[Murdochthread locked??? Someone asked me why I'd consider leaving the U.S./response]

Hello,

 

Someone asked Rebekah (sp?) and I, who do not believe the US economy will recover any time soon and will definitely get worse, why we would consider leaving America. I wanted to respond to that question on my behalf. Hopefully, Rebekah will see this thread and do the same.

 

Dh and I have been studying empires in decline, historical trends, economic trends, etc. and all of this info points to an America where getting employed, staying employed, and meeting basic needs is only going to get tougher. America is in decline and it may very well be a permanent decline. Sorry if I am being a wet blanket, but it is what we believe.

 

We have three children to provide for, elderly relatives who are going to need money, a grand-niece whose parents are likely, within a year or two, to be unable to care for her financially even though they are doing a great job parenting her. These young parents have no skills, nothing marketable about them, and no meaningful education that can be used to keep them from abject poverty as the economy sinks. We believe that the debt/trade deficit is so vast that eventually the government will have to take austerity measures which means serious cuts in medicare/medicaid/food stamps/housing assistance as well as the end of farm subsidies (which will mean many people will lose the family farm because they have based their economic viability on that farm by the government paycheck and not growing crops for niche markets so they do not have to compete with Big AG), ethanol subsidies (which will likely put the largest employer in our county out of business), massive cuts in federal education monies which will trickle down to state budgets which will result in more teachers being fired and classrooms of 50-70 children similar to developing nations, pension cuts causing retired individuals to begin entering the work-force again thus driving wages down even more, cuts to the federal minimum wage (UGH!), etc. Every department of the government will end up being cut by the dictates of the WMF who now already controls our treaties because we've borrowed so much.

 

We feel very strongly about trying to help our relatives and dh's job isn't likely to get better. He already works 75-80 hrs. a week for no extra time off, no extra benefits, no pay raises. This is the new norm and as prices continue to inflate, our ability to help elderly relatives and assist in maintaining the needs of grand-niece are going to dwindle.

 

So, we are looking at where we can go and provide for our family while also sending money home. Currently in the running are Chanai (India), Bangladesh (sp?), Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, and Singapore. Chanai, Bangladesh, and Brazil are possibilities within his own company. We are doing a lot of research to find out just what the costs of living are, best places to live, necessary funds to live comfortably though not extravagantly, homeschooling laws as ex-pats, etc.

 

Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore would be countries available to DH through another company. Thus far, Thailand is looking promising. We think we can winterize this house, paying the minimum in property insurance and selling all the vehicles plus maintaining the property tax, pay for a handyman to do things for dh's mother, send money to grand-niece's parents, and save college money for the boys while living in a gated community (nice, certainly not posh or high end), three bedroom townhouse that comes partially furnished, food, a part-time helper for grocery shopping and laundry (no laundry facilities in the gate community we are looking at), and home-school while providing necessities and some wants. But, the downside is that the new company would not be willing to send us over so we can spend a week or two really exploring and we don't have enough money in savings ($8000.00 roof currently in progress here) to do it ourselves. We are not comfortable, at this point, saying yes to the job and the move going into it "blind". This is why he is exloring other countries within his company.

 

Essentially, he needs to negotiate his current salary plus 30% and health benefits within the country. We also need to be in a city with an excellent, modern hospital with a good cardiac unit just in case ds ever had trouble with his heart again. Bangkok fits that bill well for us. But, current salary plus 25% and crappy health coverage is so far the norm for that company. We aren't looking to jump ship within the next month or two. We are willing to be patient and wait for the right offer and if that never happens, then it doesn't happen and we'll deal with it. However, we are actively looking to move internationally.

 

We would not be surrendering our U.S. citizenship. We want the ability to come home when necessary and we want the children to be able to come back to the states for college if we can afford it. We would be more like Heather and her husband in Malaysia....living and working indefinitely outside the U.S. as expats. We do believe that the economy is going to tank very, very badly here while others areas, particularly developing nations whose economies are not so globally based, will continue along.

 

Faith

 

 

Oh brother. Really?

[Rupert Murdoch...Are Americans Paying Attention???]

It's worth looking closer at. He was a micro-manager when it came to his papers. He picked who ran those papers

 

how's picking someone to run a newspaper an example of micromanager?

[Rupert Murdoch...Are Americans Paying Attention???]

Murdoch is American. You think he only operates with phne hacking and bribery on British soil?

