Ah yes MWL, more black and white thinking.  I don't know why we don't already consider America a socialist country.  After all, we have social security and medicare and public schools and...Clearly, this type of collectivist thinking, socialism if you will, has ruined us.

Of course, it is all merely a matter of degree.  And yes, I actually would agree with you that in general less government interference leads to greater economic growth.  lLthough Robert Kagan, a neocon if there ever was one, is now warning that a command-based capitalistic economy like Russia and China can compete successfully with American-style laissez fare capitalism.

But, of course, I would never want to live in those countries because economic growth is not all that counts.  I believe a nation should protect individual liberties as best it can. But I also believe a nation should invest in its future (education), care for it poor, sick and elderly, and protect its land and air for future generations.  

You can call it collectivism, but that's just a pejorative.  Why not think of it as communitarianism?   After all, we live with others in a community.   Is individualism morally or practically superior than seeking the good of the whole?   I assume you accept collective action when it comes to national defense.  Why not in other areas as well?  Are you opposed to social security? 

Your criticism of the healthcare system of other countries is highly selective as generally those systems are well-regarded by experts and the people they serve.   And I would daresay that life in Sweden or Norway or Switzerland or Spain would be none to bad these days.   Maybe I couldn't afford a Hummer or a McMansion, but I would have aged cheese, fresh bread and fine wine.  And I would enjoy my 6 weeks of vacation.  And marvel at how cheap the McDonald's hamburgers have suddenly become.  But I still wouldn't eat one.

Enjoy your life in Bulgaria, MWL.  I hear there are some very nice mail-order brides over there.