Comment #1665

2009-01-22T14:42:10Z

I have heard comments regarding low speed limits, which I agree.

A guy from Switzerland, living in the States now said that no politician will ever raise a speed limit since he'll be blamed for the next accident that occurs, so we are interminably stuck with speed limits that are way too low, and the police can selectively enforce them whenever they feel like, and the system ends up "punishing" people who follow the speed limits, since they are the only ones who drive slowly.

Comment #1664

2009-01-22T14:40:03Z

I meant to check at Veronica's place, but forgot at the time - we never saw a small refrigerator except at Stephans - both Richard and the Dutlers had "regular" size refrigerators and freezers.

And note that we never paid for water while in Europe (except for Porter at the Frankfurt airport, which we did later see drinking fountains in other parts of the airport, so just that wing was "special") - just the normal eye-rolling that American waitresses give the customers when the entire table asks for water, particularly when one person orders water for everyone.

I have heard people wonder about stop signs and red lights where it is clear that there isn't any traffic.

Peter mentioned the other day about all the rules and regulations that he experienced when coming to the US from the Philippines. We came to the conclusion that a lot of it has to do with the lawyer-syndrome, where Americans like the ability to sue anyone for anything.

Though, I think my favorite (disfavorite?) quote from Switzerland was the person who said (when talking about more and more stores being open on Sundays), "I guess it is always better to have more regulation than less" - so I'd say Switzerland is heading the way of the US - perhaps the high minimum wage prevents people from aspiring to be a highly paid lawyer. :)

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Comment #1665

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