Ever think of moving to a different country?

[Cosmo_ac]

well, how quickly you get a specialist depends on a lot of stuff. Ie, my brother got his finger almost severed, and got to see a hand/finger specialist within the same week.

Here is something else though,i don;t know if Michale moore Touched on it or not, but because the Canadian government covers so much of the medical expenses, companies have more money to give employies in the way of medical benefis such as dental or eye care, and a good deal of drug expenses.

 

[Bugman]

but no system is perfect

You are spot on there Cosmo,choice is the best option for those that can do so.There must be a safety net for those who cannot provide for themselves.The problem is the people who wil not try to provide for themselves.And that seems to be all to common in my opinion.

 

[Cosmo_ac]

i agree bugs, and truth be told, this is one of those rare instances in where i believe the conservatives are right on the subject and that we should have two-tier medical systems. However,we have to do it very carefully.

But i don;t want to turn this into a thread about health care 😉

 

[Bugman]

But i don;t want to turn this into a thread about health care

Nor do i.😀 Thanks my friend.I dont mean to hijack either.

 

[nowayjose]

There're a few things to consider:

* do you have at least a basic grasp of the language and are willing (and able) to learn it well? Many people in non-English speaking countries speak some degree of English but the woman in the bakery or the guy giving you a parking ticket might not. It's also questionable why you'd want to live in a society where you don't even speak the language (or plan to).

* do you know what to expect from the local customs and culture and do you think you can blend in comfortably? Some are quite different (for example, Japan, or Asia in general).

* can you handle being a foreigner? European and Asian countries are much more homogenous than America. This doesn't mean the local population will reject you (although be prepared that some will) but you'll probably be acutely aware that you're, well, a foreigner. Living in big cities can alleviate that a bit although I think integration works faster in smaller towns.

and then there're practical issues, like not moving to a different country if you haven't secured a job there already, unless you are financially independent, of course.

 

[drew70]

When I was 19, I thought I was tired of Rockville, tired of Maryland, and tired of the USA. I had the "This place sucks" blues big time, and wanted to get out. I joined the Army. Let me tell you, living overseas for 2.5 years cured that shitty attitude better than penicillin. When I got home, I fell to my knees and thanked God Almighty for the wonderful country and home I'd taken for granted.

When I retire, it's possible I may live in South America with my inlaws, but more than likely we'll just look for someplace cheap to live in the US.

 

[zepp3320]

i have been living in holland for 4 years. the transtition for me wasn't very difficult, but i had a job lined up which obviously helps tremendously. without a foreign language your choices are limited, english speaking countries and northern europe where nearly all people speak english fluently.

 

[tkrexx]

I have seen many places on this planet while living my life as an American. I'm earning good money at very stable employment, own a home and 3 vehicles, raised one Son (Who has given me a Granddaughter born in Canada) and currently raising a young Daughter. I want to stress my life was NOT always this good. I've lived the American Nightmare also. Stuck at the bottom of the socio-economic food chain as a single Father. It's about as ugly as things get in this country, as even illegal immigrants are hired in front of you. In contrast, I've also seen the bottom class of other countries around the world. In India, if you're born to the bottom "Caste," you don't/can't/won't ever leave it. Period. Make all the money you can, you're still "Untouchable." I've seen the wrenching poverty in Mexico, Nicaragua and the Philippines. I'd rather be poor in America. Or better yet, the UK or Canada. There is far less stigma with better allowances for the poor.

Like Ann, I believe this country has been lost to us. Politicians are bought and paid for before they are even elected. The Gov't's creed is divide and conquer the people. Pit Blacks against Whites against Latinos against Asians against Natives against women against men against poor against rich against middle-class and at times against foreign influence/terrorism. If we can't agree, we can't vote the rascals out.

Like Zod and Denver, I served proudly in our Armed Forces, and so is my Son. And also like Denver, I work about 60 hours a week, and quite frankly I'm tired. What galls me the most is the fact that after all I have done for this country and myself, I will doubtfully be able to retire. And if I do retire, I'll likely do so under the poverty level or else continue working a part-time job. I know SO many retirees, including my Mother, who are spending their retirement years working. Worse still, I know many also who have worked themselves into the grave, or out of health, thus spending a few years on retirement in and out of the hospital, before they die. I refuse to put my faith in Social Security. IF it's still here when I retire, I doubt it will be to the standard it is today, which is sub-standard.

I've known many people who have retired outside the U.S. There are retirement communities in the Carribean, Mexico, the Philippines and other countries, most in Latin America. Sometime in his first term, our illustrious President and (At the time) Republican Congress took it upon themselves to discourage this retirement scheme (Amongst the people, of course, while many Congressmen have an official status as foreign citizens to avoid paying taxes) by passing laws stating Medicaid is no longer available to those who retire outside the U.S. Google it for the specifics.

I have already taken steps to avoid at least SOME of the woes that will plague future retirees more than today's retirees. Yes, I plan on retiring overseas, and on retiring early, just so I can taste at least some of what Social Security there is left. We have purchased properties and built a house in the Philippines, and made substantial private investments. An early retirement income will be more than enough to provide at least the standard of living I have today without having to tolerate winter. Of course, there IS typhoon season... There are already many Americans, Canadians, and Europeans living there full-time. With my military background I am afforded Veterans health benefits, tho anything major will require a trip back to the States. And...Get this, you Parents...My Daughter can attend a PRIVATE TOP-QUALITY UNIVERSITY that American companies recruit from for next to nothing. (So much for that $200,000 bill! )

Please understand, I AM a Patriot, but this Gov't says we're in "A World economy," our corporations would rather hire foreigners, and the cost for the very same products (including gasoline) are cheaper by far in so-called "Third-World" countries. Our Gov't has failed us. Purposely. And until we can pull ourselves together, there's nothing any ONE of us can do. Why can't I take advantage of what I've worked for in the best economic way?