Pet Peeves

[Guest]

Good social services? I just read in either Time or Newsweek that the US was ranked near one of the worst in the world for total medical services (this is not related to being 'free', it's just the actual service once you get it). Canada was down at the bottom too. And I can attest to what 'good' can really be, as I've been to Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok quite a few times, and it is the best hospital I've been to in the world...in a so-called developing country.

As for being a great place to live, consistently, the best places to live in the world (there is an annual survey), are not the US, but usually Vancouver, Canada, virtually always Top 3, then a variance in the other Top 2 between Switzerland, Sweden or sometimes New Zealand. Although, I do believe Seattle often ranks high, but for me, California is like a different country from most of the US.

Anyhow, it's clear the US gives a lot of money to other countries, but it is faulty to think it's because of generosity. It is to establish some level of moral obligation, and likely, a lot more than moral (i.e., written), and continue to push global dominance. You think China investing in Africa has anything to do with being 'generous'? The Chinese hate black people (I lived there for 2 years). Or Russia investing in Iran and Iraq as it had in the past? Can't imagine the Russians liking those places. Or France in Africa. The French newspapers are constantly writing about those terrible immigrants. It's a well traveled path to exerting some level of control on a country.

[stogie bear]

Yes... my eyebrows were also raised when I saw the words "good social services, high pay and a vast amount of other benefits..." written in this breast beating, flag waving post.

I can't think of any 'good social services' that are federally funded that operate in the USA. I've lived in Salvation Army hostels and on the streets of big cities in the USA and I can tell you from first hand experience that the poor and working class are outsiders in this country.

There are a few charities that pick up the slack sometimes in some cities, but don't kid yourself that the American government provides adequate health care or education to the millions upon millions of it's porrest people. That's just deluded bullshit.

And where is this 'high pay' and who's getting it? I hope you are not inferring that minimum wage is a livable income. Have you seen the pay for post-grads? Are you sure this is 'high'? They certainly can't afford to pay off student loans or buy a house on these salaries.

You need to spend a bit more time outside of your bubble in other countries before you hold so tightly to these laughable assumptions and claims.

I lived there for 13 years and had a blast, but enough is enough... I don't miss Taco Bell enough to want to live there again. I simply could not afford to live there in any degree of comfort compared to at least 50 other countries in the world...

Don't get me wrong, though. I like mixing with Americans more than any other citizens on the world. And America is a great country for a visitor to see (if he can get in!)

[Guest]

the higher paying jobs are there if you are aggressive enough to get them. i never even graduated from college. the job am in has nothing to do with the college i do have. i do seem to make a good living and afford the things in my life that i want. you are right if you have a good pension or retierment fund living comftable in the states is hard. you have a better life outside in other countries, thats why am leaving. i will be living in malaysia most likely.

can't help but wave a flag its been good for me here and i have been able to make a damm good living.

[stogie bear]

Just out of interest... What is the appeal of Malaysia? I've heard nothing but great things from business people who go there.

[vangough05]

The apeal of Malaysia is reasonable open and transparent contracts. Cheap legal service and advice, extremely low taxation, semi democratic government, no problem with setting up and running buisness and coming and going. Cheap sea transport and all business done in Englisgh. Cheap industrial rent and legal binding contracts.

[mardhi]

Malaysia is indeed a good place to live except for some of their laws + of course the dominant religion. Mahathir managed to keep the religion side in check - not so sure how is successor is doing on that front but it remains, to an outsider a stable country. The rule of law is well established, as is the education system (thanks to the British who true to form, managed to rob the country of many of its assets and in return gave some sound infrastructure, law and education programmes). Its also a cheap place to live similar to Thailand but has better services in place for the most part.

Cheers
Mardhi

[Torurot]

Trocks69
>> it also seems a lot of people from outside the usa cant seperate the usa goverment from its people and that makes all americans bad people.>>

Quite wrong Trocks. People outside the USA EASILY distinguish between American people which generally they like, and the current American Govt which GENERALLY they don't!

If you use a browser like FireFox it has a spell checker you can install, multiple languages if you wish.

[daveduke007]

Getting pulled over by the traffic cops 3 times on my last trip and fined each time

But in defence of the police, one did call me over one time and inquired if I knew I was with a "ladyman" , the guy was looking out for me which I did appreciate and he had 2 beach road lb's cuffed to him

[Guest]

(stogie bear @ May 20 2007,10:59) Is rick a russian?  

Nope, sangabriel likes to piss me off.
I´m half american which i think gives me the right to describe them/me.

[kahuna]

Which half?

And which "America" - North or South...?

[Guest]

(kahuna @ May 20 2007,23:25)  Which half?  

And which "America" -  North or South...?

He's a half-and-half. The kathoey of nationalities.

You're probably interested in his southern half...

[kahuna]

Not really interested in either half, just curious how he might respond since most "Americans" are not originals...

But actually I had in mind that old "half" question..."Are you alone or is the rest of the horse outside?"

Kahuna

[Guest]

(kahuna @ May 21 2007,01:11) But actually I had in mind that old "half" question..."Are you alone or is the rest of the horse outside?"

[Guest]

(kahuna @ May 20 2007,23:25)  Which half?  

And which "America" -  North or South...?

North. Youre right, to say youre american is incorrect. Northamerica is only 200 years old without any history. All populated by immigrants. Irish, Italians, native americans, african americans, hispanic,asians etc etc.
My dad is of english/irish decent american ,wasp.

Sangabriel, i´m too tired too argue with you, please pick on brocklanders for awhile now or some of the gunfreaks trock, sb1mf4.

[PigDogg]

Things that are advertised as FREE but aren't.

Like free fries but to get your *free* fries you must buy a turdburger and large coke.