U.S. falling behind

Well, Ms. Byrne, if the US can pay workers here as much as workers are paid in Mexico, 12 days, to start, of vacation may be achievable. And if the US is falling behind Mexico, why have 20 million folks criminally entered, and continue to try to enter, the US. Even if they don’t get 12 days of vacation.

Erica - you must be aware that most European countries are also raising the retirement age. There were major riots in France last year about raising it for a measly 2 years. Also note that the Mexicans and European pay scales are much lower than here. When I asked my nephews and nieces in the Netherlands if they could trade their long vacations, 5 weeks per year, for higher wages they said, no! But I agree, time off in the US is below par. I had a boss once, when I worked for national energy trader, who told me that "if you can be gone for more than two weeks, I don't need you". That sums it up.

Lifespan and healthspan are going down in the US for a reason.

America, its politicians, its employers, its city leaders have never understood the concept of quality-of-life. That is why there are no US cities usually in the World's 'Happiest City' rankings, while American cities are leading the 'Best Place for Therapists' or 'Most obese population' rankings.

American politicians, employers, city leaders, educators are all working on the same goal: "How can we maximize exploitation of voters, workers, residents, pupils for our own gain and wealth? The whole 'pursuit of Happiness' thing was always false advertising. Sure, you can try, but we will be doing everything we can to prevent it."