THE SWEDISH PARADOX

Sweden's exorbitant tax rates and extensive welfare system are well know throughout the world. Even low-and-middle-income earners in Sweden pay 60 to 70 percent in taxes.

Indeed, the culture of opportunity which rose out of lowered taxes, deregulation and the country's move away from socialism in the 1980s has given way to a debilitating "culture of entitlement." Yet, there is a compelling way to reform Sweden's welfare system - as is being proven with the free-market being used to reform Sweden's school system:

• Sweden introduced school vouchers in 1992 and almost 10 percent of Swedish students in compulsory schools are now in independent schools.
• After the establishment of independent schools, Sweden has seen an increase in overall efficiency in the school system.
• Academic studies have measured higher grades and downward costs within the system.

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