NationStates Jolt Archive

What do you think of Switzerland. Do you like their way of life, their isolationist attitude, their economic views, and their social views?

Whats your opinion of Switzerland?

Some Swiss related questions:

1. What do you think of Switzerland, as a country?

2. What do you think of the Swiss people?

3. What do you think about Switzerlands politics (please discuss...I'm very interested in number 3)?

4. What do you think about immigration to Switzerland?

Switzerland got lucky. Their entire country is one gigantic fortress, with the added benefit of snow and cold weather, so they could afford to be neutral, since attacking them would be costly and time consuming.

way of life: 8.2

their isolationist attitude: 6.5

their economic views: 4.3

their social views: 6.7

Switzerland Overall: 6.425

Not bad.

Yeah, well, I like the Romansh. They're cool, all 3 of them.

Swiss society is great. It is consevative in some ways, but there are still AIDS posters with stick figues in various sex positions all over the place. The people are still very laid back, family oriented, and in touch with nature.

A place ranked as having some of the best cities in the world in terms o f quality of life. I am under the impression it isn't very ethnically diverse as other nearby nations, but I have no experience in that. I do remain angry that everyone is still under the impression the Swiss were nutral in WWII. They in fact gave lots of support and the bank accounts of Jewish people that were there, violating the banking cade. Even as a Jew, I can understand most people would have acted the same with a huge military monster baring down on your unarmed country, but it's a historical fact that needs to be recognized

They helped the nazis in WWII those bastards...
:mp5: :mp5: :mp5: :mp5:

For gods sakes: Stop the smiley spam at the end of every post TJM!!!

Swiss cheese is probably one of the best cheeses you can put on a ham sandwich.. that's all I got.

way of life: 8.2

their isolationist attitude: 6.5

their economic views: 4.3

their social views: 6.7

Switzerland Overall: 6.425

Not bad.

Sorry, but what is that? Out of 10? If so, then how are you ranking them?

They helped the nazis in WWII those bastards...
:mp5: :mp5: :mp5: :mp5:


NOW THAT'S JUST IGNANT!

Switerzerland is hard-core badass. No one hates them. They are ready 24/7. They don't pussy out on their military, that is, all males 18-50 CAN GO TO WAR!!!

I wish I was Swiss.

The swiss are aliens. Think about it: perfect clocks, no war, incredible technology packed into small knives, incredible cheese.

The swiss are aliens. Think about it: perfect clocks, no war, incredible technology packed into small knives, incredible cheese.

Your Alien-Swiss-Cheese theory may have some holes in it.

...their isolationist attitude...


In what way? Switzerland is a member of all kinds of international organizations and agreements like the United Nations ( http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/fields/2107.html ), is engaged in international peace-supporting missions ( http://www.vbs-ddps.ch/internet/groupgst/en/home/peace/peace.html ), is home to multinational corporations and other businesses.

What exactly is "isolationist" supposed to mean?

NOW THAT'S JUST IGNANT!

Switerzerland is hard-core badass. No one hates them. They are ready 24/7. They don't pussy out on their military, that is, all males 18-50 CAN GO TO WAR!!!
What the hell? Ignant?

What the hell? Ignant?
I agree.

The Swiss rock. Rock da house. Everyone should be like them... then we wouldnt have any war.

On the world war two stuff they actually had signed an agreement with the french to provide military equipment to the french but the french got taken down. The Swiss also shotdown German planes flying in Swiss territory and lost pilots to combat against the Nazis.

I say the swiss rock. Go Swiss go

What exactly is "isolationist" supposed to mean?

It means the Swiss are too smart to get mixed up in the Belgian Farce (the Zeropean "Union")

I like their political system, they've a form of federalism far better than the more top-down models in Australia and the US. Their idea of having to hold a plebiscite over a bill passed by Federal Parliament if over 50000 sigs are gathered is excellent.

I like their gun laws, although I think they're too restrictive, they are far better than the Nazi-like gun laws in Australia.

I like their gun laws, although I think they're too restrictive, they are far better than the Nazi-like gun laws in Australia.

