CoffeeCat
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:44 PM
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Do you know anyone who has left the US? |
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I was wondering if any DUers know anyone who has left the United States, solely because of what BushCo is doing to our country?
Have you ever contemplated leaving?
I might get flamed for this, but I must admit that I feel pretty unsettled about everything, and these feelings seem to worsen with time. We seem like we're headed in the direction of what was depicted in the movie "V".
In Gore Vidal's latest interview, he suggests that people leave for Canada and New Zealand until those in power are gone.
Thoughts?
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leftchick
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:46 PM
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1. Several DUers that I am aware of have relocated out of the country |
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I am trying desperately myself to do the same.
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CoffeeCat
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:49 PM
Response to Reply #1 |
5. I want to temporarily go too... |
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...but my husband would never go for it.
We just bought a house, etc, etc.
I feel unsafe.
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leftchick
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:55 PM
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8. I feel unsafe and worry for my young sons' fate |
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I have no problem exploring options outside the US. My husband has been reluctant to look into it until recently. Even he sees we are fucked now.
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a la izquierda
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Sun Jul-30-06 11:05 PM
Response to Reply #5 |
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about the husband not wanting to leave the US. mine won't, at least not permanently. i do hope that when he goes to europe in november that it might change his mind.
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Eric J in MN
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:47 PM
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2. Canada has a right-wing government, too. NT |
tuvor
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:51 PM
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6. More specifically, a minority right-wing government. |
Eric J in MN
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Mon Jul-31-06 08:00 AM
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30. Since right-wingers are in charge, what's the difference? NT |
jody
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:49 PM
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3. IMO to leave would be admitting defeat. I'll stay and fight! |
union_maid
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:49 PM
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4. I know one lesbian couple who left |
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I guess that was more due to the RW in general than just Bush. They moved to Toronto. No kids, professionals with good prospects, so it wasn't that hard to emigrate, I guess.
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Cobalt-60
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:53 PM
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I decided after the uncontested election steal of 2004 that I would move if I could. The constitution appeared to be dead. I have no use for Authority and all the authorities around me know it. That 4AM raid is probably just a matter of time under the Nazi-Patriot act. I do have 50 points for New Zealand. Canada appears to be in danger of falling into Fascist hands. Unfortunately one of the first things they did was break my rice bowl. The entire telecom/IT job market disappeared, forever. The chump change I earn now is insufficient for a total relocation.
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marmar
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:58 PM
Response to Original message |
9. I know a gay couple that emigrated to Canada... |
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Edited on Sun Jul-30-06 11:00 PM by marmar
They're living in Toronto now and couldn't be happier, even though they've got their own neocon in charge of the country now. As for me leaving the country, my instincts are to stay here and fight against this death cult that is ruining America. But, in all honesty, if the next elections go badly, I'm going to more than casually entertain the idea of heading to Canada, the Netherlands or Denmark.
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driver8
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Sun Jul-30-06 10:58 PM
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10. I was talking with a very good friend of mine about this just this morning |
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We get together on Sundays for breakfast and try to solve the problems of the world. (We also talk music, guitars, and women.)
Anyhow, we have always joked about moving to the Azores and opening an Italian restaurant for the tourists. Today, he told me that he is seriously thinking of leaving and has started doing some research. I told him that I was thinking the same thing.
It is not just our government that gets me, though. It is also the stupid right wing punditry and the idiots that believe (and regurgitate) the bullshit that they are spoon fed. I am sick of listening to an ignorant president and his equally ignorant supporters.
So if any of you make it to the Azores, come eat at the finest Italian restaurant around!!
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uppityperson
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Sun Jul-30-06 11:00 PM
Response to Original message |
11. I know someone who did. |
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Edited on Sun Jul-30-06 11:01 PM by uppityperson
They thought about living in another country for a while, moved a couple yrs ago as they felt the time was right to go. I can understand wanting to do so, I can understand doing so, I can understand not doing so. We each have to make up our own minds and it is a tough decision. Many countries allow dual citizenship. All my ancestors immigrated, most due to politics.
Edited to ask, wasn't "V" about those big guineapig creatures who ate people?
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RaleighNCDUer
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Mon Jul-31-06 12:32 AM
Response to Reply #11 |
22. Re "V", actually it was lizard people who snacked on guineapigs. |
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OP is thinking "V For Vendetta", I think.
OTOH, if my country was taken over by guineapig eating lizard aliens, I might consider emigrating. And I can't see a picture of Condi without thinking of 'V'.
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uppityperson
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Mon Jul-31-06 11:08 AM
Response to Reply #22 |
35. That is right, thank you |
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went to bed worried about those giant guinea pigs, didn't make sense.
