Marylou Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Belize. My DH and I met there years ago, and the official language is English. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bokons Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 We live in Canada, but if we had to leave Canada, we'd most likely go to Peru since that is where dh is from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Dc and I have dual citizenship, so Canada would be our first choice. No visas needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 What makes you think that? You are sadly misinformed. Have a look at this, for example. Canadians have been in Afghanistan since 2002. Canadian peace keepers are renowned for shipping out as needed around the world. Our 14th Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for proposing peace keeping activities in the Middle East. You are welcome to your views on America. I'm sure many here share them. As a Canadian, I am happy to buy your exports and sell you ours. Please don't assume that your country is the only one "helping out" around the world. Well put. There is a lot of misinformation that goes on on both sides of the US/Can border. I constantly meet Americans who think these things, and I can't tell you how many think that Canada has a national health care plan with no premiums (they're provincial, and at least some provinces have premiums, even if they're smaller than here) or that you can't choose your own doctor in Canada (in the provinces I lived in, you can choose which ever PCP you like and you don't even have to call the medical insurance company if you want to switch PCPs--PCP is what they call your primary care physician here.) But I've also seen it go the other way, and sometimes we Canadians aren't as well informed about the States as we think ;). We don't understand American politics much better than Americans understand ours, despite the inundation of American news--heck I still don't totally "get" the American system. I've lived on both sides of this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Nobody has said my choice: Sweden. Of course, it's like übersocialist, so maybe that's why. After that we have anywhere in the British isles. I also wouldn't mind Canada, except for the cold thing. I think those of us with large families might get permission to move to European countries in the interest of repopulating them. Not all of Canada gets cold. I grew up in a temperate part where we get very little snow (except in the mountains). But plenty of rain... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawn of ns Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 To all the non-US board members: I do so apologize. Please know that not all Americans are egocentric and tactless. In fact, there are very few rotten apples among us, but one or two can make the whole bushel stink! You have absolutely no reason to apologize. That poster's comments seemed so rude and out-of-place precisely because the vast majority of Americans on this board are regular, kind, polite people and we've come to expect that from you guys. We wouldn't hang out with you otherwise. :D Trust me. Us foreigners have impeccable taste in aquaintences.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 (edited) Do not disregard - if it will be bad in US, it will be much much worse everywhere else. Not to offend Canadians, but doesn't Canada prosper mostly because of being protected by uncle Sam's back? Don't know anything about Australia though. But while there is a crisis in America, guess where the prices for food and utilities raising - in Europe, they don't share. Don't under-estimate the kindness of Americans, they maybe are spoiled rotten and fat, but nobody else except Americans will help you in the moment of tragedy or famine, not Europeans, not Canadians, not Australians, not Russians. Germans? - You have to be really kidding. Have you heard Canada or Australia did anything for anyone, for hunger relieve, or military help, and so on? ... Just Americans and British. Not politically speaking at all, just that's the way it always was since 1st World war and now days. Now you can bang me. There is no better land than America and there is no better nation than Americans. God bless! The American media does an extremely poor job of international news, so it's not your fault that you don't know what other countries do for foreign aid. I'm a dual citizen, so am not anti-American by any stretch of the definition, but I am very aware of the problems of media in general. The media here (and in Canada often, too) spends far more time on sensational cases (usually getting them wrong from what I've seen, or distorting them), politics, etc, than on real international news. Canada was in WW II a good 2 years before the US, and is widely known for its peacekeeping missions, international aid, etc. Well, not here, though ;). If you'd like to be more up to date, there are Yahoo pages (eg Yahoo.ca for Canada) in other countries that contain national news for those countries. Plus, there's the CBC online in Canada. Not that the media in other countries is perfect or unbiased, of course, but you'll find out more about what those countries are doing in regard to the topics you addressed. The sad truth is that the US, while a wonderful country in many