Do you know any Swiss government sources/websites that describe the gun laws there? All I've found so far is this Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_Switzerland

Assuming that this article is accurate, it would seem to me that Swiss gun law and the militia institution combine to demonstrate that the U.S. pro- and anti-gun lobby are equally wrong. Laws regulating the use and ownership of firearms do not necessarily mean that they'll be banning everything tomorrow. Nor does widespread firearms ownership and use necessarily mean that crime is or will be out of control. The militia creates responsible firearms owners and user, and the law makes sure they stay that way. Beautiful.

Since every person from Switzerland I've met as either been very cool or incredibly sexy, I like Switzerland. Any problems I have with their government or culture take a backseat to what I actually know first hand of the country. But nothing owns more than Nordic "isolationism!"

I visited Switzerland once when I was 6. There are only four things I remember from the trip: a gigantic fountain on a lake in Geneva, some bears in Bern, a bonfire anf carrying around a paper lantern. Overall, from a six year old's perspective, I thought it was a cool country.

Laws regulating the use and ownership of firearms do not necessarily mean that they'll be banning everything tomorrow.

The real difference is in systems of government, and perceptions of the role of government. Regulation of firearms by a strong centralised government (such as that in the US, Canada, and Australia) tends to lead to bans, and of course, the politicians doing the regulation have always had bans in mind, whereas the Swiss have placed the militia first.

Switzerland is cool. The swiss bank is about the coolest thing about them. It's Dan Brownesque. Nobody knows anything about it, they keep billions of dollars, no questions asked. And from what I've heard they respect intelligence, contrary to lots of countries where it's loathed.

The Swiss (along with the French) are the most civilized people in the world. At least that is what I heard from some French guy, in a movie, about how much better Canada's legal system is than Europes.

a gigantic fountain on a lake in Geneva

Le jet d'eau. Damn, I miss that town.

I loathe their form of government, but otherwise it's OK.

In what way? Switzerland is a member of all kinds of international organizations and agreements like the United Nations ( http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/fields/2107.html ), is engaged in international peace-supporting missions ( http://www.vbs-ddps.ch/internet/groupgst/en/home/peace/peace.html ), is home to multinational corporations and other businesses.

What exactly is "isolationist" supposed to mean?

Oh come on, if you havnt figured out that the Swiss are isolationist and totally binding to their idea of nutreality, then you have some learning to do. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, in fact I admire it, I am just simply stating that thats how it is.

I loathe their form of government, but otherwise it's OK.

What exactly do you hate about the Swiss government?

Given that the Swiss are generally more... well, German than the Germans themselves, and given that I left Germany because I couldn't live with their Germaness, I think I'd rather keep my distance to most of them.

Just a general statement, I get along fine with some individuals ;)

What exactly do you hate about the Swiss government?

Oh, the dictatorship of the majority that it often entails. It took them until 1971 (!!!) to have nation wide voting rights for women (http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/february/7/newsid_2738000/2738475.stm), for instance.

Oh, the dictatorship of the majority that it often entails. It took them until 1971 (!!!) to have nation wide voting rights for women (http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/february/7/newsid_2738000/2738475.stm), for instance.

So is that your only reason?

I'm not trying to fight with you over this, I just honestly want to hear European opinions on Switzerland, thats all, I promise.

Just some questions I hope people will answer:

1. What do you think of Switzerland, as a country?

2. What do you think of the Swiss people?

3. What do you think about Switzerlands politics (please discuss...I'm very interested in number 3)?

4. What do you think about immigration to Switzerland?

So is that your only reason?

Umm, hating direct democracy basically means I hate their system.

Umm, hating direct democracy basically means I hate their system.

But why do you hate direct democracy, it seems wonderfull, although unappliable to most countries.

But why do you hate direct democracy, it seems wonderfull, although unappliable to most countries.

As I said - minorities get shafted. And most people don't have time to get educated about all the votes.

I think that they've discovered paradise up in their mountains.

Switzerland is a very, very nice (if expensive) country. Been there twice, both times for 10 days.

As I said - minorities get shafted. And most people don't have time to get educated about all the votes.

lol, I dont think they even let minorities into Switzerland.:p

I'm not saying this is a bad thing, in fact I admire it, I am just simply stating that thats how it is.

And I've presented evidence that suggests you are wrong. :)

So, having seen how Switzerland participates in the international community, answer my question: what does "isolationist" mean? Then explain how military neutrality necessarily plays into that definition.


...then you have some learning to do


Do not presume to know what I do or do not need to learn, especially while displaying such horrible spelling and grammar (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10081953&postcount=28). :)

But why do you hate direct democracy, it seems wonderfull, although unappliable to most countries.

Most people seem to think that direct democracy would produce some sort of liberal utopia. Switzerland is the proof that they are wrong. As I understand it, they have a nationally binding referendum everytime they receive a petition with 100,000 votes on it. The result of this are ultra restrictive immigration and citizenship laws that rely mostly on the racism and bigotry of the majority of the people.

Most people seem to think that direct democracy would produce some sort of liberal utopia. Switzerland is the proof that they are wrong. As I understand it, they have a nationally binding referendum everytime they receive a petition with 100,000 votes on it. The result of this are ultra restrictive immigration and citizenship laws that rely mostly on the racism and bigotry of the majority of the people.

Most people, would, apparantly not include me. I would hate a liberal utopia, and I would hope that direct democracy does not produce it. Switzerland is the proof that they are right. And I rather admire their immigration and citizenship laws, along with their allowing of petitions. Although, I admit, it would not work in most countries due to most countries larger populations.

And I've presented evidence that suggests you are wrong. :)

So, having seen how Switzerland participates in the international community, answer my question: what does "isolationist" mean? Then explain how military neutrality necessarily plays into that definition.



Do not presume to know what I do or do not need to learn, especially while displaying such horrible spelling and grammar (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10081953&postcount=28). :)

I'm not saying that they dont help, I know they have red cross and the geneva convention and all that, but they due have a slight Switzerland firt, the rest of the world 53 air around them. I dont know how to explain it, most people just know Switzerland to be like that, and, like I said before, I admire it.

Switzerland's foreign policy is the best in the world. Although, if I were President, I'd adopt a foreign policy so neutral that would make them look like warmongers in comparison.

Switzerland's foreign policy is the best in the world. Although, if I were President, I'd adopt a foreign policy so neutral that would make them look like warmongers in comparison.

I dont know about "the best in the world", but its up there.

I admire Switzerland in many ways. I think their foreign policy is top-notch, however their neutrality during WWII is somewhat of a blemish on their record. However, they didn't just help the Nazis, they profited from both sides, so their stance was understandable. Just to note: the reason Hitler didn't attack them is not just the climate and terrain but the fact that everyone is forced by the government to own weapons. Hitler feared the Swiss capabilities when it came to an invasion due to the heavily armed populace. Oh and interestingly enough, Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates too. No coincidence if you ask me.

everyone is forced by the government to own weapons. Hitler feared the Swiss capabilities when it came to an invasion due to the heavily armed populace. Oh and interestingly enough, Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates too. No coincidence if you ask me.

Haha, you and I see eye to eye on this one.

The Swiss always make me think of gnomes...

Well, I hope it's a good place, because I'm going there for two weeks in the summer! :)

1. What do you think of Switzerland, as a country?
It's in what I call the rich or bank strip in Europe which also includes Luxembourg, Belgium, and part of Germany.
2. What do you think of the Swiss people?
I know a Swiss kid...two actually. The first one's cousin came to school once and spoke only French and a few girls got distracted by him. He looked like an American and I wouldn't have known if he was Swiss if I hadn't been told. The first person is sort of friendly with everyone, but never seems to stay consistent in his disposition towards me.
3. What do you think about Switzerlands politics (please discuss...I'm very interested in number 3)?
I don't really follow Swiss politics, but maybe I should...
4. What do you think about immigration to Switzerland?
It's on the list of "Countries to Visit" and I might switch my citizenship to there as soon as I can.

Well, I hope it's a good place, because I'm going there for two weeks in the summer! :)

I envy you, bro.