America: Love it and Leave it.
A commentary about expatriation from America
Having read America – The Grim Truth I am amazed by the article and the responses to it…all 150+ of them. In the first place, I was under the impression that this was an expat site and not a political site. People become expats for any number of reasons and politics and/or economic theories are but two general categories of reasons. Few wish to renounce their citizenship or become citizens (solely) of another nation-state. Most wish to enjoy, participate in and live different life-styles and levels than are open to them in the USA.
Mr Freeman seems to have some deeply and seriously held beliefs – to which I feel he is entitled – but with his conclusions I could take issue, as some others did. The responses ranged from the “Yeah, what he said!” sort to the equally unconsidered “Love it or leave it” type. In between were some rational and rationalized responses, however, they seemed to be concerned with and become bogged down in the percentages of GDP spent on various governmental programs and functions , as well as whether one sort of health care system or another was better. All delightful topics , well worth exploring. But, on another type/sort of site.
Diet, health care, post 9/11 governmental paranoia, food additives, prescription drugs and their side effects, cost of education, job/employment opportunities (or the lack thereof) all of these and more issues as well are reasons why some become expats. However, these aren’t the only or even the most common , or to my mind the most compelling reasons for doing so. Actual quality of life and enjoyment of living are to me much more the reasons I became an expat. Love of my country – not its current state of governance, is what caused me to return and endure the (to me) ridiculous costs of that love. Unlike most I do not confuse love of country with endorsement of a current political state or regime. I do believe that the USA could use some basic changes in many of the areas Mr. Freeman remarked on.
As to America being the free-est or least free country on earth: well, again, I shall have to say that these designations show a decided lack of understanding of the differences between freedom and liberty and the nature of this site. As well, the nature of expat status and the considerations that bring one to it.
The USA does have the largest slave population (percentage wise) of any country on earth. This is an acknowledged fact. These slaves are no longer (sine the 1960′s) called slaves but prisoners. However, slaves of the state they do remain. The invasions of personal liberty and reductions in recognized freedoms at the Federal level have , and continue to, escalate to an alarming degree. The ease with which persons may be convicted and imprisoned, have their property confiscated or condemned ,the no-fly and watch lists of the state…one could go on. However, this is not the place or forum for that. This is the place and the forum for discussing where and how to live and live well
in countries other than the USA. The reason(s) why a particular person might choose to become an expat are their own business and none of anyone else’s ,imo. In so far as Mr. Freeman, or anyone else, may wish to inform us of the delights of being in/under another form of governance – great. However, it is more the lifestyle and living that interests me…perhaps you as well?
Having lived in and visited many countries over a long period of time I will say that the only country that I have familiarity with whose form of governance I would say has some superior features and whose functioning I hold to be something the USA should consider is Switzerland. However, its form and function require more than Americans are willing to engage in fulfilling. Personal responsibility, education, voting, and the review of and decision on actual laws and programs by the populace itself and not just through representatives. As I say: Too much effort and not enough touch-downs/base-hits and Wally-World. So, imo, there you have it. Lets get back to how and where as well as the joys of being able to be an expat and leave the political theories and calls to action to other sites and the mylanta/milk-of-magnesia crowd, shall we?
Just to touch on some of Mr. Freeman’s comments I will say:
The future of the USA and the average inhabitant thereof does not look rosey.
Jobs are becoming scarcer and scarcer. Non-skilled workers aren’t any longer the only victims of job/industry loss.
Out-sourcing of industries is so common as to need no discussion or explication…however, its results are devastating.
Factory farms , modern day latifundia, are the way of the future in agriculture, or so it seems from ADM’s increasing ownership and control of USA agri-land.
Energy becomes more expensive and as the base-cost of everything else it causes the price of all else to rise.
Education and its availability by its affordability needs no discussion to anyone who has had to deal with it. Guaranteed student loans are guaranteed to do one thing very well – to keep anyone who has had to get them from having time to rock the boat.
