Sweden vs. America Instapundit has a nice summation of whether Sweden or America has a higher standard of living. One thing I must object to though (this from one of the articles quoted by one of Instapundit's correspondents):

-If Sweden had been an American state, we would have been the poorest one, together with Hispanics and Blacks, and there would have been a debate about the "Swedish Problem"

Well-actually Sweden would probably have to cut back on its tax-rates immediately or risk the loss of its productive population that would relocate to states where their remuneration would be greater. Also, many would move to take advantage of the largesse of state programs that Sweden would dole out (I had a friend who's dad worked for Imbler's welfare department, and he said people would often call from the south asking on what the benefits were like).