ways, is also messed up in a number of ways. We're none of us perfect. Edited February 22, 2009 by Karin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janna Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I hate to even admit this, but the size of a country's spiders would have more to do with my ability to live there than whether or not I could homeschool. Oh, Crissy, I don't even know what to say. We are kindred spirits on this one for sure. I could just hug you! Spiders are why I can't live in the south. Sometimes I think Arizona might be nice, but then I think of the Tarantulas and Black Widows and I just can't. Ever. I will even go so far as to say that I called dh and begged him to come home to kill a HUGE spider for me about 6 years ago. It was a wolf spider about the size of my palm. I stared at it for 20 min until dh got home so I would know where it went if it moved. I was paralyzed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawn of ns Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 (edited) Well put. There is a lot of misinformation that goes on on both sides of the US/Can border. I constantly meet Americans who think these things, and I can't tell you how many think that Canada has a national health care plan with no premiums (they're provincial, and at least some provinces have premiums, even if they're smaller than here) or that you can't choose your own doctor in Canada (in the provinces I lived in, you can choose which ever PCP you like and you don't even have to call the medical insurance company if you want to switch PCPs--PCP is what they call your primary care physician here.) It's the claim that we have "socialist" medicine that gets me. Cuba has socialist medicine. We have a system with one universal insurer. More like the US then Cuba actually. But I've also seen it go the other way, and sometimes we Canadians aren't as well informed about the States as we think ;). We don't understand American politics much better than Americans understand ours, despite the inundation of American news--heck I still don't totally "get" the American system. I've lived on both sides of this... My mom holds up the US as a sort of cultureless black hole and holds tight to the Ignorant American stereotype. I told her one day since so many of the sites I visit and the friends I have online are American that sometimes I forgot I was Canadian when I was web surfing and it was almost as if I'd told her I'd become a Satanist. She's very much from the old fashioned All-Good-Things-Come-From-Mother-England camp. :D Needless to say I get very annoyed with the superiority some Canucks display when talking about Americans. Edited February 22, 2009 by dawn of ns Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 My mom holds up the US as a sort of cultureless black hole and holds tight to the Ignorant American stereotype. I told her one day since so many of the sites I visit and the friends I have online are American that sometimes I forgot I was Canadian when I was web surfing and it was almost as if I'd told her I'd become a Satanist. She's very much from the old fashioned All-Good-Things-Come-From-Mother-England camp. :D Needless to say I get very annoyed with the superiority some Canucks display when talking about Americans. :iagree: My mom isn't quite as extreme (she spent a couple of years in CA and has some good friends there she still keeps in touch with), but I hear you loud and clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssexton Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I guess I'd have to say I'd stay and go down with the ship. :) This is my home, for better or worse. And, as others have said, I have no legal right to go elsewhere... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWOB Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 :D Needless to say I get very annoyed with the superiority some Canucks display when talking about Americans. Funny, I get annoyed by the superiority Americans display when talking about Canadians and other foreigners;). Like you guys are all pasty white and would basically die if America wasn't you friend anymore. Or the idea that America is the only free country in the world and our rights are better than everyone else's rights. I love America, but we have problems just like everyone else. Anyway, if I had to flee this country for whatever unlikely reason, I'd just go to Canada. I like the cold and Canadian accents, eh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Quote: Originally Posted by cathmom Nobody has said my choice: Sweden. Of course, it's like übersocialist, so maybe that's why. After that we have anywhere in the British isles. I also wouldn't mind Canada, except for the cold thing. I think those of us with large families might get permission to move to European countries in the interest of repopulating them. Quote: Originally Posted by cathmom I didn't know you lived in Sweden!!!! Do tell me all about it! Lovedtodeath wrote: Switzerland does not allow homeschooling. It is illegal period. That is why no one is choosing it. Darling, SWEDEN and SWITZERLAND are different countries!!! :lol::lol::lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Honestly, if we moved to another country, I probably wouldn't homeschool, so the legality of it doesn't really matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumping In Puddles Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 (edited) Sweden! This would be a wonderful place to raise children. Sweden values children and society there puts children first and many of their laws, customs and benefits show this - they don't just talk about it. Paternity leave for fathers is up to 14 months without penalty and with pay! If mothers are working also, the couple may take 16 months off, with pay, but the father must take 2 of the months. ALL children are covered 100% medical coverage and their healthcare system is top notch (for example the infant mortality rate is more than twice the rate (6.8 per 1000 births) in the US than it is in Sweden (also Japan and Norway). Great free maternity care, etc. High quality education - including special ed and free healthy school lunches, low crime, great (equal) healthcare for all, being in a country that so very much values families and children, a lot of nature and open space, wonderful system of bike paths - even in the city, very good pay and working conditions, short commutes, clean and friendly... What is not to like? (ahem) the weather! If you don't like winter, Sweden may not be for you! :lol: Although, the worlds happiest people are apparently in Denmark, Sweden makes an impressive number 6 on the list! (behind Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Iceland, Bahamas and Finland) Some of those countries I could deal with (woohoo Bahamas!) but I think with family in mind, I would take Sweden. EDIT ooh, I see Sweden has already been picked by others! :w00t: Edited February 22, 2009 by Jumping In Puddles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Hmmm...that's a tough question that we have actually thought about often over the last couple of years. We have many friends all over Australia, so there would be benefits to that. It's a beautiful, fascinating country with wonderful friendly people but as far as government goes, they have their issues too. I love it though. We have a friend in Costa Rica who moved his family from the US to there for exactly what we are talking about. He loves it and it adjusted my views on South American living to see his life. I really hate to be cold but I often think of Canada. It's probably where I lean towards the most and then I remember the cold. Don't tell me it isn't cold. :) North Carolina was too cold for me to live in! I love to visit the snow and cold but after a week, I'm finished! LOL Honestly I think I would LOVE to move to another country. Love it. If it weren't for the fact that I have an ex-husband that wouldn't love it and my family (mother, father, sibling, etc) would be devastated, I do it tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Actually, I have read that Stockholm is quite moderate. The lowest average low is -5 C, which is 23 F, and the highest high is 22 C, which is 72 F. Here in the South, where we have stretches (called July and August LOL) of 90 F to 105 F plus humidity, I could deal with a high of 70! The lack of sunlight might be the hardest thing to get used to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy in TN Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 And Right on cue The World's Friendliest Countries ! Mandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cricket Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 In a heartbeat. Dh has done some work down there, and we really thought for a while that God's plan was for us to raise beef in the Patagonia. It is beautiful!! Lots of European influence, which appeals to me more than some of the other South American countries. I wish we could move somewhere where I could use my french, but all those countries are either too poor (Haiti, Tahiti, No. Africa) or too liberal (France, Canada). But I love this country. I truly do. Even with all it's faults, I still think it can be the "shining city on a hill". Ireland would probably be my first choice although I'd seriously consider a South American country too. I've heard good things about Chile. We visited with a couple who was having a garage sale last year. They were selling everything and retiring to Argentina. They said it was beautiful, had modern hospitals (one of my considerations!), and the people were wonderful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I totally forgot about dh. He votes for New Zealand or Sweden. Janet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 As an American citizen, I'm offended. Wow! Janet As am I. Ick. Be careful waving that flag so vigorously. You could put someone's eye out. Astrid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Sweden! This would be a wonderful place to raise children. Sweden values children and society there puts children first and many of their laws, customs and benefits show this - they don't just talk about it. Paternity leave for fathers is up to 14 months without penalty and with pay! If mothers are working also, the couple may take 16 months off, with pay, but the father must take 2 of the months. ALL children are covered 100% medical coverage and their healthcare system is top notch (for example the infant mortality rate is more than twice the rate (6.8 per 1000 births) in the US than it is in Sweden (also Japan and Norway). Great free maternity care, etc. High