Actually I was responding to a "EU hater", who makes the mistake you're complaining about, but in reverse.

This comment here is proof that europe is stuck in the past. The countries you mentioned are all vastly more developed than most of the world yet somehow you feel the need to remind folks that they lag behind others in europe. And no wonder they do considering how hostile europeans are towards them.

You missed the point completely. That's not what I meant.

I wouldn't mind clarification.

But then the other side needs to stop comparing the highest living standard states to all of Europe.

HN Americans like to talk about the tech salaries in CA, WA, and maybe NY and conveniently forget the problems in MS, LA, WV.

Either way it's a slightly lopsided comparison, because Europeans see their nation as a bit more sovereign than the average American sees their state. Except maybe Texans.

Especially with the language barriers a lot of Europeans never consider moving "states". If I move from Germany to Switzerland I might face racism. If an Oregonian moves to California they probably won't.