 

Show me some proof that Murdoch condoned and was involved with bribery and phone hacking? Murdoch has over 200 media properties. The role of a chairman of the board (murdochs role) is returning shareholder value, focusing on ROI, and steering the company at the hundred thousand foot level. if you think he is sitting in a room some where micro-managing news editors---than you don't understand the role of executive management.

 

From what i have seen, Murdoch is guilty only of trusting those who he delegated authority too.

[the heat some of you have down there!]

The worst conditions Monday blanketed a broad band from Texas to Minnesota and the Dakotas, as 17 states issued heat watches, warnings or advisories. Some of the highest temperatures were reported in Newton, Iowa (52 C), Mitchell, S.D., (nearly 49 C) and Madison, Minn. (48 C).

 

I just read this on a news site up here… anyone here in "Newton Iowa"? I can't even imagine what 52C (125F) would FEEL like. :001_huh:

 

What do you do in that kind of crazy hot yuck??

 

I'm a winter chick who is currently melting in 26C (78F) weather.

 

OP- 125 f was the heat index, 125 f was NOT the actual temp. It took me just a second to google that information. But 125 does sound outrageous if that's what you were going for lol.

[Rupert Murdoch...Are Americans Paying Attention???]

I'm sorry, but this IS a British problem, and like the Casey Anthony is guilty crowd, there is certainly a "witch hunt" mentality forming----almost a rabid frothing at the mouth from the left to turn this into a Fox News problem.

[Ditching cable! Some questions]

Just thought of another question. How do you know what's on TV without hitting the guide button on the cable remote or reading the titles on the bottom of the screen? Do I subscribe to TV guide or get the newspaper?

 

Seriously?

[Are Pajamas acceptable outdoor wear?]

People of wal-mart i hope not!? Lol. Anyway let me describe for clarification: Grey pj pants that Are similar to grey sweat pants and a hoody. Ds 14 has showered, hair has been combed, -----does not look like he rolled out of bed.

[Are Pajamas acceptable outdoor wear?]

DS 14 has always changed into clothes before PS kids get home around 3:30 (I know that's lax....lol). Anyway, today he decided to meet the kids outside at 4:00 in his PJs! He has always been so self-conscience, so I am wondering if this is just a teen thing and let it go, or should I be concerned this is the first step of sheer laziness? :)

[Confirmation at Home or at Church?]

Yes Lutheran Missouri Synod....

[Confirmation at Home or at Church?]

I was just wondering if anyone has confirmed their child themselves versus going through the church program. Although we are active members, I do hesitate letting others teach my child, and not being allowed in the room to supervise. I was going to suggest to our Pastor that I be allowed to do the teaching myself as part of our home school curriculum and then he or the session could quiz my son at the end of the year so he could join the other kids for the ceremony,

 

Anyone gone down this route.

[How do I address Pastors daughter?]

Jenny our Pastors daughter is being ordained as minister of word

and sacrament at the church. Jenny grew up in the church and I have known her since she was little. Now that she is going off to her own church, how do I refer to her when we speak? She is only 25 while I am 47. Would I call her Pastor O'Brien now? Rev. Jennifer or maybe just Miss Jenny? What's appropriate? I was so nervous seeing her last week I made a small curtsey like I normally do to her father. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Deciding to require DS to respond "yes ma'am/sir"]

 

I know its cultural differences, but it almost seems like an insecurity that some people have to "feel important". Maybe some of these parents do not have important jobs or important status in life, and by requiring their children to call them "M'aam or "Sir" makes that parent feel they are "important".

 

 

[Ugh---kids late night Showers and Noise]

One thing we have tried, and we just need to more consistently enforce it, is a "be ready for bed time" vs bedtime. The teens can stay up doing what they want but all the kids in the house have to be showered and in pajamas by 9. I dont know if thats too babyish for 13-15, but it does beat bring woken up with 11 pm showers.

[Ugh---kids late night Showers and Noise]

Well as a home school mom I have long given up early bedtimes for my 13-15 year old boys, as long as they are ready to start school by 8:30-9 am. With others in the house though trying to sleep by 8:30, 9 or 10 its driving me crazy that I have our teens taking showers and getting read for bed after we are trying to fall asleep..... Bang, crunch, noise, noise....lol

 

Am I the only one?

[Who was rude? Ds or Hostess? Or Both?]

