RJ and Makay

According to the World Economic Forum, the U.S. has slipped to fourth place in the annual rankings of the world’s most-competitive economies amid a record budget deficit, while Switzerland moves to the top and is credited for its innovation and business culture.

The WEF study of 139 nations showed a number of escalating weaknesses lowered the U.S. ranking, with a lack of macroeconomic stability continuing to be the United States’ greatest area of weakness and a budget shortfall of more than $1 trillion and public distrust of politicians additional weaknesses in the world’s largest economy.

The Netherlands has rolled out a controversial program designed to help Dutch women fall in love, get married and off of unemployment benefits. Unemployed women are being offered $1,695 for a fashion and beauty makeover, free membership of a dating agency (along with a professional photograph), new hairstyle and outfit, instruction in social and presentation skills and tips from a life coach on how to get a man or a job.

The Dutch logic to the program is that finding love improves confidence, ambition and motivation which contribute to help women get off of state benefits. Some of the local politicians have criticized the program as unethical and a waste of taxpayer dollars. I would add sexist to that list.