Dear Editor:

Happiness goals begin at birth. Most of us were introduced by our loving parents, friends, or churches. As we create our families we are also concerned for the happiness and welfare of each family member. As organized communities were born and lines were drawn happiness was defined and tools were developed for everyone to attain the happiness goal. In 2012 the first world happiness report was created ranking 156 countries.

Ranking items considered are happiness based on per capita GDP, social support of citizens, the healthy expectancy of citizens, the amount of freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of trust or corruption in the country. The 2018 World Happiness Report ranks 156 countries by happiness levels, and 117 countries by the happiness of immigrants.

Scandinavian countries have been among the top 9 to 10 for a long time. The U.S. ranked 18 last year. Countries work hard to provide happiness and to some degree it is interesting that the Scandinavian countries have a happiness driven culture that starts with a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary-democracy structure, including rights and freedom of the people, of the press, and expression.

You might view Scandinavian monarchies as parents concerned about the country’s welfare, which explains their use of the welfare state description. Their welfare means the well being of life as expressed in their happiness scores and attention to road designs that encourage healthy bicycling, happy eating like “no cocoa without cookies,” happy hours at restaurants, and more.

Danish values benefit businesses due to trust, openness, their political goals of consensus and an almost total lack of corruption. With nine Denmark parties, politics are about consensus. Government agencies are easy to get in touch with and taxes are straightforward and transparent. The Danish "flexicurity" model easily hires workers and lets them go as conditions change. The tax-financed education system ensures a steady supply of well-trained labor. Power, water, and broadband utilities are accessible throughout the country.

Does happiness matter? You bet. Life, liberty, justice, and pursuit of happiness for all, is a driving goal in our country.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb