Come on dude, even if you're getting your info from CSI reruns you can't seriously be proposing that cops routinely run DNA for burglary of unoccupied homes.

I'm a cop and have spent quite a few years as a criminal investigator.  

I search for DNA in EVERY burglary I investigate.  I don't always find DNA sources but I look for them.  People cutting themselves getting into houses is pretty common.  Blood is the best DNA source out there followed by saliva.  You might be amazed if you knew how many burglars smoke while doing a burglary and toss their cigarette butts inside or outside the house.  I always collect a sample if I find it and submit to the crime lab.  I have solved MANY burglaries with DNA evidence.  Same thing with stolen vehicles.  Solved many of them with DNA analysis.  

And, I don't watch CSI because it's unrealistic.  But, searching and collecting DNA is VERY realistic and common.  

This is the same logic used by "the U.S. doesn't have the biggest economy in the world anymore," arguments.  "Well, if we throw out traditional metrics and invent some other criteria, we see that..."  This is also used in "socialism works fine in postage stamp sized countries, so it should be great for the U.S. too" arguments.

But canoeguy is at least being honest that a few locations dominate our crime statistics, which is, in fact, true.

It wouldnt be fair to remove from the stats the parts of the country that have the worst crime. With that way of looking at it pertty much any country's stats can be made to look as safe as you want. You are right though about Europeans and an exagerated negative opinon of America. My brother had a great job offer in USA, one in a lifetime kind, but his Spanish wife wouldnt let him take it becuase of all the school shootings... I tried explaining how low the chances were of that being an issue let alone when taking into account the fortune he would be earning and the kind of places he would be able to afford to send his kids to. She still wouldnt listen.
FerFAL

They ran dna when my car was stolen and taken for a joyride a few years ago.

Where the hell do you people live? The few places I've seen strictly property crime  reported the cops barely even showed up.

Virginia beach at the time.

Was it an MP, or a civilian cop?

Civilian.

Your statement doesn't say anything other than a crime happened somewhere and some cops "barely even showed up" which doesn't explain anything.  If you are going to make allegations, at least provide some solid facts.

I love hearing a European socialist hype government healthcare to a bunch of Americans... CMON GUYS>>ITS FREE.. what the hell is wrong with you ?? dont you want totally awesome free health care?? ooh and BTW.. to reference way farther up in the thread.. China has the best economy in the world and Americans think they are superior..   LOL LOL LOL just sayin..

I've immigrated twice. I can assure you that this is the last bastion of freedom. I'm not immigrating again.
Yes, the health care system is a shambles, but God help me, I don't want to deal with a public health care system again. I've suffered through multiple surgeries and malaria in a public health care system - it may be great in Europe now, but once they run out of other people's money, the squeeze will be put on the public systems and you'll end up having to bleach down the showers before using them in a hospital and bringing your own bedding.
A lot of people seem to equate quality of living with public services. Nice knowing ya, Greece! It breeds mediocrity and laziness. Quite frankly, I'd rather live dirt poor and work the land for my living than dealing with a nation of welfare rats and over reaching government (which we are heading towards, but many other countries are already there). The slow socioeconomic slide is a reality in the US. It is happening - but we (the prepared) are in a much better situation here and now to prepare for this slide. I can still purchase what I need, working the job I have now. I still have the opportunity to start my own business (and I'm doing that) without too much interference from the government.
So let me put it in perspective...
Yes, you can own guns in some EU countries, but they must all be registered. In fact, I think you even have to register air rifles in many. Why don't we ask the jews how that turned out for them?
In some countries, you have to apply for permission to relocate to another municipality! I think Holland is one of them.
Ever try starting your own business in the EU? Talk about red tape? I'm starting my own business here in the US...it took me 15 minutes on lezal zoom and a 5 minute call to my Credit Union to get it set up.
China? Give me a break. Once they get 1 operational air craft carrier, they can come to the table - and I'm not talking glorified helicopter carriers with oil burning engines. Russia is more of a military threat than China.
Economic threat? China can't take a piss without the US allowing it. The USD is still the reserve currency. That's why the Chinese are fudging the numbers and desperately trying to get the USD kicked out of the club house. Oh and most of China's exports are bought by the evil, hateful, imperialist, selfish Americans (who happens to support most of the 3rd world with handouts).
About the only country that I would consider immigrating to, is NZ (not that I'd get a visa).

Sorry for the rant and absence...life got in the way

Think the word your looking for is emigration, you emigrated twice, just saying. Lived in other countries twice would be more accurate though because emigration means you acually stayed there. It would be nice to know which countries you lived in, for how long and what was it exaclty that you didnt like. Currently I've been in Irland for 4 years now, which is nice although the gray climate is starting to get old. A few other things here and there that I dont particularly like although quality of life is pretty good. Climate though...
FerFAL

So first of all, his word choice was fine.

Second, "Irland" isn't a country that I know of, if you want to split hairs correcting people's grammar you should try to get it right yourself.

Lmao
(Insert denzel "boom" GIF)
LOL.


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Lady Rodent and I are sniffing around at potential places to retire in a few years. Places where our money will go further, and where the pendulum is swinging in the right direction. We're considering New Zealand, Chile and Northern Thailand.

The main problem is that the US spanks emigrants badly tax-wise.

