"Had an old friend, we used to be real close / Said he couldn't go on the American way..."
By any objective measure, Reagan's trickle-down economics has been a disaster for America's economy ... but there's one facet of Reaganomics that, while it has cost America her industrial base and perhaps millions of jobs, has benefited my family and me in a way I didn't expect. Unfortunately, few Americans have the opportunity I do.…
Article comments
76 - Glenn Contrarian
Cindy -
One, you're right in that their business regulation is almost nonexistent. Furthermore, they have to heavily tax imports because they don't have a reliable system of collecting taxes from individuals or companies within the country. They do have a VAT, a 'value-added-tax', which if properly implemented, is a good system. However, in a place like the Philippines, enforcement of such is problematic.
Again, that is a Republican paradise, where there is little or no effective tax on the individuals or companies...and as a result, the civil servants (police, firefighters, government functionaries) wind up being corrupt because it's very difficult to earn enough money honestly there on a government paycheck.
Two, in reality it's no different from here - if you don't pay your property tax here in America, what happens? The government takes possession of it. So in reality, how is ownership of land here in America really ownership at all? All ownership is here is rental with extended benefits...
...unless you live in a state that allows land to be 'homesteaded'...in which case (if I understand it correctly) the government will only take over your property if they need to enforce 'eminent domain'.
77 - roger nowosielski
"there is little or no effective tax on the individuals or companies..."
So the upper classes have everybody else by the balls. Indeed, a Republican paradise.
78 - bliffle
Glenn worries:
"I've got to find something worthwhile to keep me busy there, or the same will likely happen to me."
It's a good time to indulge your hobbies, especially if they involve outdoor activity like walking and hiking, and natural life like native flowers, bugs and insects, etc. Everywhere in the world there are happy clubby friendly groups that have such hobbies. The people are fun and friendly, and they are easy to find. The best might be the Bird watchers.
79 - pablo
Glenn 76
"So in reality, how is ownership of land here in America really ownership at all? All ownership is here is rental with extended benefits..."
That is why the legal term is fee simple, as opposed to allodial.
80 - roger nowosielski
Gosh, Pablo. You had me check the Wikipidia. These are feudal terms in origin. You're a sharp cookie.
81 - pablo
Roger,
Yep they are feudal in origin, which is exactly where we are heading back to again. The same is also true about automobiles. Fact is the state owns our ass, but most americans are too buck ass stupid to even have a clue about it. Just as most americans think that our god given rights come from the constitution when in point of fact they are actually constitutional guarantees. I was born free, whether or not a particular government recognizes the obvious does not change the fact that I was born free. I take my refuge in the almighty.
I am still wondering about your take on the illuminati book Roger. Any thoughts?
82 - roger nowosielski
Didn't get to it yet, Pablo. Was too depressed about my present situation here until I've heard from you and Glenn about Philippines. It was like a shot in the arm for me, reigniting my belief in the future. I will get to it soon.
83 - bliffle
US Retirees have employed their SS benefit for retirement in cheap foreign countries for a long long time.
As you see, a retiree with the max SS benefit (which is around $2200/month) can live well in most foreign countries. You just can't live at all, probably, in NYC or SF. So move.
Some countries offer special Visa/Passport privileges to US citizens who can show a regular income of a certain size, such as SS, sometimes called "retirado" or "pensionada" or some such name. Many countries LIKE to attract US citizens with regular income.
With an SS benefit, even as little as about $700 you can live nicely in such foreign countries.
Always fight in defense of Social Security and be vigilant to prevent privatization (which would make the fund evaporate). Do not believe the crap that some idiots put out that SS will be broke. Not at all. It will be there for you but you must be vigilant.
84 - roger nowosielski
You're telling me, bliffle. Of course. I would be a pauper without Social Security. I worked for it and I earned it.
It's good to know about "special preference," as you called, for people with fixed but guaranteed income. I intend to pursue it.
