Any place left on Earth worth going?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Any place left on Earth worth going? (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:07:59 AM EDT

The wife and I have both been pretty moody for the last few days, so last night we started talking. We both realized we are just sick and tired of everything that goes on here.

People with any common sense are so rare. There are people who actually believe that a twelve year old girl should be able to get an abortion without her parents permission. There are people who actually believe that the "government" has to give them food, shelter, and cash. There are people who actually believe that God should be banned from every public place. There are people who actually believe allowing illegal immigrants into the country to work is more important that preventing nuclear weapons from being smuggled into the country to kill millions of citizens.
I could write a few hundred things, but it would only make me madder. The real bitch is everytime some politician gets a wild bug up his ass and tries to do the right thing, he is shut down by the supreme court.

For the first time in my life, I have to begin to question the viability of the United States of America. I served my country, I wave my flag, I pay my taxes. I find myself asking why? I believe it is a foregone conclusion that the US is dying. It will take some more time, but the process has begun.

Now I face the difficult question of what to do about it. I don't think there is anything I can do to "cure" the US. So, I have to conclude that the best option is to just leave. Call me a rat if you want, but this is a sinking ship. It's the f'in titanic steaming for an iceberg.

My question is, is there any country on Earth that still has freedom? How do I even begin looking? Am I just turing into a wild flake?

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:09:32 AM EDT

[#1]

www.freestateproject.org/

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:12:27 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
There are people who actually believe that God should be banned from every public place.

Fixed it.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:12:28 AM EDT

[#3]

Tag because the more I think about it ...the more I'm thinking about it too!

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:13:25 AM EDT

[#4]

Don't like the US? Then leave. Noone's holding you here. I'm not being snide. Seriously, move.

I hear Iraq is lovely this time of year.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:13:29 AM EDT

[#5]

Try the rural parts of Switzerland, you won't be disappointed

Edit: isn't Indiana one of the States with the best gun laws? Why move?

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:18:13 AM EDT

[#6]

It’s all a matter of relativity.

Spend a couple of years in another modern first world country like Japan or Australia to recalibrate your sight of the world and you’ll find that we’re a bit different. There are plenty of socialist working as hard as they can, using every trick in the book to turn this country – this Republic – into another European socialist state.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:25:48 AM EDT

[#7]

Norway still the world's best place to live
For the fourth year in a row, the United Nations has ranked Norway as having the highest standard of living in the world. Sweden, Australia and Canada are next in line, while the United States is further down the scale

The annual ranking is based largely on average levels of education and income, combined with expected length of lifetime.

The report measured standards of living in 177 countries around the world. Other Nordic countries also ranked high, with Iceland in 7th place, Finland 13th and Denmark 17th.

Norway's gross national product per person amounted to USD 36,600, beaten only by Luxembourg. Its men and women are expected to live to an age of 78.9 years and Norway is one of 19 countries in the world with no measurable rates of illiteracy.

Researchers for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also weighed countries' degrees of cultural freedom in their analysis. They called cultural freedom a "basic human right," and awarded high scores in this year's UN Human Development Report to countries that accept immigrant cultures in addition to their own.

Norway's cultural diversity has blossomed in recent years, and public policies are aimed at integrating various ethnic groups and promoting tolerance.

Norway also was lauded for its high literacy rate in addition to educational levels and material wealth. Norwegians themselves generally point to their country's scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, clean water and fresh air.

The United States landed in eighth place on the list, while France, for example, was 16th.

The worst countries in which to live are all in Africa, according to the UN report. All 23 nations at the bottom of the list were African, with war-torn Sierra Leone in last place.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:27:00 AM EDT

[#8]

I really don't want to leave, esp my home state of Indiana! I am just so sick and tired of all the crap, and being powerless to do anything about it. It all just seems hopeless.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:31:43 AM EDT

[#9]

When Willie Klinton was first elected I thought, "Great. The inmates have taken over the asylum."

When he was reelected (Thanks, Ross, really.

) I pulled my globe down off the shelf and started looking for a place to go.

Even with him in the top chair I couldn't find a better place to live.

Ken Hamblin has a book, "Pick A Better Country." He makes some sense in it.

