Are US expats also insane about politics?

[ptrichmondmike]

Man, I can't even turn on the TV anymore -- so much political vitriol coming from all sides, it is just sickening and has shaken my faith in our democracy. What's the climate like down there? Are gringos as polarized as all the nutcases up here insisting that civilization will crumble if they don't get everythng they want?

[chicois8]

In Mexico at this time most all folks know the winner of the presidential election will be the candidate from the PRI party.........

[ptrichmondmike]

Originally Posted by chicois8

In Mexico at this time most all folks know the winner of the presidential election will be the candidate from the PRI party.........

Yes, well...I was referring to expats and US politics.

I have no opinions on Mexican politics (that I'd care to share) and I understand that political involvement is a no-no for expats.

[johnmex]

I ignore US politics.

[FHBOY]

(Still not a Mexican resident but an opinion):

I suppose there are political people no matter where you go/live. The question is: is it a part of their daily lives and does it cause a polarizing rift [US politics, that is]? From what I have observed in Mexico and here on the Forum, it does not seem to figure in as much. Maybe it is the old adage learned from our parents, do not discuss religion or politics...maybe it is because there is so much more to living than politics and those who choose to leave do not want that any longer.

Let me add another discussion point. While there are political discussions going on, I would bet that they are more respectful than what we are bombarded with in the media in the US, and on political blogs and news blogs. Maybe that comes from the separation from the immediate consequences, altho no US citizen living abroad is immune to what goes on in the US government.

By the time we reach Mexico to begin our new chapter, there will be a new President either Obama or Romney, new proportions in the Legislature (probably) and the changing of traditional values/assessments/etc in the US. While it will interest me, it not something that will be a part of my daily life, the media bombardment. I am sure I will discuss politics with the people I meet in Mexico, but I will not be affected by 75% of it, it is more of a respectful academic discussion (excepting Social Security, Medicare etc - being of a "certain age"). Will I need to take sides? No...whatever they do in Washington will be viewed at a distance.

Now...if I learn enough Spanish - there is a whole treasure trove of Mexican politics to get into...hopefully I'll learn enough Spanish before I get to the "Z" in Alzheimers !

[joelpb]

In Mexico when the party changes so do all the jobs. When they talk about control
that what is here.

I exited the US and the idiotic politicians there a long time ago. I don't participate, don't vote, and DON'T COMPLAIN about any of it. I do get kind of bent out of shape whenever somebody starts talking about "red and blue" or "conservatives and liberals" or related political crapola here (not on this forum, but here in MX). It's "exit, stage right" the minute I hear any of that. Who gives a rat's Axx??? Politicians are all cut from the same bolt of cloth.

Here's something I cannot figure out though: I have a Canadian friend who must send me 6 or 8 e-mails a day, and all involve either Obama slams or some conspiracy theory. Before Obama, it was nothing but Bush slams. This friend is Canadian, has never lived in the US, has no ties to the US, doesn't invest in the US, but parrots whatever he's reading/watching, which I'm guessing is exclusively Fox News and the Conspiracy channel with that knucklehead ex-wrestler/state governor. I keep telling him to skip the politics and send me the bikini girls, but my message doesn't seem to sink in.

[conklinwh]

Not sure about other expat communities but in SMA it is said that the Democratic Club needs a stadium to meet while the Republican Club only requires a phone booth.

[joaquinx]

I seems that everyone in my high school class has turned Tea Party. I keep getting political emails from them. For this leftist, it is difficult to answer them all.

[mickisue1]

Originally Posted by joaquinx

I seems that everyone in my high school class has turned Tea Party. I keep getting political emails from them. For this leftist, it is difficult to answer them all.

MY brother in law is part of that movement.

When I start worrying about how to deal with him, I remember that he's a good dad, and loves his sons. And that I only have to avoid discussing politics with him. I don't have to live with him.