Anonymous
02/08/2025 16:38
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
I hope you are white. If you think the rest of the world is less racist than what you perceive the U.S. to be, you will be in for an unpleasant shock
Anonymous
02/08/2025 16:30
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP, I think you need to better define what integration and least disruptive looks like to you.
Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.
I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.
My god, this sounds like hell on earth. I’d stay right here if that were the main option.
I’m not sure we’re going to be much different than Saudi Arabia. A theocracy with authoritarian rule, minus the sand.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 15:31
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
Anonymous wrote:OP, I think you need to better define what integration and least disruptive looks like to you.
Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.
I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.
My god, this sounds like hell on earth. I’d stay right here if that were the main option.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 15:29
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:PP: The first steps for establishing autocracy via/post elections are to hollow out the civil service and replace them with loyalists, and to leverage the support of oligarchs before casting them aside. This is happening now. We’re not at the point of no return, but we are approaching it. I think there are even odds of no/sham elections in 2028.
You can listen to this article without a subscription if you select the podcast option. It looks at Hitler’s rise and early moves as a case study for dismantling representative government in any situation.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/hitler-oligarchs-hugenberg-nazi/681584/
You could credibly argue the Democrats doing the same thing. The DC civil service is probably 90% Democratic voting if voting patterns around the DMV is anything to go by. Does that not bother you? I suspect not.
The point of no return is the reform of the Federal bureaucracy, which the president ran on and won an election and is now carrying out his promise. The people who rant about fascism or Hitler are people I roll my eyes atThe fascist in the woodpile! OMG, run for the hills!
You seem to think the federal workforce is a bunch of lazy useless idiots sitting around DC. 80% of the federal workforce works outside of the DC area. Want to go to a park? Collect social security? Fly safely on an airplane? Use an interstate? Receive cancer treatment? Get a passport? Eat food without salmonella? All of this is brought to you by the federal workforce.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 15:20
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:99% chance this will never happen.
Sheesh. As a long time former expat (15 years abroad) the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence. You want to leave US totalitarianism for.... Singaporean or UAE totalitarianism? Or EU countries that all have major populist movements?
I've yet to hear anyone explain exactly how the United States is experiencing totalitarianism. The executive branch is funded by Congress, but is administered by "the executive" which right now is Trump. When Congress tried to provide oversight into funding during the last several administrations, they couldn't even find out what the money was being spent on. Now, we are finding out. That facilitates democracy.
Executive orders were used in the exact same way by Biden and Obama. I don't love them, but each of the presidents in the late 20th century and early 21st century has tried to expand the power of the presidency through these. I expect the Supreme Court eventually to rein in the power of the presidency. Trump is doing nothing unusual here.
Media outlets losing government funding facilitates democracy. USAID stopping its support of coups and color revolutions facilitates democracy.
Media outlets losing their cushy offices at the Pentagon, to be replaced on a rotating basis by other outlets does nothing to impede democracy.
Pausing spending to allow audits is not impoundment, and will provide information to Congress.
Re-doing websites to reflect current administration priorities happens in every single administration.
I realize that our education system is failing, but I am wondering what has happened to this country when so many people seem to know so little about the Constitution, the governments in other countries that are actually authoritarian, the difference between authoritarianism and totalitarianism, world history, etc. The hysteria is real, but how do adults act this way?
We know. They are worried about their own finances. But firing people does not equal totalitarianism. In fact, it would be pretty hard to "totally control" a population without government minions.
It's been two weeks. The real fun will start when he starts displaying the court orders. Courts have no way of enforcing their decisions, that's what the executive branch is for.
Add in tariffs and mass deportations and we will enter into a period of hyperinflation. Bank runs. Mass layoffs. Housing crises. Then a war and potentially a draft because who wants to go die so he can build a golf course in Gaza?
This was all spelled out for you, by them.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 14:57
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
*bug out
Anonymous
02/08/2025 14:57
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RpPTRcz1no
I’m looking for community, civil liberties and no natural resources to tempt invasion - even Greenland isn’t safe today. The country equivalent of a big out compound. So, skipping the Gulf!
I’m looking for community, civil liberties and no natural resources to tempt invasion - even Greenland isn’t safe today. The country equivalent of a big out compound. So, skipping the Gulf!
Anonymous
02/08/2025 14:55
Subject: Re:Best country for socially integrating kids?
Turn off the TV and go for a walk. Maybe take a Xanax.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 14:55
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
Anonymous wrote:PP: The first steps for establishing autocracy via/post elections are to hollow out the civil service and replace them with loyalists, and to leverage the support of oligarchs before casting them aside. This is happening now. We’re not at the point of no return, but we are approaching it. I think there are even odds of no/sham elections in 2028.
You can listen to this article without a subscription if you select the podcast option. It looks at Hitler’s rise and early moves as a case study for dismantling representative government in any situation.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/hitler-oligarchs-hugenberg-nazi/681584/
You could credibly argue the Democrats doing the same thing. The DC civil service is probably 90% Democratic voting if voting patterns around the DMV is anything to go by. Does that not bother you? I suspect not.
The point of no return is the reform of the Federal bureaucracy, which the president ran on and won an election and is now carrying out his promise. The people who rant about fascism or Hitler are people I roll my eyes at
The fascist in the woodpile! OMG, run for the hills!
Anonymous
02/08/2025 14:43
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
OP, I think you need to better define what integration and least disruptive looks like to you.
Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.
I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.
Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.
