In the US, many of us were educated as children with the mantra of "We're Number One." But when you learn more about other countries, you see that they are often superior in various ways. It's time we start to better appreciate this. If you've traveled or lived outside the US, the Free Press invites you to contribute to this continuing feature of the paper.

Combatting unemployment in Morocco

by Joel Hanson

Car Watcher

One way to combat Morocco's 20-30 percent unemployment and reduce car theft: un guardien de voiture, a "car watcher" is stationed on every street in Casablanca. When you need to park your car, he points out available parking spaces and then guards your car while you shop, eat dinner, visit friends, etc. When you leave, you pay him for his services based on the length of your stay--usually two dirhams (about 25 cents). This service is available 24 hours a day.

Neighborhood Services Come to You

Each day, instead of hearing the call of the ice cream truck, I hear the call of the neighborhood repairmen. These men push around small carts filled with items to sell--like water and bleach--or offer services that are much-needed in the community. Usually they can offer a small amount of money for old jewelry or furniture which they fix and resell for a small profit.

Knife-sharpeners, metal repair and soldering (almost any kind of home-repair service) are available in almost every community. This saves time and unnecessary pollution caused by automobile trips, and reduces the need to buy new products. It is also another effective way to combat unemployment.