What is the point of living in the US?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Higher earning potential
Cheaper real estate
A lot of land and space
Access to latest and greatest healthcare treatments and technology
Great military protection
Variety in terrain and environment
Solid infrastructure
Less red tape than many other western countries
Government mostly leaving you alone

Nice that you recognize having a strong military is a big reason why Americans enjoys the level of freedom, options and opportunities they have. I’m also disgusted by how little Americans respect the people who serve in the military compared to other countries.

This is a joke right? The way Americans fetishize military service is something I haven't seen in any other country - and creeps me the f out. Ditto for the "free country" crowd insisting everyone stand for the anthem at children's sports games with hat off and hand over heart facing the flag like this is the North Korean Junior Cadets championship. Same for making kids pledge "allegiance" in schools. None of those things are obvious characteristics of a "free country" - more aligned with autocratic regimes.

*also consider how "thank you for your service" is the guilt absolving phrase for every Karen who knows her kids were just one tier up in the socioeconomic opportunities pecking order such that they have college and other post-employment choices. "Thank you for your service" is worthy in conscription but nonsensical in an all-volunteer military except through that lens of subconscious shame and guilt.

The puritans really f-ed you guys up. Some immigrants have grown past it - but there is a whole segment of jingoistic parochial white people who feel this way and see nothing absurd about a military flyover before a sports event (without recognition of the obvious recruiting propaganda).

America could half the size of the military and lose absolutely no international advantage. What they would lose is the domestic societal advantage (both keeping the "young adults without good options" population on the straight and narrow - and an acceptable way to provide welfare and training to those with limited economic options).

[Anonymous]

For those seeking alternatives. https://fortune.com/2022/06/23/most-livable-cities-economist-vienna-copenhagen-zurich/amp/

[Anonymous]

Well I know some wealthy people looking to leave

[Anonymous]

I’m Asian and have lived/grown up in Canada and parts of Europe (Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK). This is the only country where I haven’t been actively ‘othered’ by people or treated like a foreigner who is only here temporarily. I dislike many aspects of living here including the worsening quality of life, violence, and expensive health care. But it’s the most diverse country I’ve ever lived in and I feel accepted here as an American rather than classified as a foreigner, which matters a lot. Also, more opportunity here than in other countries. This is why I’ve stayed and built a life and home here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m Asian and have lived/grown up in Canada and parts of Europe (Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK). This is the only country where I haven’t been actively ‘othered’ by people or treated like a foreigner who is only here temporarily. I dislike many aspects of living here including the worsening quality of life, violence, and expensive health care. But it’s the most diverse country I’ve ever lived in and I feel accepted here as an American rather than classified as a foreigner, which matters a lot. Also, more opportunity here than in other countries. This is why I’ve stayed and built a life and home here.

I could have written this myself, PP. We are in the same boat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a Black woman, I cannot wait to leave this country. There was a time I felt hopeful that the arc of the moral universe in the US would bend towards justice, but I no longer have that delusion. I have no faith in U.S. institutions, laws, values or my fellow Americans. Of course, no country is perfect, but I look forward to less open hostility towards my values and my person in a different country. I will certainly renounce my citizenship. I will have no need to return here. My family have been here since the 1700s, have fought in its wars, fought for civil rights for all, including the rights of women and LGBTQ citizens, but we have never been regarded as human, let alone American by most white Americans and most likely never will.

I'm starting to feel the same way. I'm a white lesbian. Most of my family has been in the US or on the continent since the 1600s. The fact that our democracy has been revealed to be a sham in the last few years (Trump, Jan 6, etc) really disappoints me. I feel like a naive fool. I'm not likely to leave the country, but I don't feel the same way I did about it before 2016.

I'm not writing to question any of your feelings, but I am surprised to hear your perspective that the Trump/ Jan. 6 insurrection revealed our democracy is a sham. I think it revealed its delicacy, but ultimately, that there are enough checks, balances, and people committed to our democracy in place to overpower the nutjobs. I was shaken by its delicacy but also took comfort in the large number of people dedicated to the process and also the fact that our diffused, complicated election system was ultimately a saving grace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Higher earning potential
Cheaper real estate
A lot of land and space
Access to latest and greatest healthcare treatments and technology
Great military protection
Variety in terrain and environment
Solid infrastructure
Less red tape than many other western countries
Government mostly leaving you alone

Nice that you recognize having a strong military is a big reason why Americans enjoys the level of freedom, options and opportunities they have. I’m also disgusted by how little Americans respect the people who serve in the military compared to other countries.

