Uncle Timmie Looks to the USA – Part II
Freedom is a Choice Not an Entitlement
In case you missed Part – 1 America the Monster
Well now, …hmmm. What a place this United States of America has become. From the vantage point of Switzerland and its adherence to the Rule of Law and democratic governance, USA looks such a very strange place.
The money doesn’t belong to those who earn/produce it. But, rather, to the Government and those “elected” minions of the special interest groups who funded their election. After all, you know no one can take USA elections seriously after Bush-Gore fiasco, eh? No offence meant …, but really!
So, “your money” is not yours and what is to be done with it …you are only told after the politicians have decided. And then only how much more they need from – someone/somewhere, i.e., you. In Switzerland this is not quite how it is done. All must be voted on by those who will be faced with providing the funds to accomplish the ends chosen by these same persons. A novel idea…at least in the USA, hmmm?
If you should wish to spend some of these funds you have made, i.e., income , you may. But, you will have to account for the source of your funds, or be deemed a “possible criminal” and the funds confiscated…if you pay in cash. Checks, credit cards, et alia financial instruments leave paper trails and so are “acceptable…to
your masters – I mean government. Do forgive me.
You see, all of these financial controls are strange and quite foreign to free people, such as the Swiss. In Switzerland one may pay with cash and not be regarded as a criminal. One may , unlike in the USA, cash a Bank Cheque or as you say here a “Cashier’s Check”, drawn to “cash”, without presenting identification of any kind. No matter in what amount. It is, after all, the cheque which must be verified not you, eh? In the USA, I speak from experience, this is not the case.
Sometimes a week or more must elapse before one may access the funds. Ah, the joys of banking in the USA.
Another point of interest in the USA system of banking: The banks are required , by law, to report any suspicious activity they think they may have observed. Should you deposit less than 10,000.00USD to your account, in cash, it may still need, at the banks discretion, be reported and, if the government wishes to this may become
characterized as “structuring”, a felony in itself. Ah, the joys of USA banking. Of course, any transaction involving a USD cash deposit of 10,000.00 or more must be reported – by law.
Forgive me for my incredulity it is just that , in Switzerland it is not done so. There it is considered that the money is yours and you may, so long as you pay the tax agreed to previously, do as you wish with it. It is, in the final analysis , yours.
In the USA one may not, without filling out forms and justifying ones act, remove or bring in any sizable amount of money. And heaven forefend that this money should be in cash! Further, one takes a great risk of having ones money confiscated, even within the country, if one carries it in cash. The local police may seize it and are not even required to inform you how, if at all, you may petition for its return. Cash isn’t “yours” either…in USA.
To have banking accounts in countries other than the USA, a USA …citizen, must notify the government of their location and the amounts contained therein. Not so different from the laws of Germany during the Third Reich. The Nazi’s sent representatives to Switzerland during the 1930’s and up to 1945 to ascertain if there were any
“German” funds in the banks. They were unable to force the banks to divulge this information. And the world applauded. However, the USA is now trying the same sort of thing. We’ll see how it turns out, eh?
In the USA your health care leaves much to be desired and is, for a large percentage of the populace, prohibitively expensive. In Switzerland it is somewhat different. Yes, taxes are paid for the medical system and its services to the public. However, what one pays for, one receives. The service and the quality is outstanding, just ask
anyone who has had to avail themselves of it.
It seems odd to a Swiss that the USA has so many laws about firearms and so much violence associated with them. Odd because in Switzerland every male over 18 years of age is in the military and has, in his home, his weapons and a given amount of ammunition for them. So, everywhere one goes , in Switzerland, they are surrounded by
selective-fire weapons ,i.e., “assault rifles”. Odd that there is so little violence in the Swiss cities and so much in those of the USA. One wonders if it doesn’t have to do with the lack of, real, education and meaningful employment, as well as no actual control of the governing functions of the state? But then, it is said that a people
have the form of government that they want.
It is odd , from a Swiss point of view, to consider that in USA, it is not possible for the citizens to call for a law to be re-examined as to its desirability . And these same citizens cannot demand that a measure be considered for inclusion as a law. Strange that all such , in USA, must come from “elected representatives”, eh? Ah well, there
we have, again, that dictum in regard to the sort of governance desired.
