Do you ever just want to move out of the country?? (appointed, rent)

[kevxu]

Originally Posted by jja100

The only reason why Europeans pick on the US is because we are an easy target for their politicians. The people of the US and of Europe with any type of education see through that and like each other and welcome each other....

I am an American who has lived in Europe for a decade, and the description above doesn't jibe with my experience here. I watch news programs from several countries, and European politicians do not spend a lot of their time criticizing the U.S. For terrorist groups the U.S. may be the center of their world and their obsession. But the countries of Europe, and their politicians and peoples don't see it that way - much of what is going on in the world isn't about the U.S., and European countries and their citizens have domestic issues that they are focused on most of the time.

In fifty years of traveling to Europe, and ten years of living here I cannot say that I have ever sensed that American visitors were unwelcomed. And I do not believe that being treated courteously depends upon the educational level of the European. Shopkeepers, clerks, vendors, waiters, etc., who may reasonably be assumed not to usually have had more than a basic education, I have not found to be anti-American.

As an American, I have to say that I think we Americans have long tended to think that anything less than over-the-top adoration of the U.S. borders on being a crime. Perhaps that has even gotten a bit worse due to the national stress of fighting terrorism and dealing with enormous economic problems.

To examine the other side of the coin for a moment: I recently spent a month in the U.S., and I was deeply - and I mean deeply - shocked by the hostility that so many Americans have regarding other countries and people. I would say that at least half of the folks I had conversations with were hostile about Europe and Europeans (and most of the rest of the world.) But I would say that the level of venom that Americans display toward other Americans is like nothing I have ever experienced before, and except for the UK, I have not found anything close to it in European countries. Americans seem to hate and demonize each other in a mindless frenzy. For an old American this is the worst disaster that has befallen the country in my lifetime. It was very sad to see.

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by kevxu

Americans seem to hate and demonize each other in a mindless frenzy. For an old American this is the worst disaster that has befallen the country in my lifetime. It was very sad to see.

You perceive thus one of the reasons some of us grow ready to consider emigration.

[Aptor hours]

I would not want to live in any other county I am thinking a lot of people feel the same way that is why we have trouble with people sneaking into the country

[Aptor hours]

Originally Posted by j_k_k

You live in the United States, which ranks low in the developed world in most categories. It's not ridiculous at all. Show me the things in which we rank highly relative to nations of similar technical development, if you can. You spluttered that I hadn't provided any facts, and now I've told you what I was talking about. Refute, by all means.

When are you moving?

[leaana]

^it depends. if you are rich, there are a lot nicer places to live. if you live in some third world country and are poor, then america looks very attractive of course.

[ChrisC]

Originally Posted by kevxu

To examine the other side of the coin for a moment: I recently spent a month in the U.S., and I was deeply - and I mean deeply - shocked by the hostility that so many Americans have regarding other countries and people. I would say that at least half of the folks I had conversations with were hostile about Europe and Europeans (and most of the rest of the world.) But I would say that the level of venom that Americans display toward other Americans is like nothing I have ever experienced before, and except for the UK, I have not found anything close to it in European countries. Americans seem to hate and demonize each other in a mindless frenzy. For an old American this is the worst disaster that has befallen the country in my lifetime. It was very sad to see.

Sadly, I'm in 100% agreement with your observations. I've seen it change drastically in this country since my youth. Regardless of political persuasion, I see more and more of a closed-mindedness that often goes far beyond even that. There have always been those who refuse to listen to or consider a differing viewpoint, but now we have a budding nation of drones who would tolerate no other viewpoint and actually wish to 'silence' such viewpoints. This is very disturbing to me. It's hate. Hate never comes to good. Hate is the enemy of freedom.

This is one of several reasons for my desire to move abroad eventually. There are troubles all around the globe, but I trust there are still areas where people respect one another and do not hate simply for an opposing opinion.

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by Aptor hours

When are you moving?

When I get around to it (and not one moment sooner). In the meantime, continue to enjoy the benefits of the large pile of protection money I pay. I may not leave at all. I may just stay and annoy people who like to hint that I should leave.

[Aptor hours]

Originally Posted by j_k_k

When I get around to it (and not one moment sooner). In the meantime, continue to enjoy the benefits of the large pile of protection money I pay. I may not leave at all. I may just stay and annoy people who like to hint that I should leave.

I don't blame you I wouldn't move either Of course with our current Obama ....you might want to leave I can see the USA going down the tubes. You may be smarter than we all know!!

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by Aptor hours

I don't blame you I wouldn't move either Of course with our current Obama ....you might want to leave I can see the USA going down the tubes. You may be smarter than we all know!!

I don't think it matters which party is in power (from the standpoint of going down the tubes). But I'm not leaving (when I do) because of political parties, because I don't delude myself that other countries have much better ones. I'm leaving because I am not a good cultural fit.

[Aptor hours]

Originally Posted by j_k_k

I don't think it matters which party is in power (from the standpoint of going down the tubes). But I'm not leaving (when I do) because of political parties, because I don't delude myself that other countries have much better ones. I'm leaving because I am not a good cultural fit.

I see in any event good luck!!