quality education - including special ed and free healthy school lunches, low crime, great (equal) healthcare for all, being in a country that so very much values families and children, a lot of nature and open space, wonderful system of bike paths - even in the city... What is not to like? (ahem) the weather! If you don't like winter, Sweden may not be for you! :lol: Although, the worlds happiest people are apparently in Denmark, Sweden makes an impressive number 6 on the list! (behind Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Iceland, Bahamas and Finland) Some of those countries I could deal with (woohoo Bahamas!) but I think with family in mind, I would take Sweden. EDIT ooh, I see Sweden has already been picked by others! :w00t: I'd go to Sweden in a heartbeat. Among all the pluses listed above, I don't have to repeat, and then spell my name for people there! :-) Astrid. A. S. T. R. I. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumping In Puddles Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Actually, I have read that Stockholm is quite moderate. The lowest average low is -5 C, which is 23 F, and the highest high is 22 C, which is 72 F. Here in the South, where we have stretches (called July and August LOL) of 90 F to 105 F plus humidity, I could deal with a high of 70! The lack of sunlight might be the hardest thing to get used to. :w00t: on the temps but yeah, that lack of sunlight would be tough! How do they deal with it, I wonder? Maybe they just have to get use to it. I'd go to Sweden in a heartbeat. Among all the pluses listed above, I don't have to repeat, and then spell my name for people there! :-) Astrid. A. S. T. R. I. D. :lol: Weird, I always think of Astrid as a British name because when I was a young teen I use to enjoy reading about the Beatles and in every biography I read there was Astrid, the famous Beatle photographer and Astrid, the name just ring Liverpool, Beatles, British to me. :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawn of ns Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I don't think I'd go to Sweden. Housing costs are scary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly IN Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Would you trade one socialistic system for another? For ex: In Australia, they tax you per toilet flush. In England, you have to stand in line to get health care. Also in England there is a cctv camera on every street corner. Can you say Germany before the wall fell? This is the greatest country that has ever been!! Would our forefathers have ran? Stand and fight. Why does everyone want to flee when times get hard? Holly IN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy loves Bud Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Honestly, if we moved to another country, I probably wouldn't homeschool, so the legality of it doesn't really matter. Why is that? Inquiring minds want to know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Why is that? Inquiring minds want to know. Assuming we went somewhere where they don't speak English, it would be incredibly hard to assimilate while homeschooling. It's hard enough to get to know people and find friends while homeschooling here in the US. I would want my children to go to school to learn the local language and become bilingual. If we went to Germany (as an example, since I speak German), school in the younger grades is only in the morning. If we went somewhere where they do speak English but homeschooling was very rare, it would just make it that much harder to fit in and settle down. On a practical level, I would be the one working in order for us to be in the country anyway. My dh has no specialized skills that would allow us to live in another country. I would have to get a job with my language skills. Dh is not comfortable with being in charge of the homeschooling, and I couldn't work full-time in a foreign country and homeschool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy loves Bud Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Assuming we went somewhere where they don't speak English, it would be incredibly hard to assimilate while homeschooling. It's hard enough to get to know people and find friends while homeschooling here in the US. I would want my children to go to school to learn the local language and become bilingual. If we went to Germany (as an example, since I speak German), school in the younger grades is only in the morning. If we went somewhere where they do speak English but homeschooling was very rare, it would just make it that much harder to fit in and settle down. On a practical level, I would be the one working in order for us to be in the country anyway. My dh has no specialized skills that would allow us to live in another country. I would have to get a job with my language skills. Dh is not comfortable with being in charge of the homeschooling, and I couldn't work full-time in a foreign country and homeschool. Thanks for the response! Interesting things to ponder... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fivetails Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I don't live in the states - but if I had to leave Canada for some reason, I'd want to go somewhere totally different than here...I don't know where though... maybe Russia? That would be kinda cool. :) Sounds very COLD to me! No worries - I'm Canadian! Everybody knows that Canada is freezing cold from coast to coast, so we're good there. