Some articles just sound stupid from the moment they start. In the Times Irwin Stelzer argues that America is vastly superior to Europe because the Europeans, fools that we are, have a healthy work/life balance whilst those clever Americans let themselves be exploited into long hours and minimal holidays for corporations that will export their jobs abroad just as soon as possible.

It’s hard to think where to start on the arrogance of his argument so, randomly; bigger is not better, bigger is just bigger. He’s only talking about the middle class, because, of course, the middle class are the only people who count when you talk about wage earners aren’t they? Is a whole country of people who are dedicated to the grind and instant gratification but incapable of thinking long term or of the effects of their actions really such a good thing?