped. You can look it up.

It is also the only Amendment that clearly states "Shall Not Be Infringed" It's the only Amendment to contain such language. They were dead serious about the "Ruling Class" not becoming so strong that they couldn't be overthrown, if necessary.

[Colonel Plink]

Originally Posted by Illuminati Primus

I'm pretty sure the intent of it is exactly as you say, I just think it's a tad dated. Those living in the 18th century, both in the States and in Europe lived in a very real danger of their own governments and the threat of tyranny. In the 21st century? Not so much. I'm not clear that what is keeping the US democratic and free is possession of firearms.

If you don't think we live under the threat of tyranny, you have not been paying attention. Further, the US Democratic is not being kept free and clear. The First Amendment is under fire, too, though (not surprisingly) more quietly.

You want to think me a paranoid?

Fine.

I think you're naive, so we're even.

[Illuminati Primus]

Originally Posted by Colonel Plink

You want to think me a paranoid?

Fine.

I think you're naive, so we're even.

Um... Okay.

[WormTheRed]

It's always great fun to read a Europe vs USA discussion on guns.

While I'm complete agreement with IP on this matter (hell, I grew up in a country that hasn't seen war since 1815), could someone please change the subject?

It was an interesting thread up to this hj.

[Martini Enfield]

The other thing people forget is that the pinnacles of military technology in the 1770s were single-shot muzzleloading rifles, the Puckle Defence Gun (a sort of tripod-mounted flintlock revolver rifle), and field artillery.

Removing the heavy ordnance from the equation, up until around WWI both military and civilians had pretty much the same stuff, arms-wise- bolt action rifles, handguns, and, if you had the money, machine-guns.

It was, in short, practical for the local populace to keep "The Government" in check by having lots of guns themselves up until around WWII.

But as I've said before, every single Polish, Belgian, and French farmer had a shotgun in 1939, and it did fuck-all good for them when the Panzers and the Stukas showed up.

Sure, Indochina and the Current Mess are proof that people with less advanced weapons can still defeat (or cause serious damage to) more advanced militaries, but there's a huge, chasmic gulf between Ng The Vietcong- who wears shoes made out of old car tyres, sleeps under a rock, and has an AK-47 that's been shipped in from a neighbouring country on a bicycle, and Billy-Joe Sixpack, who gets his clothes from JC Penney, has Broadband, a house full of food, a Home Theatre system that rivals some multiplex cinemas, and his Remchesterby bolt-action hunting rifle.

So, realistically, the idea of owning guns in case the Government decides to clone Hitler or "Trample Liberty" or anything like that is patently silly in the modern era in a civilised country like the US, where the army has helicopter gunships, tanks, guided munitions, automatic weapons, satellites, and all sorts of other stuff not available to Joe Sixpack.

That's not to say there aren't plenty of valid, acceptable, and sensible reasons for maintaining a Right To Bear Arms in the US- but having guns "To Keep The Government In Line" isn't one of them, IMHO.

[Colonel Plink]

Originally Posted by Martini Enfield

The other thing people forget is that the pinnacles of military technology in the 1770s were single-shot muzzleloading rifles, the Puckle Defence Gun (a sort of tripod-mounted flintlock revolver rifle), and field artillery.

Removing the heavy ordnance from the equation, up until around WWI both military and civilians had pretty much the same stuff, arms-wise- bolt action rifles, handguns, and, if you had the money, machine-guns.

It was, in short, practical for the local populace to keep "The Government" in check by having lots of guns themselves up until around WWII.

But as I've said before, every single Polish, Belgian, and French farmer had a shotgun in 1939, and it did fuck-all good for them when the Panzers and the Stukas showed up.

Sure, Indochina and the Current Mess are proof that people with less advanced weapons can still defeat (or cause serious damage to) more advanced militaries, but there's a huge, chasmic gulf between Ng The Vietcong- who wears shoes made out of old car tyres, sleeps under a rock, and has an AK-47 that's been shipped in from a neighbouring country on a bicycle, and Billy-Joe Sixpack, who gets his clothes from JC Penney, has Broadband, a house full of food, a Home Theatre system that rivals some multiplex cinemas, and his Remchesterby bolt-action hunting rifle.

So, realistically, the idea of owning guns in case the Government decides to clone Hitler or "Trample Liberty" or anything like that is patently silly in the modern era in a civilised country like the US, where the army has helicopter gunships, tanks, guided munitions, automatic weapons, satellites, and all sorts of other stuff not available to Joe Sixpack.

That's not to say there aren't plenty of valid, acceptable, and sensible reasons for maintaining a Right To Bear Arms in the US- but having guns "To Keep The Government In Line" isn't one of them, IMHO.

You're seriously underestimating Joe Sixpack.

He's a mean drunk.

[Taur]

Originally Posted by WormTheRed

It was an interesting thread up to this hj.

Apologies. Can I change #2 in my OP to MORE ALCOHOL IN THEIR BEER?

And on that note, I wish we could buy alcohol at the grocery store and in convenience stores like you can in the U.S.

[Sybarite]

Originally Posted by Board Taurus

Apologies. Can I change #2 in my OP to MORE ALCOHOL IN THEIR BEER?

And on that note, I wish we could buy alcohol at the grocery store and in convenience stores like you can in the U.S.

I'm actually good with that. Every time we go to the US, I'm surprised anew at all the beer in the fridge at the 7-11. I'll admit that it might be my personal situation - I don't drink, so I don't care how easy it is to get booze.