Socio-economic pool of cannon fodder: Of course. How else does a government acquire the needful troops to fight wars/police-actions that no one understands for the length of time required ? Mercenaries? Rome tried that and my goodness the results. By the bye: One now needs a good credit rating to join the Marines. Hmmm, I pause in amazement.
“Fences and Borders”: Ah yes, Also passports to leave the country, no-fly and watch-lists: Ah yes, all things that in my youth (some time ago) we, in the USA, used to ridicule and condemn the Russians, the Nazi’s, the Chinese Communists , et alia about and claim that “It could never happen here!” Yes well,…enough said on those subjects, eh?
Again, let’s return to the joys of living and being delighted by the places and activities which we are able to enjoy by being expats and leave all this to those interested in busying themselves with them. I, for one, enjoy sitting on the shore of Lake Lugano (Switzerland) underneath palm trees and looking over my shoulder at the Massif and seeing snow. The Western Ghatts of India with their almost Appalachian form and height but tropical climate – ah, delightful. And Mangalorian cuisine ? I do miss it and intend to return and partake of it again. The museums and palaces of Europe. Especially those of Bavaria – God love the Ludwigs (!!). With all of the above stated I will reiterate: I am and will remain an American citizen …but a dedicated, continuing expat of the highest order.
I’ve read much on this website about other places to be and battling back and forth about the US and who screwed it up and who’s making it worse. Then it gets down to nitpicking and arguing over details and semantics and the big picture gets lost.
The crux of the argument is quality of life (The Big Picture). Quality of life depends on the individual. Leaving out the NWO argument; as a US citizen it is technically illegal not to have an address. Its technically illegal to “walk” across the US. Its technically illegal to have no money. Its illegal not to have an ID. You never actually own anything. You need a license (permission) for just about everything. There are US lands you cannot enter. This is freedom?
The word “free” has ruined the US. We have associate free with “free stuff” rather than actual freedom. In fact many in the US are willing to give up most freedom and liberty in return for “free stuff”
I don’t want free anything. I don’t want free health care. I don’t want 911 service, or firetrucks on every corner. I care little for TV. I don’t need nor want government provided security. I don’t want search and rescue to come looking for me if my boat is late and I certainly don’t want to pay for it for someone else. My quality of life is much improved when I am free to do as I wish so long as it does not harm other people. I want to actually “be” free to take on what comes my way.
I have lived in many countries and like them all. Not because they are better than the US, in fact almost all of them are worse. Higher taxes, no free anything, poor infrastructure, corruption of the highest order, violence, you name it. But I am actually more free in these countries than In the US. This is what I find as an Ex-pat and as a bonus there’s some really beautiful spots that come with it.
Bravo!
robertpm and tr
Hey, everything has a price. But you can be “free” the way you like even in America. Alaska, for example, has much wilderness. It’s a big place. You can die there and no one would ever know, and your body will be devoured by the beautiful eagles. No one would care. Is that what would make you proud and happy? TR, Reconciling with one’s country is not always possible but it is personal and does not reflect what other may think of it. I’m afraid though, once you take the leap, you’ll regret it, as there will be no way back. To be full of some much hatred is blinding even the smartest of men. This is not a contest over who is right or who is wrong. Wherever you go-there you are. You can run but you can’t hide-from yourself. See you around, Uncle. When your government and own family have failed you, you find you are not “connected” anymore. But you see, the barriers are in your own head, as you are free to leave. Building a new life that is meaningful and successful can happen in any country, including the US. But I do wish you safe travels if you cannot. I do get the point of totalitarian regimes but the world is not against you. Don’t leave us behind. And, the places in Europe, great as they are, must have invoked good memories. I wish you will gather even better ones, travel and enjoy. It’s good to know that in your heart you will remain loyal to your true self. Keep writing.
