Mises Wire

National Socialism Geographic

National Socialism Geographic

The current issue of National Geographic (August), in addition to the usual propaganda about global warming, chastises the United States for a poor family leave policy.

The one-page feature called "Who Gives Parents a Break?" opens with the statement that "American moms-to-be might consider a move to Slovenia. While U.S. law guarantees a mere 12 weeks of unpaid leave under certain conditions, the least of any industrialized nation, the relatively poor central European country offers far more substantial benefits."

The color-coded map of the world above the article's text shows that, of the countries where data is available, only the United States, Australia, Liberia, and Papua New Guinea have no "guaranteed leave for mothers." In other words, most countries in the world are socialist paradises.

It goes without saying that there is nothing wrong with any company having a family leave policy. The problem is a government-mandated family leave policy instead of a voluntary agreement between an employer and an employee.

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