Which Country Is Best For Me?

[Bree]

Thanks for the great link.

wcv56: I agree with you to a point. I have met a lot of these 'outcasts' in my time abroad, but to say that these types are in the majority would be a stretch.

As the article pointed out, more and more people are moving abroad for retirement and lifestyle benefits and this exodus is bringing with it a lot of smart people, like the FIREd individuals here who have made the move.

On the whole, the people I have met abroad are actually quite aware of world affairs and though we all like to give our opinions I would say that most people are at least a little more open minded than the average person you will meet at home.

Moving abroad has a way of changing your values and really putting things 'back home' into perspective because you actually have something to reference it against.

just me 2 cents - take it for what it's worth. Thanks again!

[ls99]

What's the best country for me?

Writing as one who had to go trough a rather rigorous process to be admitted to the USA in 1965, my perspective is a bit biased. OK Highly Biased. Also I have traveled as part of my past employment to probably 25 -30 countries. Though that was many years ago.

None of the countries outside of USA have hordes of people beating down the borders to get in.

To get away from the US medias' version of world events, there are many foreign newspapers, radio broadcast, or Free satellite TV. If one makes the effort to learn at least one more language, the sources of infomation more than doubles. As an aside, Foreign newspapers are readily available in English or their native language, aint' this a great country?
"Free to Air" tv requires somewhat of a techie approach.

If one wishes a challenging view of whatever position one holds, just log onto this board. Presto, nearly as many views, as posters.
As for finding a place to live that suits climate, entertainment, crowds or solitude, high altitude to sea level, or below, USA has it all. And as ginzu knife commercials used to say, there is more. Just look around.

There is also this little thing called: freedom to speak. In most countries if one says the foul things about the president as is common here, there usually is a visit from the friendly folks of state security, take you away and adjust your attitude in no uncertain terms. Often with extreme prejudice.

I could go on and on about the rights and priviliges (spelling?) here, none of which exists anywhere else.

The Constitution is a wonderful construct. No other country has anything like it.

Lastly, nearly all of the expats I encountered in my travels were extremely addicted to the US Dollar sourced from.... drum roll please.....USA.
While I may sound like a rabid patriot, I confess, having served in the US Army From 67-70 then 11 years reserve, ultimately, I just like it here.

[Leonidas]

His information on different countries may be good, but the specifics of his claims about how he was allegedly the subject of government surveillance are laughable. The things he described are what you might expect if your only experience with electronic and physical surveillance was what you gleamed from movies and books, if you had any real life experience you would be laughing your butt off at how ridiculous his claims are.

Somebody may have been watching him and messing with him, but it certainly wasn't the government.