This is a joke right? The way Americans fetishize military service is something I haven't seen in any other country - and creeps me the f out. Ditto for the "free country" crowd insisting everyone stand for the anthem at children's sports games with hat off and hand over heart facing the flag like this is the North Korean Junior Cadets championship. Same for making kids pledge "allegiance" in schools. None of those things are obvious characteristics of a "free country" - more aligned with autocratic regimes.

*also consider how "thank you for your service" is the guilt absolving phrase for every Karen who knows her kids were just one tier up in the socioeconomic opportunities pecking order such that they have college and other post-employment choices. "Thank you for your service" is worthy in conscription but nonsensical in an all-volunteer military except through that lens of subconscious shame and guilt.

The puritans really f-ed you guys up. Some immigrants have grown past it - but there is a whole segment of jingoistic parochial white people who feel this way and see nothing absurd about a military flyover before a sports event (without recognition of the obvious recruiting propaganda).

America could half the size of the military and lose absolutely no international advantage. What they would lose is the domestic societal advantage (both keeping the "young adults without good options" population on the straight and narrow - and an acceptable way to provide welfare and training to those with limited economic options).

This is a disgusting sentiment, but sadly, one I have heard expressed by immigrants who come to the U.S. from countries with caste systems in place. I was a young adult when 9/11 happened and I have plenty of friends and family members who were from UMC backgrounds -- some even LEFT COLLEGE -- because they were compelled to serve. Your understanding of who serves is a gross misrepresentation of realty. To not have thanks for people who sacrificed everything to preserve our democracy is absolutely appalling. I hope you're enjoying your freedoms from your nosebleed perch above the pee-ons. Those freedoms were given to you on the backs of men and woman who put country above self.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m Asian and have lived/grown up in Canada and parts of Europe (Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK). This is the only country where I haven’t been actively ‘othered’ by people or treated like a foreigner who is only here temporarily. I dislike many aspects of living here including the worsening quality of life, violence, and expensive health care. But it’s the most diverse country I’ve ever lived in and I feel accepted here as an American rather than classified as a foreigner, which matters a lot. Also, more opportunity here than in other countries. This is why I’ve stayed and built a life and home here.

I think that's one of my favorite things about America. Most countries coincide with an ethnic group - like if you're asked to picture a Swede, a German, an Ethiopian, etc we're all going to picture the same person - but America being a country of immigrants is really a different thing. Of course we have racist jerks like everywhere else but you can be from anywhere in the world and be 100% American and I think that's cool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Higher earning potential
Cheaper real estate
A lot of land and space
Access to latest and greatest healthcare treatments and technology
Great military protection
Variety in terrain and environment
Solid infrastructure
Less red tape than many other western countries
Government mostly leaving you alone

Nice that you recognize having a strong military is a big reason why Americans enjoys the level of freedom, options and opportunities they have. I’m also disgusted by how little Americans respect the people who serve in the military compared to other countries.

This is a joke right? The way Americans fetishize military service is something I haven't seen in any other country - and creeps me the f out. Ditto for the "free country" crowd insisting everyone stand for the anthem at children's sports games with hat off and hand over heart facing the flag like this is the North Korean Junior Cadets championship. Same for making kids pledge "allegiance" in schools. None of those things are obvious characteristics of a "free country" - more aligned with autocratic regimes.

*also consider how "thank you for your service" is the guilt absolving phrase for every Karen who knows her kids were just one tier up in the socioeconomic opportunities pecking order such that they have college and other post-employment choices. "Thank you for your service" is worthy in conscription but nonsensical in an all-volunteer military except through that lens of subconscious shame and guilt.

The puritans really f-ed you guys up. Some immigrants have grown past it - but there is a whole segment of jingoistic parochial white people who feel this way and see nothing absurd about a military flyover before a sports event (without recognition of the obvious recruiting propaganda).

America could half the size of the military and lose absolutely no international advantage. What they would lose is the domestic societal advantage (both keeping the "young adults without good options" population on the straight and narrow - and an acceptable way to provide welfare and training to those with limited economic options).

I think you need to explore your options for leaving. You don’t seem happy. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

Most of them can't move anywhere else - double citizen here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Higher earning potential
Cheaper real estate
A lot of land and space
Access to latest and greatest healthcare treatments and technology
Great military protection
Variety in terrain and environment
Solid infrastructure
Less red tape than many other western countries
Government mostly leaving you alone

Nice that you recognize having a strong military is a big reason why Americans enjoys the level of freedom, options and opportunities they have. I’m also disgusted by how little Americans respect the people who serve in the military compared to other countries.

This is a joke right? The way Americans fetishize military service is something I haven't seen in any other country - and creeps me the f out. Ditto for the "free country" crowd insisting everyone stand for the anthem at children's sports games with hat off and hand over heart facing the flag like this is the North Korean Junior Cadets championship. Same for making kids pledge "allegiance" in schools. None of those things are obvious characteristics of a "free country" - more aligned with autocratic regimes.

