An oft-repeated phrase among those favoring taxpayer-funded health care, day care, and pensions is that such programs are “free.” However, I recently moved to France, and paying my social charges and taxes proves these services are anything but.

I expected taxes to be higher, but I was unprepared for the limitations that France’s system places on individual choice.

In reality, France’s “free” social programs cost more than higher taxes. There’s a non-financial cost when it comes to access and control. Health care and child care are extremely personal choices, and Americans may not realize the degree to which Europeans sacrifice control to government bureaucrats.

[Be sure to read it all, but there are few surprises except in the details. Robert Heinlein popularized the acronym “TANSTAAFL” in his book ‘The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.’ It means: “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.” And it’s used in exactly this context. — Ed]