I'd rather stay in US if at all possible, but would need at least $100 extra weekly net income to be comfortable enough. Right now my sister pays for my apartment here (only $450.00 a month), but the utilities (like electric, sanitation and the Internet) add up to another $200.00. My car insurance and installments for the car I bought from her - you've got to have one here - is another $190.00 Still paying $100.00 for storage in California, not to mention fees for my weblog, and Sirius Internet Radio (no stations here); so it leaves me with little or no money for gas, cigarettes and liquor now and then. (Food stamps help). The worst part is, I'm five hundred in the hole - advance vs direct deposit - for which they also charge me $100.00 a month, not to mention a $39.00 fee for every overdraft.
Sorry for this long sob story, but I feel relieved just to put it down on paper.
85 - Glenn Contrarian
Roger -
Among the countries in Asia, the Philippines is probably the easiest to transition to. Of course there's Australia that has an easy immigration policy, but it all depends on what you're looking for.
Also, you might check out Central America - specifically Costa Rica. I remember reading there's a large expat community there.
In any case you'll undergo a significant culture shock, but IMO you'll do fine in either the Philippines or Costa Rica.
bliffle -
I understand what you mean about hobbies, but for myself it's teaching and/or writing, hopefully both because I do enjoy helping people in difficult situations. I think it's not what one does, but what one gives that is more important.
86 - STM
We probably need more skilled migrants, and right now, Australia might be the most multicultural nation in the world (one in every four Aussies was born somewhere else) but the government isn't making it easy anymore courtesy of the global financial crisis. They are shutting the doors a bit in terms of numbers.
The other problem with Australia for potential migrants is that it's one of the world's most expensive countries.
$A100,000 a year won't get you that far in most places.
The government recently worked out that in Sydney at least, a household income of $A150,000 a year (about $US110,000, although that rate really only counts on the currency exchange markets) doesn't necessarily put you in the doing OK category - but, depending on a range of factors like mortgage payments and commuting costs, rather just - just - on the very edge of almost comfortable.
Mind you, if you're looking for a great lifestyle, living outside the big cities presents great opportunities in a warm climate for both lower-cost housing and sea-change or tree-change retirement.
Plus, it's one of the world's most stable democracies, and safe.
But like I say, getting through the door will be the drama right now. There's no special dispensation for anyone, and the queue is very long.
87 - roger nowosielski
Yes, Glenn. I would miss the Americans, as much as pain in the ass they can all be (myself included). There's just a certain sense of energy which comes with most every interaction and I'm so used to it. Besides, we've got all cultures and ethnic backgrounds to fill in the picture.
I was most fortunate indeed having lived the last thirty years in the Bay Area, and multi-culturalism (however much I bitched about it at times) has grown on me. I'd really have a difficulty living in a homogeneous community, however nice and sweet. There's something about the American experience which bring all those qualities to light - no other country like it. Not even Europe. The UK would probably come the closest.
So yes, my heart would be broken; and I'll do what I can to stabilize my situation here and hope for the best. And thanks for your support.
Roger
88 - roger nowosielski
Are you kidding me, STM? Over $100,000 a year and you're still in the "undesirable" category? Who in the hell makes that kind of money?
89 - STM
It's nothing to do with being undesireable. They're not going to keep you out because of that, Rog.
Hopefully, as a skilled migrant, you'd be getting a job and earning decent money sdo it's nothing to do with what you earn elsewhere.
It's just the amount you need as a household income to live in some parts of this country.
$100,000 isn't regarded as a big income in Australia ... again, depending on where you live, of course.
Example: The average family-sized sedan in Australia will cost you $30,000-$35,000.
Wages here are generally high, including for blue-collar workers, but the cost of living is high too.
Therein lies the conundrum.
90 - roger nowosielski
Well, I've got a cousin in Sydney, so I may as well inquire.
91 - bliffle
Costa Rica is a wonder. Most people speak English, they have no army, people have a work ethic and education is REALLY important. There were 30 pages of schools in the San Jose yellow pages, and there are many many night schools. If you can teach you may have an advantage.
But Costa Rica cut back on their 'retirado' plan, which required only a $600/month income. They got enough retirados to cut the program down.
I think Panama is most favored now.
92 - Dr Dreadful
Then again, there are large areas of Australia where - if of course you have the knowhow - you can live quite serviceably on an income of precisely $0.
93 - STM
Well, yes ... as long as you know how to find water, which of nature's fruits and vegies won't poison you, and can catch and kill your own dinner. (Kangaroo makes mighty good eatin', but they're hard to hit with a spear).
