economy were just shutting down all the time due to strikes, negotiations and........holiday. It was shocking how much time they took off. I knew families with both parents unemployed, living off of government handouts who literally took 2 week vacations to Spain and the Mediteranean.

But, as has been stated by others here, it's also no surprise that Americans have the standard of living that they do compared to most of Europe. Maybe I'm just a selfish, capitalistic SOB, but I would NOT want to live as "middle class" in France. You're doing well there if you have one working vehicle and live in a 3 bedroom apartment.