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TomInTib
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Sun Jul-30-06 11:01 PM
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12. A group of us here (Marin) are outta here... |
readmoreoften
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Mon Jul-31-06 01:29 AM
Response to Reply #12 |
26. I'd like to go to Costa Rica. I need all the info I can get. |
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I've been trying to get some 1st hand accounts of the process. If you have any information please PM me or respond. Thanks! :hi:
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ForrestGump
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Sun Jul-30-06 11:02 PM
Response to Original message |
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Edited on Sun Jul-30-06 11:02 PM by ForrestGump
In 2001. But it wasn't solely because of the coup...that was definitely a bonus, though, and before I left for my overseas position I turned down a Federal one because I would have had to stick to the official line even when I knew it was wrong. Came back to the US in 2004.
I've since kept the idea of leaving open as a possibility, for more than one reason -- I can legally live and work in at least two other countries as it is, without any paperwork necessary or a job already waiting for me and visas all set up, and travel on my other passport.
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enid602
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Sun Jul-30-06 11:12 PM
Response to Original message |
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I plan to move to Argentina, and live for a decade or so on the proceeds of the house. Still, I'd have to leave my 401K here (peanlties, income taxes aggregating 40% would have to be paid should I withdraw it now), and that is unsettling.
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radwriter0555
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Sun Jul-30-06 11:30 PM
Response to Reply #15 |
18. Roll your 401K into one you can control the investments of; I did that |
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with my CAL PERS funds. I've laid it up in global securities funds that are very conservative and safe, a falling US dollar fund and an emerging markets fund that specialized in South American growth.
You sound like you have a good plan. Are you going to lay back for a while and see what kind of small business you can develop there to generate income down the road?
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enid602
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Mon Jul-31-06 09:17 AM
Response to Reply #18 |
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My 401K (actually it's now an IRA) is 55% in non-dollar stock and bond mutual funds, so I'm not really worried about the dollar falling. I am, however concerned about living in one country, and having my investments in another with an uncertain future. I imagine a lot of people would be in the same situation. Argentina is a good, cheap place for retirees to live, but wages are low.
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kaygore
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Sun Jul-30-06 11:24 PM
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16. I know several that have left and many who own land and plan to leave |
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I even have a friend who was a rabid Republican and during the Clinton years argued with me constantly. Her husband is Swiss. Because of Bush, they plan to leave the U.S. and relocate to Switzerland.
Other countries that my friends have moved to or have land and/or a house and plan to leave the U.S. are New Zealand, the U.K., several to Costa Rico, several to Panama, a couple to Canada, one (a highly regarded researcher) to Taiwan ... I can't think where else.
What the main stream media has not bothered to report is that we have a real brain drain going on in this country and we are attracting fewer international students and scientists.
This is truly the New American Century, a century of our decline.
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radwriter0555
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Sun Jul-30-06 11:26 PM
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17. I did. And as each day passes I'm ever assured in my choice. |
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My crystal ball for the future of the USA is very grim.
My investments at this point are designed to ride out the pending economic collapse without losing my IRAs and pension gains. I don't believe I'll actually profit, but my funds should be safe at least.
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madrchsod
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Sun Jul-30-06 11:54 PM
Response to Original message |
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but i`d go to sweden or france or maybe both if i knew then what i know now. but i`m stuck here so i`ll keep on truck`n on down the road and i will keep fighting for a better america before i reach my journey`s end...
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OneBlueSky
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Mon Jul-31-06 12:20 AM
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20. yeah, my niece . . . she's serving in Iraq at the moment . . . n/t |
RaleighNCDUer
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Mon Jul-31-06 12:26 AM
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21. There have been several hundred thousand who have left the |
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US because of what *co is doing.
Fortunately, most come home alive.
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skip fox
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Mon Jul-31-06 12:41 AM
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23. I knw two highly intelligent poets with PhDs who have left (Canada, Japan) |
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because of our policies and backasswardedness. They weren't DU, but they were friends.
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wickerwoman
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Mon Jul-31-06 12:48 AM
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It wasn't solely because of Bush- I've always wanted to live abroad- but it sure gave me a kick in the pants. I left mostly because I didn't want my tax dollars going to support the war in Iraq. Unfortunately, the only place I could find a job that would let me pay off student loans was in China... But I've paid everything off now and am looking to move somewhere in Eastern Europe.
I know five or six professors who left my university and took teaching positions overseas (in France, Japan, Ireland, etc.) in the year or two after 9/11.
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BrotherBuzz
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Mon Jul-31-06 01:22 AM
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25. Two BIL's have increased their overseas living in the last six years... |
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Edited on Mon Jul-31-06 01:30 AM by BrotherBuzz
One increased his adventures from three to over six months a year, while the other easily exceeds nine months out of the year. The first one is focused on an island off Panama, while the other one (coincidently, an avid reader of Vidol :shrug:) has slowly but progressively moved farther into the Ecuadorian rainforest each year. Both plan to retire with fancy titles of 'ex-patriot' and both have offered us an opportunity to join them when our child is grown. With the way things are going, it is becoming more and more appealing every month.
In the meantime, we have a midterm election to focus on!