Another difference, of note, between these countries: When a person desires to become a citizen of either USA or Switzerland it is a formal request to the controlling power for this grant of permission and enfranchisement. Is it not odd that in USA it is addressed to the Government and in Switzerland to the citizens of the Canton of which one wishes to be granted citizenship? I imagine this is just another difference between forms of governance, eh?
Considering all of these items of interest and difference, one wonders why any person would tolerate such disdain for their person and privacy as well as the almost complete appropriation of their financial assets. It boggles the mind. Of course, it is, like most such things, something that USA citizens became used to and
justified,…a piece at a time. And, of course, due to these unusual and difficult times – “post 911” you see.
There was, in my youth (long ago) a story told to we children about a camel, an Arab, and a tent on a cold night in the desert…perhaps you, too, know this story? Most informative in these gradual matters of incursion and invasion, hmmm?
All of this has been a sort of ramble through a few considerations of the differences between living in one country and another. When next I sit beneath the palms on the shore of Lake Lugano, I shall consider some more and in so doing…be delighted I am in Switzerland. I will, also , be aware that not all are so fortunate as I. But, this has been their choice, no?
Well, for now I will bid you goodbye and go back to my thinking and considering of social and political questions of importance to a life of enjoyment and freedom. Perhaps you will join me, again, when I return to these pages? Until then – let me have your thoughts and comments. Do be careful though in what you say. In the USA, I am told
there is a thing called NSA, and well…exercise caution, eh? Gulags come in many forms.
“Patriots love their country and its people, nationalists love their government and its laws.”
I would love to expatriate out of here (I am even working on getting a second, EU citizenship), but as a slave to student loan debt at age 50 I am unable to see away out, and it galls me because I see what these evil B@stards in DC are doing (BOTH parties) and I am powerless to escape them.
PS – I love the foam finger comment – so true it’s not even funny.
Dear Mark,
In the words of one of your former Presidents: “I feel your pain.”. Yes well, and for all that was worth then and now, I must add: “Obama gonna save us all!”, hmm?
As to the debt slavery of “Guaranteed Student Loans” – do you not think that that, debt slavery – was the point of the exercise? After all it does keep the “students” and “graduates” from rocking the boat, hmmm? There will be no more 1960′s rubbish from these …learners! You do, I am sure, realize that a goodly number of your …shall we call them ‘rights’(?) are tied to your continuing to honour your debt servitude to this social benefit. Ah how delightful Stephen Foster was: “Way down upon the Suwanee River…”, hmm?
Sometimes one must bite the bullet and get on with ones life, no?Best of luck and I hope you aren’t too abused by your …condition.
Uncle Timmie
Dear Uncle Timmie,
Thank you so much for this article. Americans unfortunately put up with all the unfreedoms we have here (that strangely only non-Americans seem to notice…) because our government and schools shoves down our throats since we are born that THE US IS THE BEST AND MOST FREE COUNTRY IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. I was in Germany, Austria, and Hungary in the Summer of 2009 and Spring of 2010 and I have seen first-hand that these countries grant their citizens way more freedom, protection, and rights, than American citizens could every dream of. At 22 years of age and obtaining my Master’s degree in preparation to moving to Europe, I think I am really beginning to see the horrors Americans gladly face every day.
I do love America and I am grateful to have been born here (although I do regret the fact that I was raised as a monolingual), but, like many others, I hate what it has become. I hope one day there will be many strong people who can try to change the way America is, but until then, I choose to leave. It may be the coward’s way out, but I refuse to tolerate any more of the injustices I face as an American citizen.
Thank you for driving home the points I take to heart. You may piss a lot of Americans off, but let them stay here and rot. Or maybe let them stay here so they will change it! I wish I were so brave and powerful, but I’m not, so I am running away to be a happy, successful, well-educated, and healthy citizen of a country that actually cares about its citizens.
So thank you again and please do not stop writing your articles. Good luck to you and I hope you inspire lots of Americans to find out the truth about their country…and do something about it.
Best wishes,
Caitlin
Dear Catlin,
Monolingualism…the American Dream, in another form,eh? You have the opportunity to remove yourself from this mess? Good. Take it and go. But,…do not forget that you can “do something” from where ever you are. If you are an American, i.e., a believer in the ideas and ideals of the concept/philosophy of America, you can effect change from where ever you may be. The choice is, of course, yours.
Glad to hear you are securing another citizenship – it may be that USA Government may try to re-patriate those citizens who have removed themselves from its boundaries before too long. Perhaps your other citizenship will, to some degree, protect you from this – it is to hoped.
