Midwestern African Museum

From the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed …” At times, the U.S. has lived up to those lofty ideals and we have accomplished many great things during our history.

I was amused by Ted Larson's letter "Lessons from Sweden" (LJS, June 24), advocating for national health care for the US and comparing it to Sweden's health care system. What he forgot to mention is that nothing is free. The average Swede pays 32% of their income in tax, plus if they make an above-average living, you can add another 22%! I lived in Europe for 25 years and was in the 42% tax bracket — and you do wait for medical treatment — depending of course on the diagnosis.