USA, painted in shades of dark
Speaking from the Washington, DC region: I see some truth in this. A fair amount. But this article is much more "grim" than "truth".
Maybe the author of this piece would see me as "part of the enemy." I worked 36 years as a cartographer (map maker) for the Federal government; now I'm retired with the old Civil Service pension and FedGov health benefits. I bought a house I could afford, and paid off all my debts before I even applied for retirement. So I'm feeling pretty comfortable.
The USA has borne some heavy responsibilities in the world. From 1947 to 1990, there was that Cold War thing, right? There was an honest fear, certainly through into the 1970s or so, that the Soviet Bloc was out to conquer the "Free World," and the USA was put into the position of "The World's Policeman" through those years and after. Let's not carp about how the USA may have misused our armed forces in recent years, please.
Divisiveness among our people? Maybe so, but I doubt if it's worse than many other countries. Our politics appear more deeply-divided, but I'd doubt if they actually ARE. Our media are talking up our divisiveness, and there is a tussle between CBS/NBC/CNN and the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Fox News. If a country doesn't have similar mudslinging between media outlets, maybe their media is being controlled to suppress it.
Political corruption? Our legislators are heavily addicted to pork. Just as our people are heavily addicted to consumerism.
Would the USA have such a massive problem with "illegal immigration" if it weren't still regarded as the Land Of Opportunity? Okay, "opportunity" is a crapshoot, here as everywhere. But how many countries have the "opportunity" sewn up so heavily by the top fortunate well-connected few, that nobody outside The Circle stands a chance?
[i]Now for a qualifying remark:[/i] I have visited outside the USA, for trips and travels up to three weeks long. I have not [i]lived[/i] outside the USA for any extended periods. I have not tried to use the government services of any other country, save the post offices. Some of my travel was official US Government business, teaching some specialty cartography courses to allies' mapping institutes. This gave me the privilege of working with colleagues in these other countries, and I know it left me in "special status" (not quite diplomat, but awfully close).
I have observed some things I really like about other countries. And one country started me thinking seriously of emigrating when I retire - not because I saw it as "more free" or "less intimidating" than my homeland, but for economic and "informal society" reasons. To wit, my pension would go further, I could have a nicer home in a more attractive neighborhood than I could afford here in the USA, and with my money and "exotic" status I'd be more likely to have some success with the local chicas.
There's a factor about the USA that the article doesn't address - that is, the feminist-militant social culture prevalent in my neighborhood area. I feel like I'm walking into a minefield if I "chat up" a woman I find attractive. I don't get that feeling in South America. That may have been caused, in its way, by the FedGov; but it was more "unintended consequence" than "intended result of policy". Nevertheless, it makes my life in the USA less fulfilling than it could be in a more "feminine-friendly" culture, if that makes sense.
Summary: I do indeed see some of the described problems, in my homeland the USA, but I don't see them in as stark dark terms as they're portrayed in this article. Nevertheless, there are countries other than the USA in which I believe I'd find my life would be more enjoyable. Therefore I am planning to emigrate, I am visiting more "candidate countries," and I am putting my affairs and "stuff" in order to make the move smooth when I figure out where I'm going to go.
[QUOTE=Sprite13]And would like our American friends in here to comment and give their views on the points raised there:
[url]http://americathegrimtruth.wordpress.com/[/url][/QUOTE]
Making Babies in Latin America
Guys, I want to have a kid or two, but I live in the USA and have no desire to have any with an American woman and subject myself (in my mid-forties) to the vagaries of USA courts and having all my limited (but not inconsequential) wealth hijacked. I really think Latinas are phenomenal after visiting the region regularly for 15 years. When I say this it is not because I am a self-hating gringo or that I find American women unattractive. (I love the US and think American women can be very sexy.) But I think that our culture has lost its way (I'll spare you my reasons why.) Do any of you have any kids in Latin America? I am serious and would like to hear about your (not fake) experiences. (I have been to the DR, Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia. I think the non-pro women in these countries are great, but am open to other countries in the region. I am also a lapsed Catholic; nevertheless I would prefer a woman of the same faith as I am familiar with it.) Please share any insights and real-life experiences and spare me gratuitous judgments of me.
Thanks gents.