Best of luck, and should you get to Lake Lugano in the winter…look for me down by the Lake. I’ll be the one with a copy of ‘The Consolation of Philosophy’ on my lap and a smile on my face.
Uncle Timmie
Uncle Timmie “Glad to hear you are securing another citizenship – it may be that USA Government may try to re-patriate those citizens who have removed themselves from its boundaries before too long.”
This is absolutely right! Just like the old iron curtain countries correctly saw their citizens labor as the source of their power so the US government has recognized this. If there is a run for the borders by wealthy Americans it is almost certain the reaction from congress would be legislation trying to prevent anyone else from leaving as well as trying to force those who have left to return.
Caitlin, I so envy you! I am alas too old to move to Europe now (with no money) and a little too young still to collect social security. By the time I do, it may not longer exist if many Americans have their way. Europe was my number-one dream and now I must only be there vicariously, through you and those like you. Onward! There will be many others after you.
Dear Anna,
Yes, isn’t it nice that Caitlin is fortunate enough to be able to leave? Hmm, fortunate enough…or planned enough? Is there some reason you cannot plan – now, to escape from this? I do not think so. But then, Uncle Timmie is prone to expect people to use their skills and abilities to step out of the way of a falling rock or a rabid dog. A failing on Uncle Timmie’s part do you think?
If you wait for the rabid dog to come your way …will you be any the younger? any the better able to escape? Hmmmm,, perhaps it would be best to begin now – for, now is when we have, eh?
All the best and do let me know if you decide.
Uncle Timmie
Dear Uncle Timmie,
Hope you are fine. I love reading your messages, they help me feel like there’s hope for freedom and humankind after-all.
Oh how I’ve missed you. Out of all my aunts and uncles, you are by far the only one who see the danger I am in by staying here in the USA. Everyone here thinks I’m crazy because I want to come and live in Switzerland like you. They think the USA is where real freedom and liberty is. I think they are nut’s or brain washed or something. Why they can’t (or just plain refuse to) see that they are nothing but slaves living on the plantation of their federal masters’ is beyond me. But every time I try to point this out, oh no, I’m looked upon as the crazy one.
How is Switzerland this time of year? Are you getting enough rest? Please take care of yourself, we wouldn’t want anything to happen to you, you mean to much to us. Everyone here is fine. Although I’m wanting to leave this place as soon as possible.
I want to start a business so I can make some money. But my real goal is to leave the USA for good. But I’m having a hard time making up my mind. You see, I’m afraid to start a business here. There are so many city, state and federal licenses and tax rules & regulations I need to learn and purchase. Then, it seems when I’m in business the heavy hand of government will be taking so much from my little enterprise that I’m afraid I will never get to keep enough of the money I earn to leave. They actually want me to pay them before I can leave.
Besides, I though being in business meant something. I feel like i’ll be doing all the work and the USA will getting all the benefits. I know this should not stop me from going into business, but its a big obstacle in my mind and is stopping me from just doing it. Maybe I am crazy…but I don’t feel crazy.
Listen at me just rambling on. I do wish we could spend more time together, you seem to have really cleared the hurtles out of your way. I don’t want to ponder about going into business, but it seems that as long as I stay in the USA I’m trapped in my head. I feel that once I begin doing business, i’ll be owned by the government. Good grief, I can’t believe it takes this much pondering about something as simple as going into business for yourself.
I guess I need your guidance more than ever now that every day the USA seems to be doing everything in its power to keep me locked down on this plantation…I mean to keep me as a productive citizen of the USA.
If you could see a way that I could come and visit, maybe just a few months, I could see how much better starting my business in Switzerland could be. That would be so wonderful, we can finally go fishing or hiking together. Have you been able to do much fishing lately? What are you doing for exercise these days? No matter, I’m sure there are plenty of activities there. I have a new camera and could just photograph all the beautiful mountains and fields.
Well that’s all for now. Give my best to everyone. I hope to see you sometime in the near future,
Your nephew,
Myron
thank you for your article.I left the US 5 years ago and will never return.The quality of life in Europe is a thousand times better.Outstanding health care,better food,better people,more humane,full of culture,way less violent.You are much more at ease here.I knew what was going to happen there,and trust me it will get worse.To all you people who want to escape,do it now while you can.