*also consider how "thank you for your service" is the guilt absolving phrase for every Karen who knows her kids were just one tier up in the socioeconomic opportunities pecking order such that they have college and other post-employment choices. "Thank you for your service" is worthy in conscription but nonsensical in an all-volunteer military except through that lens of subconscious shame and guilt.

The puritans really f-ed you guys up. Some immigrants have grown past it - but there is a whole segment of jingoistic parochial white people who feel this way and see nothing absurd about a military flyover before a sports event (without recognition of the obvious recruiting propaganda).

America could half the size of the military and lose absolutely no international advantage. What they would lose is the domestic societal advantage (both keeping the "young adults without good options" population on the straight and narrow - and an acceptable way to provide welfare and training to those with limited economic options).

Yeah, I don't get the infatuation and over-glorification of military spending. We spend an obscene amount of money on the military. And you could probably shave that budget by 40% and STILL have the most powerful military in the world. It's crazy to me. And then we have all of the issues at home relating to healthcare, infrastructure, social programs, education but hey, let's give the military even MORE money.

As to living abroad, I am not sure I can pull that trigger because of family, but DH and I have a pathway to EU citizenship via my parents. This was a recent development and I'm definitely going to take it once I get that chance. The intent is not necessarily to use it right away, rather have it as an alternative for us or our kids based on concern over where this country is headed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Higher earning potential
Cheaper real estate
A lot of land and space
Access to latest and greatest healthcare treatments and technology
Great military protection
Variety in terrain and environment
Solid infrastructure
Less red tape than many other western countries
Government mostly leaving you alone

Nice that you recognize having a strong military is a big reason why Americans enjoys the level of freedom, options and opportunities they have. I’m also disgusted by how little Americans respect the people who serve in the military compared to other countries.

This is a joke right? The way Americans fetishize military service is something I haven't seen in any other country - and creeps me the f out. Ditto for the "free country" crowd insisting everyone stand for the anthem at children's sports games with hat off and hand over heart facing the flag like this is the North Korean Junior Cadets championship. Same for making kids pledge "allegiance" in schools. None of those things are obvious characteristics of a "free country" - more aligned with autocratic regimes.

*also consider how "thank you for your service" is the guilt absolving phrase for every Karen who knows her kids were just one tier up in the socioeconomic opportunities pecking order such that they have college and other post-employment choices. "Thank you for your service" is worthy in conscription but nonsensical in an all-volunteer military except through that lens of subconscious shame and guilt.

The puritans really f-ed you guys up. Some immigrants have grown past it - but there is a whole segment of jingoistic parochial white people who feel this way and see nothing absurd about a military flyover before a sports event (without recognition of the obvious recruiting propaganda).

America could half the size of the military and lose absolutely no international advantage. What they would lose is the domestic societal advantage (both keeping the "young adults without good options" population on the straight and narrow - and an acceptable way to provide welfare and training to those with limited economic options).

I think you are my soulmate. Of course, as evidenced in this thread, if I were ever to speak like this to someone in person they'd tell me to "go back to my country" in a heartbeat.

And as of today, the women were set back about a 100 years, so I view the US as the rich Taliban.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Higher earning potential
Cheaper real estate
A lot of land and space
Access to latest and greatest healthcare treatments and technology
Great military protection
Variety in terrain and environment
Solid infrastructure
Less red tape than many other western countries
Government mostly leaving you alone

Nice that you recognize having a strong military is a big reason why Americans enjoys the level of freedom, options and opportunities they have. I’m also disgusted by how little Americans respect the people who serve in the military compared to other countries.

This is a joke right? The way Americans fetishize military service is something I haven't seen in any other country - and creeps me the f out. Ditto for the "free country" crowd insisting everyone stand for the anthem at children's sports games with hat off and hand over heart facing the flag like this is the North Korean Junior Cadets championship. Same for making kids pledge "allegiance" in schools. None of those things are obvious characteristics of a "free country" - more aligned with autocratic regimes.

*also consider how "thank you for your service" is the guilt absolving phrase for every Karen who knows her kids were just one tier up in the socioeconomic opportunities pecking order such that they have college and other post-employment choices. "Thank you for your service" is worthy in conscription but nonsensical in an all-volunteer military except through that lens of subconscious shame and guilt.

The puritans really f-ed you guys up. Some immigrants have grown past it - but there is a whole segment of jingoistic parochial white people who feel this way and see nothing absurd about a military flyover before a sports event (without recognition of the obvious recruiting propaganda).