Tirza,
Everything has a price that is true. However there are different ways to gauge what that price is. For me, all the “free stuff” forced upon me in return for lost freedom is too high a price to pay. I’m not on the fence trying to have both, I want none of the “free stuff” I’m being offered to give up my freedom. I am paying the price for my freedom. I have already described the countries where I have been and currently reside. Again quality of life is an individual thing, this works for “me”.
As for Alaska; many years ago there was a special on a man that moved there to live in the wilderness and he really did, just as the mountain men lived. The state and federal governments caught up to him eventually and tried to force him back to civilization. There was threats and court and all that from the government entities. In the end he won a compromise. He could continue to live that way as long as he paid his taxes?! They measured hi one room dirt floor cabin and assessed a property tax. I mean really; think about that for a moment. By the way, you are not really free to leave the US completely. The government decides if you are allowed to renounce.
I am proud and fortunate to have been born in the US. I have no anger, it is more a sadness over what Americans have lost and continue to give away. I’m not upsetting the apple cart though, I know I’m in the minority, so I go to find places were my sense of freedom fits the environment. I’m happy, America is happy and all is right with the world.
Dear Robert, I decided to answer you , instead of getting anybody else, like Uncle Timmie ( a good friend) to do it. Alaska is a very nice place if you care for that sort of climate and ecology. I do not.
For those who do it is best to recall that the majority of land , in Alaska, is ( since the ‘Native American’ non-sense) owned by the Fed. Gov’t. Little is available for private purchase – very little.
I enjoy and appreciate my country – its government I neither enjoy or appreciate. I “trust ” it in the same way that the frog learned to trust the scorpion in that famous tale from the Kalila wa Dimna, i.e., to never violate its nature.
Hope you have an enjoyable life and that the “list of disasters” we all worry about never come to call on you. My best advice is: Never accept a free train ride with accommodations and a nice shower at its end.
Best to you, Tim H.Rudisill
Dear Tirza, Good of you to write. I , too, wish you the best. Karma, I have found, has a way of becoming dharma. Has it been the same for you?
Uncle Timmie
Robert, Well said. If you would consider turning this into a 1000-1500 word article it might just make it into EFAM.
Regards,
Tom Ocean
Hi Tom,
Thanks, this website was a recent discovery for me. I had no idea such a thing existed. I’m not much of a writer, I wouldn’t really know how to make an article. Things from the heart tend to have their own clarity. I just had something on my mind that I felt should be shared. S’pose I could try.
All my best,
Robert,
I was away hence the delay, sorry about that. This is definitely not a contest over whose views are more popular. In fact I dislike favoritism and popular culture except for certain cases. What I write comes from my heart, not from a silly need to “preach to the choir”. I didn’t realize until now that what’s really eating you is taxes. Yes, can’t live with them and can’t live without. Obviously the rich pay more but some feel social responsibility and do not mind it. Taxes are not fun and it is well known people don’t like paying them. You do have my sympathy on that one (including sales tax, property tax, etc, not just income tax). However, there are so many other things you need to consider when leaving your country. I actually think it’s a good idea to try other places because only then you could tell the difference. Could you tell me please what is possible for you in other countries that is not possible here in the US though? The ID requirement will be caught up with eventually everywhere. Ever seen THX 1138? The whole world will eventually adopt this style of living, and the people on the “fringe” will have to live as it were 200 years ago in the best case. I am not saying it’s a bad idea, but rather describing where we are all heading, not just the US, but humanity as a whole. The US has a the biggest deficit it ever had and therefore the taxes are only going to be higher or all social benefits will be cut. Certainly not an ideal time to live here. However, did you feel the same about leaving in the 90s when everything was rosy? Rich people are becoming moving targets, I give you that. But if all you are looking for is to be “left alone” there is plenty of places to “get lost”. Without having money I guarantee you no one will ever want to talk to you. TK lived in Montana and would have probably lived there now if he had not murdered people and if his brother would not have snitched on him and