Letter: Quality of life lagging in U.S.

Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999 | 9:30 a.m.

I for one was deeply impressed by the phenomenal success of these countries (particularly the countries of northern and central Europe). If you travel to these countries, you will see beautiful sparkling cities replete with remarkably expansive and efficient transportation systems. American cities with their mix of sterile business districts, garish commercialism, urban blight and urban sprawl cannot compare.

Their urban environment, however, is not their only quality of life enhancement. Their crime rates are far below ours. Their schools consistently outperform ours. In fact, Germany has an outstanding apprenticeship program for which we have no equivalent. Four to six-week vacations are commonplace. They have universal medical care (I've used it and was eminently satisfied) and numerous other benefits to ensure a decent standard of living. In recent years, Germany has had to cut back on social benefits, but only because it has taken on the enormous task of assimilating East Germany.

Yes, Americans probably do have more VCRs per capita, but only in a country that's gone direct from barbarism to decadence could this be considered a serious quality of life enhancement.

KELLY KRIEG