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fivetails Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I don't think I'd go to Alberta. Housing costs are scary. Fixed. :sneaky2: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumping In Puddles Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I don't think I'd go to Sweden. Housing costs are scary. Yes, true. Sweden is one of the 10 wealthiest nations in Europe and salaries are very good there but I believe the reason for the high cost of homes is that the Swedes prefer to rent rather than buy and the rents are controlled and very low. Sweden's housing prices have been going down but the interest rates have been going up so I guess that's not much help. :001_huh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 :w00t: on the temps but yeah, that lack of sunlight would be tough! How do they deal with it, I wonder? Maybe they just have to get use to it. :lol: Weird, I always think of Astrid as a British name because when I was a young teen I use to enjoy reading about the Beatles and in every biography I read there was Astrid, the famous Beatle photographer and Astrid, the name just ring Liverpool, Beatles, British to me. :lol: That "Astrid" was German, I think. :D astrid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CactusPair Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Canada. Ottawa probably or Vancouver. My dh's fam. is from Italy so I used to daydream about living there. His cousins actually did go back for about a decade. But I have a problem with Italia's politics and criminal justice system, so I changed my mind on that one. Ireland or Scotland would be my 2nd choices. I love Iceland, but I think it's really too cold and dark for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawn of ns Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Would you trade one socialistic system for another? For ex: In Australia, they tax you per toilet flush. In England, you have to stand in line to get health care. Also in England there is a cctv camera on every street corner. Can you say Germany before the wall fell? This is the greatest country that has ever been!! Would our forefathers have ran? Stand and fight. Why does everyone want to flee when times get hard? Holly IN It was just a question..If you had to leave, where would you go? Like, if aliens invaded and demanded all humans follow a strict diet of siamese cat and banana peels, would you do it? Sheesh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawn of ns Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Fixed. :sneaky2: No kidding! That house we just bought (moving day is Friday! Whoo hoo!), I hate to think of what it would cost if it were near Calgary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 No kidding! That house we just bought (moving day is Friday! Whoo hoo!), I hate to think of what it would cost if it were near Calgary. Well you wouldn't want to live near smelly cow town anyway lol (as an Edmontonian it is my responisbility to razz anything to do with Calgary every chance I get). Actually housing costs here in Alberta are on the way down again. They will never get as low as they were a few years ago but at least they won't be 3 times what the house is actually worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in KY Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Belize. My DH and I met there years ago, and the official language is English. :iagree: DH points out that I have never been there, but that doesn't matter much. At least there's no rebel insurrection at the moment, and the appeal of a hammock on the beach is mighty fine. :001_smile: DH said Mutare, Zimbabwe, right after Mugabe pops it. :tongue_smilie: Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I think one reason so many Americans have a skewed view of which other countries are helping out in international conflicts is cuz we keep getting accused of doing things "unilaterally." And then when a few of us try to point out the involvement of other countries w/ our "unilateral" action, we get hit w/ "pshaw-- yeah, right. That's an insignificant amount compared to what AMERICANS are doing!" A simple google search for American Unilateralism will reveal lots of articles.... from outside the US, too. Sweden! This would be a wonderful place to raise children. Sweden values children and society there puts children first and many of their laws, customs and benefits show this - they don't just talk about it. ALL children are covered 100% medical coverage and their healthcare system is top notch (for example the infant mortality rate is more than twice the rate (6.8 per 1000 births) in the US than it is in Sweden (also Japan and Norway). Great free maternity care, etc. High quality education - including special ed and free healthy school lunches, low crime, great (equal) healthcare for all, being in a country that so very much values families and children, a lot of nature and open space, wonderful system of bike paths - even in the city, very good pay and working conditions, short commutes, clean and friendly... What is not to like? Although, the worlds happiest people are apparently in Denmark, Sweden