if he had kept his anarchism to himself and be content with it. No one bothered him and he was perfectly content in the cabin he built with his own hands. As for Alaska, I also know of a man who lived, and died there, a man by the name of Christopher McCandless. He died of starvation/food poisoning-reason is unclear. No one could tell where he was because Alaska is so huge. Just go read how many people disappear in the ice and snow in winter over all of North America. I am not trying to convince you to return here. Any person should do what’s good for them. As for “walking” along the US, I believe you are dead wrong. Did you know how many people have been on the paper marching for this cause or another, or merely for themselves? People who took months away to complete the Appalachian trail. People who go RVing all across America. There have been articles about people who work in parks in exchange for parking their RV. So please, before you make any false statements, check your sources. And by the way, in any place in the world, when you are stopped by a policeman, they would ask for identification. To expect otherwise is very naïve. This is our world, what us humans made of it. It is not the US’ fault. I don’t like either every move of mine to be watched but technology is a two edged sword. By the way, did you know that the City of London have amceras that film everything? And how do you know the NSA are not looking at you right now through their satellites? How do you know you are really free? This fear of the US can easily become a paranoia. If you are proud to be American, as you say, and appreciate your good fortune to have been born here, please know that just because the Founding Fathers are not here with us, there can be no leaders to save this country from itself. Time and again it was proved America did prevail. And if we have to go down, we will go down fighting. A good captain does not fled a sinking ship, does he? Anyway, again, yourself and family should come first, and I do not begrudge you for that, but honor you for that. Just remember that true loyalty, to anyone or anything, should stand the test of time, and the test of hardship. This is what seperates the boys from the men.
Dear Alias , Taxes? They don’t worry me in the least – but they are of some concern to the readers , here and the majority of the population of the world.
The difference between free persons and serfs/slaves has always been control over their labour and the fruits thereof, hmm? Today we refer to the organized armed theft of either/both as taxes. As to being left in peace – that is more than possible and Alaska is not required for it. No good museums up there and as to comestibles? Well, the less said, the better.
Free persons determine on what they desire to spend their labour, be it money or effort, and do so. Serf/slave persons,…well, they , as always, do as they are instructed to.
All the best,
Uncle Timmie
Hi,
Very long response to a fairly basic idea. My issue is taxes? I pay taxes where I am. False statements? It is “technically” illegal to walk “across” the US; based on some state’s laws, simply because of the amount of time it takes. As far as a captain leaving a sinking ship? I haven’t checked my status lately, but I don’t recall being named captain. By the way, I left in the 90′s.
I used to argue these points you bring up, it does no good and serves no purpose. I do not want to convince anyone. Let me say here that I appreciate your position and I will make the point again that if you can live with what you are doing, that works for you and that’s fine. Enjoy!
You are right about one thing though, Robert, “checking your papers” when you are close to the border, like Nazi Germany. I see it everywhere. Certainly NWO is closing in. YUCK. But sooner or later it will expand to India et al. Maybe I am just convincing myself life here is OK so I am able to take it in stride and stay sane.
““Fences and Borders”: Ah yes, Also passports to leave the country, no-fly and watch-lists: Ah yes, all things that in my youth (some time ago) we, in the USA, used to ridicule and condemn the Russians, the Nazi’s, the Chinese Communists , et alia about and claim that “It could never happen here!” Yes well,…enough said on those subjects, eh?”
No. Not nearly enough said. I would love to hear more. Please write another article expanding on this theme. I love my country but I’m not foolish enough to think that it could never become some tyrannical police state.
Dear Jimmie, if it were all a Ludlum novel I’d agree – but, friend, it is real! Real people disappearing into real fed-custody and really never being heard from again – really! I have my certainties you will hear more of all this than you might wish. enjoy, my friend, enjoy! For my part , I’ll read about it in the IHT. They have it all over the world – getting it isn’t hard – stomaching it is,ha!
Be well , sincerly, Tim H. Rudisill