America could half the size of the military and lose absolutely no international advantage. What they would lose is the domestic societal advantage (both keeping the "young adults without good options" population on the straight and narrow - and an acceptable way to provide welfare and training to those with limited economic options).

I think you are my soulmate. Of course, as evidenced in this thread, if I were ever to speak like this to someone in person they'd tell me to "go back to my country" in a heartbeat.

And as of today, the women were set back about a 100 years, so I view the US as the rich Taliban.

Today is a sad day for our country and for women, specifically, but this is so insulting to women living in Afghanistan. They have nothing -- no access to education, no right to a bank account or financial independence, no ability to participate in democracy (and no democracy in which to participate). We are educated women who will use our brains, checkbooks, and votes to claw back what is our human right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Higher earning potential
Cheaper real estate
A lot of land and space
Access to latest and greatest healthcare treatments and technology
Great military protection
Variety in terrain and environment
Solid infrastructure
Less red tape than many other western countries
Government mostly leaving you alone

Nice that you recognize having a strong military is a big reason why Americans enjoys the level of freedom, options and opportunities they have. I’m also disgusted by how little Americans respect the people who serve in the military compared to other countries.

This is a joke right? The way Americans fetishize military service is something I haven't seen in any other country - and creeps me the f out. Ditto for the "free country" crowd insisting everyone stand for the anthem at children's sports games with hat off and hand over heart facing the flag like this is the North Korean Junior Cadets championship. Same for making kids pledge "allegiance" in schools. None of those things are obvious characteristics of a "free country" - more aligned with autocratic regimes.

*also consider how "thank you for your service" is the guilt absolving phrase for every Karen who knows her kids were just one tier up in the socioeconomic opportunities pecking order such that they have college and other post-employment choices. "Thank you for your service" is worthy in conscription but nonsensical in an all-volunteer military except through that lens of subconscious shame and guilt.

The puritans really f-ed you guys up. Some immigrants have grown past it - but there is a whole segment of jingoistic parochial white people who feel this way and see nothing absurd about a military flyover before a sports event (without recognition of the obvious recruiting propaganda).

America could half the size of the military and lose absolutely no international advantage. What they would lose is the domestic societal advantage (both keeping the "young adults without good options" population on the straight and narrow - and an acceptable way to provide welfare and training to those with limited economic options).

I think you need to explore your options for leaving. You don’t seem happy. Sorry.

I’m not the Pp. Believe me, many of us would leave if we had someplace to go. It isn’t really that easy to immigrate to most countries.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Higher earning potential
Cheaper real estate
A lot of land and space
Access to latest and greatest healthcare treatments and technology
Great military protection
Variety in terrain and environment
Solid infrastructure
Less red tape than many other western countries
Government mostly leaving you alone

Nice that you recognize having a strong military is a big reason why Americans enjoys the level of freedom, options and opportunities they have. I’m also disgusted by how little Americans respect the people who serve in the military compared to other countries.

This is a joke right? The way Americans fetishize military service is something I haven't seen in any other country - and creeps me the f out. Ditto for the "free country" crowd insisting everyone stand for the anthem at children's sports games with hat off and hand over heart facing the flag like this is the North Korean Junior Cadets championship. Same for making kids pledge "allegiance" in schools. None of those things are obvious characteristics of a "free country" - more aligned with autocratic regimes.

*also consider how "thank you for your service" is the guilt absolving phrase for every Karen who knows her kids were just one tier up in the socioeconomic opportunities pecking order such that they have college and other post-employment choices. "Thank you for your service" is worthy in conscription but nonsensical in an all-volunteer military except through that lens of subconscious shame and guilt.

The puritans really f-ed you guys up. Some immigrants have grown past it - but there is a whole segment of jingoistic parochial white people who feel this way and see nothing absurd about a military flyover before a sports event (without recognition of the obvious recruiting propaganda).

America could half the size of the military and lose absolutely no international advantage. What they would lose is the domestic societal advantage (both keeping the "young adults without good options" population on the straight and narrow - and an acceptable way to provide welfare and training to those with limited economic options).

I think you are my soulmate. Of course, as evidenced in this thread, if I were ever to speak like this to someone in person they'd tell me to "go back to my country" in a heartbeat.

And as of today, the women were set back about a 100 years, so I view the US as the rich Taliban.

I think there a lot of people who think like this. Sure - some people signed up after 9/11 who wouldn't have otherwise - we moved to US at that time in part due to solidarity/picking sides. If you cannot see the military might is right/religious imposition onto non-believers/authoritarian "free country" doublespeak today however rthe day after a rigged court took away a fundamental healthcare freedom from women in this country then I don't know what to tell you - other than enjoy your BBQ next weekend and don't think too hard about it all.