Alternatively, you can live in a beach shack on the far north coast, grow your own vegies, catch your own fish and sign on the dotted line for the federal government's fully funded "I just want to spend my life surfing and not working" program.
Also known in Australia as "The Dole".
Not a good idea to put either of those on your immigration application form, however.
94 - Dr Dreadful
Have wetsuit, will arsesit.
95 - STM
Almost Doc ... you don't need a Wettie on the far north coast.
A simple rash vest will do. It's still nice and warm in the water up there over winter, mostly, and as you know, winter can almost be better than summer weather wise.
I might head up there meself!
96 - Dr Dreadful
That's as maybe, but you've mentioned previously your misgivings about Queenslanders being a bit bananas.
I've still got the image burned into my retinas of the bloke I saw in Cairns walking around in what appeared to be a pair of women's pyjama shorts. Put me right off my crocodile kebab.
I'm not a fan of shorts at the best of times - even living where I do where summer temps can top 40 Celsius for weeks on end - although I did acquire my favorite pair at a Target in Hobart. You Aussies do seem to have mastered the art of the garment when it comes to geezers wearing them. They come down below the knees, thus concealing the most unattractively hairy parts of the Dreadful legs, whilst still being gratifyingly lightweight and cool.
97 - STM
We knows our shorts here Doc. I've got a pair of long floral print boardies on as we speak - from Country Road! No Target shorts for me mate ...
Forget Queensland, though, Doc ... I'm talking about the far north coast of New South Wales.
It's close to the same temperature as south-eastern queensland. But the pace of life is waaay less frenetic than that long, long, endless, neon-lit skinny mega-metropolis that is the BrisVegas coastal strip running from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast.
In fact, even if you live near the Queensland/NSW border - you never need to cross it going north!
My wife insists we do, however, when we're up the far north coast for holidays as she's a mad Queenslander (and gets really excited as we drive across the state line), like most of the rest of my family.
Bad organisation on my part, eh?
On a stinking hot humid 30C night, the kind favoured by large and hungry mosquitoes, she will sleep with a doona (don't know the American for that) on the bed and complain that it's cold.
In Thailand, she sneakily turned the room aircon up to 28C/30C. Madness.
Each and every one of them is affected by the heat and has had their brains fried at some point.
Quite simply, white anglo-celtic folks were never meant to live in the tropics or on the edge of the tropics. Capricorn has much to answer for.
I'm happy with sub-tropical.
98 - jamminsue
Hey, all of you - remember those economic rules - after a downturn the next great killer of economies is Capital Flight. Here is an example and no one seems to have noticed.
Regan as savior? Trickle-down economy? When he first publicly said those words it was clear to me he did not like the taste of them and seemed a little embarrassed. He broke unions. Deregulated the S&L's that worked out real good, remember? Ask anyone in Houston Real Estate during that time. As someone mentioned, took whole classes of disabled people from the SSI budget, creating a new set of homeless people. Local governments took up new costs in emergency rooms - all the mentally ill people that were cut loose with no other safety net, firemen to try to keep them alive in emergency situations and police to watch over them. Also part of the federal budget redirection was the federal hot lunch program in elementary schools calling Ketchup a Veggie. Here we are with a child obesity problem that is because of processed foods. All that money and borrowings went to pay for more nukes for his big play of "Chicken" with the Soviet Union. It sort of worked, but at what cost to the US and Russia? Oh, yeah and Star Wars, that was a big success, too? I seem to remember high unemployment and tent cities under the I-5 Bridge and other places in Seattle. I was stuck in a dead-end, abusive job and waited over two years to secure a new job. Those were the golden years....not.
99 - pablo
RE the above post:
Not to mention Iran-Contra, for which Reagan should have been impeached. Not only were his boys importing cocaine to finance an illegal war that was forbidden by the Boland Act, he was trading arms for hostages, and making arrangements for the american hostages in Iran to be released in time for his assuming the presidency. Reagan spelled the beginning of the end for the American republic, and many of his cohorts were intimately involved with Bush the seconds illegal acts as well. Such luminaries as Richard Armitage, John (Total Information Awareness)Poindexter, Elliot Abrahms, and John Negroponte come to mind.