Of those three no doubt NZ is your best option. Its the only real developed nation of the three. Language is also a huge deal, so is culture. Asian culture is very different. Then again NZ is an island, and one that is pretty far away. I think you have better places.
Did you take a look at Costa del Sol in southern Spain, its cheap, fantastic weather, great medical, gun laws are not that bad. I'm actually seriously considering it myself.
FerFAL

I can tell you at my department we can only run DNA on violent crimes and ONLY when he have a suspect.  The DNA is used to verify the ID, not find an ID.  We have not run DNA on a burglary since the state came out with that rule a few years back.

Look at PI as well..

If you can make certain decisions that can massively reduce your chances of being murdered, it certainly should be considered. In the US, not being involved in criminal activity can greatly reduce the odds of being murdered. Even in the hood, a lot of crime can be traced back to illicit activity and not participating reduces the odds of being a victim of a crime.

Burglaries and auto thefts don't get run for DNA in my area either. I can list at least 5 or 6 cities around here where cars have been stolen or homes have been burglarized and there was no collection of DNA evidence or even fingerprinting.

No, I immigrated twice. Both time to GA. Was forced to go back the first time due to unforeseen family issues and got stuck in that hell hole. Came back 2 years later and no more family issues to draw me away. I'm staying for good and will fight if needed... Until then, doing the grey man routine.
I'm sorry, I just don't think there is another country where I can live the way I do now. But then again, I'm reminded of the future by Mal Reynolds "Come a day there won't be room for naughty men like us to slip about at all.".

Gotcha. stand corrected.  just wondering where you went and what was that you didn't like. no details needed  just a gral.  idea.
FerFAL

They do in my little town. We recently caught a guy who burglarized a laundry mat because he took a drink from a soda can and left it behind.

New Zealand is a crazy little country at the end of the world.
Good and bad in that.

Plenty of good things, but for retirement, more likely bad things, it is an expensive place. (much more expensive than the other places you mention)
Expensive to travel to, expensive to ship goods to. (So imported things cost a lot more here) Small, so economies of scale don't work here to make things cheaper if made locally.

New Zealand can be tough on immigrants, especially if it looks like you will be a burden on their National Health Care system.

Yup, it's kinda ruthless like that.
In short if New Zealand thinks it will gain (Financially) by you immigrating here, then ok. If New Zealand thinks it might lose by you moving here then bad luck.

Health problems are a classic, where the cost to NZ might outweigh the benefit you bring.
It is a harsh and uncaring system....

example : http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/9665492/Exit-ultimatum-issued

I'm originally from South Africa. Lots of things I don't like. Crime, persecution, hatred, lack of jobs for people of my complexion and culture, shitty gun laws - not allowed to defend yourself even if you COULD get a permit to own a firearm. I've been on the receiving end of 2 home invasions, 3 muggings and 1 car jacking - all attempted, but not successful - in the last 2 years that I lived there. Started the paper work and got out of dodge - spent a lot of time, money and effort to get here and by God, I appreciate the way things are done here. It's not perfect, but the time I spent in SA, a few other dirt holes and trips through the EU has shown me that there is really no other place where freedom is loved and enjoyed by so many. Never been to Ireland, but it was on the short list of options when I started looking to immigrate. Beautiful place, wonderful people, but just a general lack of freedom - finding a few acres that I can do on whatever I like, is not really an option there. The job market is also really limited in the field I'm in, from what I've heard. I just don't deal well with government looking over my shoulder - guess I'm really an anarchist by nature

Seun, farmer?
Hartelijk Bedankte..

Thanks. Yes, NZ looks nice but it has its issues as well. Rather small isoalnd pretty far away. When you live in one everything requires catching a plane, which isnt fun. I like the diea of being able to drive to places. SA must have been pretty bad, I know several people that left. A couple live here in my neighborhood, they say it got pretty dangerous.
FerFAL

Yup, catching a plane to go anywhere. Much like the isolated parts of Alaska or even the Caribbean, is a downside - I have some friends in NZ and they love it. Very outdoorsy. Lost of activities and great climate. You are kinda screwed if a natural disaster strikes though - you have absolutely nowhere to go!
Yes, South Africa is no walk in the park. I did pretty well and situational awareness is key. The few times I got caught with my pants down, were times when I let my guard down. It's not easy being the lion when you have 40 million foxes hunting you.

Indeed, and no matter how aware you are or even how good you are with a gun eventually we all just run out of luck. A good friend of mine settled in NZ and says the same thing. He's no prepper/survivalist but he says being so far from everything is just a big pain in the butt. Its not just disasters (which with the kind of seismic activity you have over there is a real concern) its just hours away from most places worth going to and thousands of dollars to travel anywhere other than Australia and always getting on a boat or plane. Here in Ireland its not that bad but I miss driving to places. Sure, you've got plane tickets here for 30 or 40 bucks at times to get you to anywhere from Paris, Rome, Ibiza or Prague. I know people that work in London and just fly back each day as you would grab a train to commute, but still I'd rather have the option of being in the continent and just drive to places. This also means that anything brought in or exported has to travel by air or boat, making certain things a bit more expensive.
They have a some benefits in some SHTF scenarios but I'd say that in general you want to avoid islands, and you sure want to avoid those island that are particularly isolated.
FerFAL

The PI is nice great place and climate but I find the Thais to be more friendly. Me and the fam are considering moving there in a few years. Id rather my kid go to a good international school than learn some of the bullshit they are teaching here now. Also there is less of a chance of her getting mugged.
If I have a jones for guns Ill just goto the zoo (they have a shooting range there lol) or Cambodia to get my fix.

If you have enough dinero you can live well in lots of places, until the locals decide to just take it away - or you can't afford the bribes anymore.

Very true. Helps to have family though - my wife is Filipina.