makes an impressive number 6 on the list! (behind Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Iceland, Bahamas and Finland) ......with family in mind, I would take Sweden. ah! Sweden! what's not to like?! statistics? washingtonpost.com had Sweden listed as having a super high ratio of abortions per pregnancies in women ages 15-19 and a pretty low birth rate in general. No wonder infant mortality is so low. I find it hard to "put children first" when you are aborting them..... of course, I'm not crazy about America's abortion laws either. Even in TX. no flag waving over that one. Or like Belgium --where children are killed or denied healthcare benefits if the gvt decides they are unfit to live --even w/o parental consent. I do understand that a lot of people are happier in a socialistic society [even Australia] where people's money is taken from them at the point of a gun and redistributed to other people. At least, I'm assuming it's at the point of a gun --will they arrest you [at gunpoint if necessary] if you refuse to pay taxes? If not, then count me there :) that kind of socialistic happiness concerns me. I always wonder how we can be a "civilized" society if we are constantly taking by force from each other. It seems the opposite of "civilized." Of course, i only said N. Australia cuz i like the geography, not the politics. otherwise I'd be standing next to Holly. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Assuming we went somewhere where they don't speak English, it would be incredibly hard to assimilate while homeschooling. It's hard enough to get to know people and find friends while homeschooling here in the US. I think that would depend on your specific community. If you are counting on socializing only w/ other children, then yeah, that might be tough. I'd rely on other adults in our day-to-day living/ shopping/ working tho. The elderly of a community are goldmines for discussion ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 that kind of socialistic happiness concerns me. I always wonder how we can be a "civilized" society if we are constantly taking by force from each other. It seems the opposite of "civilized." Leaving aside the fact that you're using an erroneous definition of "socialistic..." It's hard for some people to wrap their brains around the concept of communal concern when you're coming from the US (and I did), but it isn't about being "forced" to pay for stuff. Americans pay wads of taxes -- and by your definition, that too is --- by force, because they will come after you with both barrels a'blazin' if you don't pay up. In happy socialistic countries, people realise that what they pay comes back to benefit them and their community. It's a completely different mindset than the "what's in it for me" mindset of some Americans. We say "so what if our tax money support XYZ service for others? Supporting others makes us all stronger, healthier and yes... happier." Until you can understand that way of thinking, you'll never "get" why people are happy in "socialist" countries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Not all of Canada gets cold. I grew up in a temperate part where we get very little snow (except in the mountains). But plenty of rain... You get rain?!! Ok southern Australians, how 'bout we move to Canada? :) Rosie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Leaving aside the fact that you're using an erroneous definition of "socialistic..." 1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods socialistic -- starting w/ the healthcare industry. i fully understand that most countries using socialistic policies for social welfare are not full blown socialistic in every way :) It's hard for some people to wrap their brains around the concept of communal concern when you're coming from the US (and I did), but it isn't about being "forced" to pay for stuff. Americans pay wads of taxes -- and by your definition, that too is --- by force, because they will come after you with both barrels a'blazin' if you don't pay up. In happy socialistic countries, people realise that what they pay comes back to benefit them and their community. It's a completely different mindset than the "what's in it for me" mindset of some Americans. Until you can understand that way of thinking, you'll never "get" why people are happy in "socialist" countries. If it's truly a "so what! we LIKE doing this!" mindset then there would not need to be an enforcement mechanism in place. Philanthropy.com had a great article showing how [in the US] the religious right was better at giving than the liberal left, so no --we don't all have a problem w/ the mindset of people realising that what they pay comes back to benefit them and their community --that's a basic premise of Objectivist /Capitalist philosophy and self-interest ;) and yes, I agree that Americans pay too much in taxes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 (edited) DH said Mutare, Zimbabwe, right after Mugabe pops it. :tongue_smilie: :smilielol5::lol::smilielol5::lol::smilielol5: You might as well come down south then. We still have running water, single digit inflation compared to 2300000%, a fairly stable currency, an economy affected less by the global crisis than others (compared to Zim that means food in the shops), great sunny weather for most of the