How do you know he did? :confused:

 

You assumed a fact not in the original post, not me.

 

I am offering kind advice based on love and would appreciate you not being so rude and confrontational. If I misinterpreted part of the story, I offer 1000 apologies to you! :grouphug:

[Who was rude? Ds or Hostess? Or Both?]

No one said that the 11 year old boy took so much food that others were denied food.

 

:confused:

 

 

How do you know that if the Aunt did not remove the Meatloaf from the 11 year olds plate that people would not be denied food? Clearly she was worried that he was eating over his allocation. :confused:

[Who was rude? Ds or Hostess? Or Both?]

I can't imagine how three meatloaves were supposed to feed 28 people.

 

Truly, if the aunt was having trouble getting together enough food, some of the ladies in the group should have brought a dish or two to help out. That's what is done in almost every social situation I'm familiar with. People *always* ask if more food will be needed and what they can bring to help out.

 

I'm honestly shocked at how rude some of the replies have been about your aunt. She overreacted, but your son did need some correction. I'd forgive and forget and be done with it.

 

:iagree: This poor Aunt has received little kindness from this board in cooking this meal, and having a child eat a disproportionate amount of food, not allowing the others to eat. I would start by using this as a teaching moment for the child and explain family buffet etiquette. Also, to clear the air with the Aunt, I would think about having your son, your self and your Aunt sit down to "put the monkey on the table" so to speak...clearing the air. Maybe even bring flowers of appreciation for your aunt!!!!

[WWYD?? I don't know whether to raise a subject with a friend or not (CC)]

I still believe flowers, a letter and maybe you and your husband drive over to personally apologize is the best course.

[movie goers beware..Black Swan]

 

 

 

At the risk of sounding like an idiot, what exactly do you mean by the bolded? Do you really mean he "does not allow" or do you mean he recommends against? I am truly curious.

 

 

 

If it's not focussed on living our life with full stewardship, it is deeply frowned on. Not just the pastor but deacons, bishops and elders circulate in the community and hold us accountable for how we interact. We do not want to have to answer to misdeeds on Sunday mornings.

[movie goers beware..Black Swan]

Our pastor does not allow us to go to R rated movies. I find this helpful for when I find myself in temptful situations like this. :grouphug:

[WWYD?? I don't know whether to raise a subject with a friend or not (CC)]

I'm a letter person. I would send her a kindly letter, being as frank as you care to about your situation, promising her no gossip, giving sympathy but making sure you are clear you are not "feeling sorry for her".

 

I like letters because I can be carefully clear about what I want to say AND the person can look it over in 3, 6, or 60 months down the line and may be "ready" to read it then.

 

:grouphug:

 

:iagree:

I would also send flowers with the letter. Be heartfelt though and consider fessing up with the truth. Let the wife know the husband "let the cat out of the bag" but you believe the marriage can be saved.

[Disabled Mother Wins Visitation Rights]

I think the father deserves to move on and have a life for the sake of

the children. The children deserve normalcy as well. Has anyone considered that the children may now have bonded with a new mother since the father remarried. How confusing to these small children and I believe the mother asked for the divorce (the article says she can blink yes or no). However this is very sad for all. :grouphug:

[Meaning of Japan tragedy?]

Huh? I am simply in a position with someone I need to just gird up the gumption to 'delete' from my life---and I am such a wimp and so afraid of hurting feelings I put up with stuff like this :001_huh: She sent me this email out of the blue---and I was floored and confused because we don't have any TV news to find out that there is a faction of people out there that believe God sent this to Japan. It never crossed my mind.

 

Anyways---I am not trying to perpetuate anything. Sorry to bother anyone with my questions and dilemmas. I guess it's safer to stick with curriculum, huh?

 

 

This is not horribly offensive. If you could stick with curriculum, that would be great.

[Best tape recorder for college class]

My dh bought this Samsung for his college classes a few weeks ago and has been happy with it.

 

 

That Samsung looks similar to what my oldest son uses.

[Why on earth is the ACT so darn early in the morning?]

Who would provide the protein? If kids brought their own snack, chances are it'll be high carb, low protein.

 

I would think home school students would do better if the ACT were allowed to be taken at home with the parent as the proctor. We could start when our children are FULLY awake and stop for protein at lunch with a full meal. We should never have to follow any educational norms of public schooled children, not even 1 day for the ACT!'