Do you still believe that, Mamasue?

From what I can gather there maybe be more opportunity here right now, and certainly more 'freedom' that you guys have there....for the time being, at least!

I've not been to the States (though unfortunately, I'm going to have to go sometime in the next few years to be with my Gf), and, from what I've seen/ heard, the place scares me half to death.
The only thing (apart from being with my intended) that I'd probably like there, is the scenery.
That's it I'm afraid.
I'm seriously fed-up with a lot of American's who seemingly think that their country is the 'be all and end all'.
This might come as a shock to some of them but I seriously don't believe it's 'all that' and really dreading the day I have to move there (unfortunately for me, there's no other option).

(And, before anyone says it; No! I don't believe the United Kingdom is 'all that', either!)

I was born and raised in the states in the Los Angeles area and now live in the Philippines. I think once you are there and get settled in a bit and ESPECIALLY if you live outside of the large cities, you will really enjoy American living. People in smaller towns are very friendly usually and make darned good friends and neighbors. Give it an honest chance and I think you'll have a change of heart.

Gene

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Galaxysurfer, yes I still believe it!!!
So many people that say the US is the best seem to be people that haven't travelled extensively at all....Maybe Canada, Mexico, and a couple of Caribbean islands on a cruise.
People here in the south seem to view the world in a different way.... there's the USA and there's the Third World.
While I like their deeply-instilled-from-birth patriotism, I also realise there's a big world out there....I've travelled to most continents (Except the Arctic and Antarctic) and I've lived and worked for many years in the middle East and Europe....so I have plenty to compare to!

Health care is great in the USA, yes, but accessibility to it is lousy if you're not lucky enough to have health insurance....even then it can still cost a fortune.... you're really at the mercy of the insurance companies.
When Obama dared to suggest some kind of 'socialised medicine' the American people dug their heels in, with ridiculous talk of 'death panels' and the like!
In the UK, the NHS in underfunded, under resourced, and far from perfect... but I have complete confidence that if I ever return to live in the UK, I'll never get turned away due to lack of money on my part.
I was treated for cancer 15 years ago, and had the best treatment possible, at one of the world's leading cancer hospitals, with follow up treatment for 6 years, and it cost me NOTHING!!!

There are a lot of things I like about living in the USA...the weather and overcrowding in the UK would probably prevent me from going back there.
I left the UK long before I moved to the USA.
Also....I find American teenagers more respectful than UK teens... people here in the south are generally friendly and polite, more so than other countries.
I like southern USA better than the rest.....I've been to 41 of the 50 states.
I also agree there are many beautiful places in the US, and see why people never vacation anywhere else.
I'm glad I'm retired, as the paid vacation time in the US is like 100 years behind the times....2 weeks a year seems to be the norm...
I hate seeing cashiers in the stores having to stand all day....they're amazed when I tell the cashiers in the UK all sit...

So....yes I like the USA, but, as Galaxysurfer says, it definitely isn't the be all and end all!

Wow Jynzgirl, your post here struck a familiar cord! I sure miss the fishing - especially at Navajo Lake in Southern Utah. Also Bryce and Zion canyons in summer. I'll probably never leave Asia to get back home but sure fun to think about.

Below is a photo of Navajo Lake in the early fall.

Gene.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Fidelity to one’s marriage vows is absolutely essential for love, trust and peace



Come visit Philippines Retirement And Pleasure

In my opinion:

Some of the best things about the US...
-This country is so big. It's like many countries all in one. A wide variety of people groups, lifestyles, geographies, weather, etc...

-purchasing power. Food, electronics, furniture, clothing, appliances, books, movies, you name it...stuff is more affordable in the US.

-depending on what part of the US you live in, you can get very nice housing for a very low cost. (for example, here in Las Vegas, we bought our 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with backyard, garage, loft, granite counter tops and energy star appliances for $149,000. But in places like New York and coastal california cities, you could pay more than that for a one bedroom apartment.)

-choice. Probably because of the size of this country, and diversity...We are spoiled for choices. Choices in places in the country to live, choices in schools, choices in healthcare facilities, choices in entertainment, choices in food and restaurants, etc, etc, etc...

-opportunity. It can be fairly easy to begin a career, change careers, find work, etc in a country this big, diverse, and populated.


All that being said...

Stuff that's not so great about the US...

-When comparing the US to third world countries, everything is arguable superior here, (healthcare, clean water, food, opportunity, freedom, etc...) but when comparing the US to the rest of the industrialized world, it's not THAT great. Just different.

-consumerism. In the US, bigger is better. Bigger, and better, and more, more, more. In general, Americans are obsessed with stuff. Gotta have the biggest house, and the nicest car, and the best stuff. And although it's been said that Americans are respectful of nature and our resources, I have to disagree. Many, if not most, Americans are pretty wasteful. Very little recycling, lots of wasted food (at home and in restaurants), lots of pollution in air and bodies of water (just ask any southern Californian how clean the water is at various CA beaches), and oversized, gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks are a favorite in this country.

-healthcare. Argue all you want about how "amazing" the healthcare is in the US. In theory, it is. In theory. If you are lucky enough to get fantastic insurance coverage through your employer, or your wealthy enough to afford excellent coverage and care, then yeah...you're gonna experience American healthcare at it's best. But for the majority of Americans, it's just not that great. The sad truth is, we are severely taken advantage of by our health insurance companies. We pay expensive premiums and co-pays, and still end up having to pay a percentage of medical bills out of pocket too. And healthcare facilities charge more for their services if you have insurance. Aside from the costs, the care is really not THAT amazing (again, unless you have excellent insurance, or can afford the better doctors and/or facilities).

-politics. a very politically charged country if you ask me. Even school-aged kids get into arguments about our government. Most people are very opinionated about politics. And there seems to be very little middle ground. This country is supposed to be red, white, and blue, but it seems (when it comes to politics) that it's just red vs. blue instead. Many seem to vote according to the party they favor, rather than according to an individual politician's position regarding various issues of importance. And why celebrities from the film and music industry have such clout and influence in an election, I will never understand.

-depending on what part of the US you live in, the people can either be very friendly, or very...not. Yes, in the south, and mid western cities, and small town America, people are much more friendly and family oriented. But where we live/have lived in the US, people are not as friendly. sure, everyone's friendly to tourists when they work in the tourism industry. But in everyday life, people seem so introverted and busy. Too busy to make time for others, or even say hello. In fact, if you say hello to a stranger, they just look at you like you're weird, and walk on. You really have to go out of your way to get to know your neighbors, otherwise you could live in the same house for years and never once, meet the people living right next door to you.

The Adirondacks - New York's best kept secret! Bring your camera

https://www.google.com/search?q=adir...w=1333&bih=832

You can say that again; it’s like there’s an endless opportunity in here. Thru social networks I got the chance to befriend with people from different country and when I say (sometimes when I’m being bored) I wanted to move out they always say why. I was once told that they envy me because I’m living here in the US, where all means to succeed exist (that’s what they said). Hence, I’m making a second thought now; I think I’ll be better of here given that many desire to be in the US.

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Proud to be American.
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It's been years since I've visited, but the overall culture can be pleasant, despite popular stereotypes. Of course it has its disadvantages and crazy peoples, but what country doesn't? (the bigger difference being that the US media likes to cover everything).

And lots of other things, but I'd rather return to the US and experience life there a little more before getting my hopes up.

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heheh, woot woot. Happy 4th!

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