GMA Cites Low Expectations, 'Generous' Welfare as Reason Danes Are So Happy

On Thursday’s "Good Morning America," ABC reporter Lama Hasan asserted that, according to a new study, generous welfare and low expectations make the people of Denmark the happiest in the world.

In addition to paying "astronomical taxes," Hasan noted that "psychologists say Denmark’s secret lies in a culture of low expectations." Hasan also compared the Danes to status seeking Americans:

Hasan: "So, any pleasure on any day seems like a kind of gift, a sweet surprise. Unlike Americans, Danes are not always comparing themselves to others and asking for more. It seems that everywhere you go in Copenhagen, you stumble on the satisfied. Having a generous welfare system that provides security and comfort doesn’t hurt."

Unidentified Danish man: "I broke my leg and I can, I can’t  go to work, but I can walk up tomorrow and get a bundle of cash in my hand from the state to help me out. I’m pretty spoiled."

Hasan also talked to a Danish woman and seemed to approve of her theory that joy comes from not trying very hard, rather then setting rigorous goals for oneself:

Hasan: "Add to that a natural modesty amongst the Danish people, 32 year-old single mom Steina (sp?) tells us its one reason that makes the country great."

Steina (No last name given): "I don't put dreams totally up there so I can't reach them."

It should be noted that on the same day that GMA was extolling the values of the welfare paradise known as Denmark, the ABC program touted the value of universal health care.