year, a democracy that is still intact, incredible opportunities for entrepeneurs ...... homeschooling is legal.....and the few problems we'll just ignore shall we? Anyone else for Southern Africa? :rolleyes: Edited February 22, 2009 by Hannah Typos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgilli3 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Do not disregard - if it will be bad in US, it will be much much worse everywhere else. Not to offend Canadians, but doesn't Canada prosper mostly because of being protected by uncle Sam's back? Don't know anything about Australia though. But while there is a crisis in America, guess where the prices for food and utilities raising - in Europe, they don't share. Don't under-estimate the kindness of Americans, they maybe are spoiled rotten and fat, but nobody else except Americans will help you in the moment of tragedy or famine, not Europeans, not Canadians, not Australians, not Russians. Germans? - You have to be really kidding. Have you heard Canada or Australia did anything for anyone, for hunger relieve, or military help, and so on? ... Just Americans and British. Not politically speaking at all, just that's the way it always was since 1st World war and now days. Now you can bang me. There is no better land than America and there is no better nation than Americans. God bless! Someone please get the smelling salts...I think I am going to pass out. :D Obviously I dont live in America, but Im actually happy living here in the UAE..can homeschool, no tax, sun shines 360 days of the year..BUT - home is Australia for me, but if I couldnt return I would head to NZ, Canada, India (southern) or somewhere else in the ME ( probably Qatar) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keptwoman Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Would you trade one socialistic system for another? For ex: In Australia, they tax you per toilet flush. Huh? You mean that we pay water rates? Like a cost for sewerage disposal based on how much we draw from our taps. It's just a local utility like paying for the water. No-one's got flushometers on their toilets :lol: But I do agree with you. I can't think of a good reason to run from the country you love. I'd rather live a subsistance existence (actually I'd LOVE to live s subsitance existence) than run to another country with no money and no hope. You get rain?!! Ok southern Australians, how 'bout we move to Canada? :) Rosie Rain? What's that stuff?:tongue_smilie: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I do understand that a lot of people are happier in a socialistic society [even Australia] where people's money is taken from them at the point of a gun and redistributed to other people. At least, I'm assuming it's at the point of a gun --will they arrest you [at gunpoint if necessary] if you refuse to pay taxes? If not, then count me there Uh uh, Sister. We've got gun laws. ;) I'm cracking up that anyone thinks we're socialists. I'm glad you guys are never going to meet my brother, I think you'd shoot him on sight! (It's not our fault, he was cute when he was small!) In Australia, they tax you per toilet flush. I can just imagine. There's going to be a spin off thread about the percentage of times everyone flushes the loo... !! Rosie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Switzerland does not allow homeschooling. It is illegal period. Homeschooling isn't illegal in Switzerland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 (edited) If we didn't live here, we'd likely live in Switzerland since that's our second homeland. Or we'd just hop across the border to Canada; we love B.C. and spend a good deal of time there. I don't know that I'd homeschool if we lived in Switzerland, though. I am far more supportive of their educational system than I am ours in the States. As well, while homeschooling in CH is legal, it's very unusual (to say the least). I'd prefer my boys be more integrated into the culture than would be feasible as homeschoolers. Dh and I were talking about this tonight-that it may be something our family would be willing to do depending on if things got REALLY bad at some point in the U.S. (keeping this nonpolitical.) We're happy with where we live, but we would leave if we needed to. As Danestress said, though, it isn't as if other countries just have an open door policy. Edited February 22, 2009 by Colleen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Oh, dear, Mandarinmom, I must thank you for my last laugh of the night.:D I see elsewhere you mentioned hating history in school and sleeping through history lectures. Word to the wise: Now's a good time to wake up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keptwoman Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Uh uh, Sister. We've got gun laws. ;) I'm cracking up that anyone thinks we're socialists. I'm glad you guys are never going to meet my brother, I think you'd shoot him on sight! (It's not our fault, he was cute when he was small!) They won't be able to. We don't have the right to bare arms. They'll have to settle for a fist fight instead :D I wonder if you get arrested at gunpoint in the US if you don't pay your taxes. What a frightening thought :glare: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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