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cyclezealot
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Mon Jul-31-06 01:37 AM
Response to Original message |
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Edited on Mon Jul-31-06 01:39 AM by cyclezealot
We now live in ROussillon department of the South of France. Can't say it was all George BUsh. But, a significant factor. Here you are safer more secure. People live life as it was meant to be. The pursuit of happiness. I think it is because Europeans have a degree of social security; makes them more normal. Friendlier, enjoying life. We no longer sense that suburban hostility one senses in the USA's sterile suburbs. And to add topping to the cake, we find expenses (utilities)about 40% of what they cost in California. And we know for sure, Healthcare if far better. Another reason we left, my wife's treatment during cancer treatments by our HMO. Escape before their gatekeepers kill you.
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radwriter0555
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Mon Jul-31-06 09:37 AM
Response to Reply #27 |
34. Hi other expats! I met another US couple last month who left last fall, |
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and ended up here in Cannes as well. He's a reporter and she's a lawyer, and does contract legal work for US corps via the net. It's working out pretty well so far for them.
I hope your move went well and that you're settling in. Have you found Angloinfo.com yet? good site that's very handy.
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BooScout
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Mon Jul-31-06 03:35 AM
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I left America for several reasons.
I can't say it was all because of Bush, but yes he played a big part in it. First the Bush/Gore election and our right to elect a president taken away from us and then when Bush won re-election it confirmed to me that America was not the same place I grew up in. The exremists in religion and politics taking over have effectively destroyed the American Dream for me.
We are now living in the beautiful valleys of SE Wales, UK. Since my husband is British, we had always planned to move back to his 'home' and later on maybe move on to Spain when we are ready to retire. Bush sped up our plans by about 5 years in moving here.
I have to say, that right now I don't have much faith in the Democrats 'fixing' America if and when they regain power. The events of recent weeks with America's blind support for Israel (as opposed to understanding there are two (or three or four) sides to the situation has confirmed my suspicions that it just isn't the Republicans that is wrong with America. No country is perfect mind you, but for us America is not an option any more.
I watched in horror as the WTC fell to the ground in 2001. I knew driving home from work in the middle of the day, through a deserted ghostown of downtown Atlanta on 9/11 that my life had changed forever. I knew that it would change America, but I never could have predicted that fear would so grip the country that it would change so much. Civil liberties eroded, religious zealots in control of steering the government, Democrats afraid to speak their minds and when they do being railroaded from office. A new world order. Ugly.
I'm happier here in Wales.....but a sadness comes over me sometimes of what we all have lost.
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earth mom
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Mon Jul-31-06 04:07 AM
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29. Hubby and I talked about it today... |
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We're thinking of moving to Canada with hubby getting a job transfer next to the US/Canada border, so that he can keep his decent paying job (and good pension) here in the states, while we actually live in Canada. However, the whole thing would take about a year to pull off (approval and implementation) so we're still on the fence because it's really just overwhelming to think of actually leaving. Which surprises me because leaving has been uppermost in my mind since the stolen election of '04. But idealist that I am, I had instead hoped that a hero like RFK Jr., Conyers or Gore would save us all from the evil * cabal and we'd all live happily ever after.
Umm...Not gonna happen!
And the reality is that it's probably much later than any of us think... :scared:
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datasuspect
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Mon Jul-31-06 08:01 AM
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31. i have no special love for this country |
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if i had the funds, i'd definitely leave. we are treated like children in this country.
much rather live somewhere where they have legal (or semi-legal) grass and tits on teevee. but i am easily mollified.
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sinkingfeeling
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Mon Jul-31-06 09:27 AM
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33. Planning on moving to Donegal, Ireland in 3 years for retirement. |
deaniac21
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Mon Jul-31-06 11:56 AM
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36. I would be nice to go somewhere in europe where everyone |
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isn't so obsessed with bathing and shaving!
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Greyhound
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Mon Jul-31-06 12:00 PM
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37. I know 3 that have left and about a dozen, including us that are making |
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Edited on Mon Jul-31-06 12:01 PM by greyhound1966
arrangements as fast as possible. If you've followed real estate prices in Costa Rica, Panama, etc. it becomes clear that enough are bailing to impact these countries significantly.
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sweetheart
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Tue Aug-01-06 01:18 PM
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I did it in the late 90's as it seems we all have different temperatures where our lobster-brains are saying to get out of the heating water.
Ya can't do anything about all the persons you love stateside, and leaving is a sort of death, that everything in my life that happened before leaving suddenly became irrelevant. And only in retrospect would i say i left of the rising tide of the nazi takeover, but it was that fascist tide that drive me offshore.
Maybe some people handle a hard-patriarchy state better, but it was extremely abrasive, IMO, and i much prefer the social subtlety of britain, its functioning (still, however much eroded by the blair hackers) democracy, and respect for elderly persons, that culture is not embraced around the latest tight belly button to wow the cameras.
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