I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 14:22
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
PP: The first steps for establishing autocracy via/post elections are to hollow out the civil service and replace them with loyalists, and to leverage the support of oligarchs before casting them aside. This is happening now. We’re not at the point of no return, but we are approaching it. I think there are even odds of no/sham elections in 2028.
You can listen to this article without a subscription if you select the podcast option. It looks at Hitler’s rise and early moves as a case study for dismantling representative government in any situation.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/hitler-oligarchs-hugenberg-nazi/681584/
You can listen to this article without a subscription if you select the podcast option. It looks at Hitler’s rise and early moves as a case study for dismantling representative government in any situation.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/hitler-oligarchs-hugenberg-nazi/681584/
Anonymous
02/08/2025 13:46
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
Anonymous wrote:99% chance this will never happen.
Sheesh. As a long time former expat (15 years abroad) the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence. You want to leave US totalitarianism for.... Singaporean or UAE totalitarianism? Or EU countries that all have major populist movements?
I've yet to hear anyone explain exactly how the United States is experiencing totalitarianism. The executive branch is funded by Congress, but is administered by "the executive" which right now is Trump. When Congress tried to provide oversight into funding during the last several administrations, they couldn't even find out what the money was being spent on. Now, we are finding out. That facilitates democracy.
Executive orders were used in the exact same way by Biden and Obama. I don't love them, but each of the presidents in the late 20th century and early 21st century has tried to expand the power of the presidency through these. I expect the Supreme Court eventually to rein in the power of the presidency. Trump is doing nothing unusual here.
Media outlets losing government funding facilitates democracy. USAID stopping its support of coups and color revolutions facilitates democracy.
Media outlets losing their cushy offices at the Pentagon, to be replaced on a rotating basis by other outlets does nothing to impede democracy.
Pausing spending to allow audits is not impoundment, and will provide information to Congress.
Re-doing websites to reflect current administration priorities happens in every single administration.
I realize that our education system is failing, but I am wondering what has happened to this country when so many people seem to know so little about the Constitution, the governments in other countries that are actually authoritarian, the difference between authoritarianism and totalitarianism, world history, etc. The hysteria is real, but how do adults act this way?
We know. They are worried about their own finances. But firing people does not equal totalitarianism. In fact, it would be pretty hard to "totally control" a population without government minions.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 13:14
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
It seems many haven’t yet realized how far this country has fallen, and how much further it is going to fall. I wouldn’t worry about the kids OP, they are more flexible than you realize. I bounced around a lot as a kid, I always managed to settle in and make friends.
Anonymous
02/08/2025 13:11
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
Anonymous wrote:Ireland or Australia.
You could always try it out and if the grass isn't greener, come back.
I think I'd pay closer attention to the form of government and democracy ranking. The US falls behind most of the countries mentioned on this thread. The simple truth is that our system of government is not set up to effectively counter a Donald Trump. I understand that causes people's heads to explode, but it's true.
https://freedomhouse.org/countries/nations-transit/scores?sort=desc&order=Country
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/democracy-index-eiu
Thank you so much for this link!
Countries that scored over 90-100 points in Global Freedom Scores are:
Finland 100 Free
New Zealand 99 Free
Sweden 99 Free
Norway 98 Free
Canada 97 Free
Denmark 97 Free
Ireland 97 Free
Luxembourg 97 Free
Netherlands 97 Free
San Marino 97 Free
Japan 96 Free
Belgium 96 Free
Switzerland 96 Free
Portugal 96 Free
Slovenia 96 Free
Uruguay 96 Free
Australia 95 Free
Estonia 95 Free
Iceland 94 Free
Chile 94 Free
Czechia 94 Free
Taiwan 94 Free
Barbados 94 Free
Germany 93 Free
Austria 93 Free
Andorra 93 Free
Dominica 93 Free
Tuvalu 93 Free
Marshall Islands 93 Free
Cyprus 92 Free
Micronesia 92 Free
Palau 92 Free
St. Lucia 92 Free
Cabo Verde 92 Free
United Kingdom 91 Free
The Bahamas 91 Free
Costa Rica 91 Free
Italy 90 Free
Spain 90 Free
Slovakia 90 Free
Liechtenstein 90 Free
Kiribati 90 Free
St. Vincent and the Grenadines 90
Scandinavian countries, Commonwealth countries, and Luxemburg, Belgium, Netherlands all score very high in Civil liberties and political rights.
Spain, Portugal and Italy score way better than the US, even though they score lower than other EU countries.
Country. total/100 rights/40 civil liberties/60
Netherlands 97 Free 39 58
Portugal 96 Free 39 57
Germany 93 Free 39 54
Spain 90 Free 37 53
Italy 90 Free 36 54
France 89 Free 38 51
US. 83 Free 33 50
Anonymous
02/08/2025 12:26
Subject: Best country for socially integrating kids?
Ireland or Australia.
You could always try it out and if the grass isn't greener, come back.
I think I'd pay closer attention to the form of government and democracy ranking. The US falls behind most of the countries mentioned on this thread. The simple truth is that our system of government is not set up to effectively counter a Donald Trump. I understand that causes people's heads to explode, but it's true.
https://freedomhouse.org/countries/nations-transit/scores?sort=desc&order=Country
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/democracy-index-eiu
You could always try it out and if the grass isn't greener, come back.
I think I'd pay closer attention to the form of government and democracy ranking. The US falls behind most of the countries mentioned on this thread. The simple truth is that our system of government is not set up to effectively counter a Donald Trump. I understand that causes people's heads to explode, but it's true.
https://freedomhouse.org/countries/nations-transit/scores?sort=desc&order=Country
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/democracy-index-eiu