Undoubtedly, we have imperfections, warts, blemishes, and other liberal elements in our society. But anyplace run by people will be flawed.

The USA has lost some of its greatness over the years in terms of individual liberty and the general goodness of society and the standards it tolerates, but it's still a pretty darned good place to live.

Within the country, Montana is starting to look pretty good to me.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:31:46 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
I really don't want to leave, esp my home state of Indiana! I am just so sick and tired of all the crap, and being powerless to do anything about it. It all just seems hopeless.

I've been to 17 other countries. Trust me, we've got it good and we're WAY ahead of the curve.
Most of America is sane. Don't let little sound bites from the news networks get you down.

AMERICA ROCKS!!

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:33:59 AM EDT

[#11]

I like it in INDIANA!
And In America, too

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:36:17 AM EDT

[#12]

TEXAS!

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:36:56 AM EDT

[#13]

Turn off your TV. That's the most important thing to do first. You will feel much better.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:38:03 AM EDT

[#14]

Oh, alright! You convinced me, I'll stay!

ETA: Am I too easy?

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:41:13 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Oh, alright! You convinced me, I'll stay!

ETA: Am I too easy?

You didn't even put up a fight.

Welcome back!

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:42:08 AM EDT

[#16]

This is the best place on Earth. The grass is NOT greener. Fix here or move somewhere worse.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:43:00 AM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
Norway still the world's best place to live
For the fourth year in a row, the United Nations has ranked Norway as having the highest standard of living in the world. Sweden, Australia and Canada are next in line, while the United States is further down the scale

The annual ranking is based largely on average levels of education and income, combined with expected length of lifetime.

The report measured standards of living in 177 countries around the world. Other Nordic countries also ranked high, with Iceland in 7th place, Finland 13th and Denmark 17th.

Norway's gross national product per person amounted to USD 36,600, beaten only by Luxembourg. Its men and women are expected to live to an age of 78.9 years and Norway is one of 19 countries in the world with no measurable rates of illiteracy.

Researchers for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also weighed countries' degrees of cultural freedom in their analysis. They called cultural freedom a "basic human right," and awarded high scores in this year's UN Human Development Report to countries that accept immigrant cultures in addition to their own.

Norway's cultural diversity has blossomed in recent years, and public policies are aimed at integrating various ethnic groups and promoting tolerance.

Norway also was lauded for its high literacy rate in addition to educational levels and material wealth. Norwegians themselves generally point to their country's scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, clean water and fresh air.

The United States landed in eighth place on the list, while France, for example, was 16th.

The worst countries in which to live are all in Africa, according to the UN report. All 23 nations at the bottom of the list were African, with war-torn Sierra Leone in last place.

What is Norway's tax environment? ~~They are a member state of the EU~~ - oops, no they aren't. Can citizens own guns?

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:43:58 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
Turn off your TV. That's the most important thing to do first. You will feel much better.

I was about to say this. +1

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:45:55 AM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Turn off your TV. That's the most important thing to do first. You will feel much better.

I was about to say this. +1

Damn straight.

I still watch some tv, but always know the media is biased and don't read much into what they report.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:47:16 AM EDT

[#20]

What do you do to make the country better? I need an outlet. Somehow writing letters just doesn't seem to pack much punch, and it's just a bit premature to start the revolution.

GOVERNMENT

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:50:43 AM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
Norway still the world's best place to live
For the fourth year in a row, the United Nations has ranked Norway as having the highest standard of living in the world. Sweden, Australia and Canada are next in line, while the United States is further down the scale

The annual ranking is based largely on average levels of education and income, combined with expected length of lifetime.

The report measured standards of living in 177 countries around the world. Other Nordic countries also ranked high, with Iceland in 7th place, Finland 13th and Denmark 17th.

Norway's gross national product per person amounted to USD 36,600, beaten only by Luxembourg. Its men and women are expected to live to an age of 78.9 years and Norway is one of 19 countries in the world with no measurable rates of illiteracy.

Researchers for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also weighed countries' degrees of cultural freedom in their analysis. They called cultural freedom a "basic human right," and awarded high scores in this year's UN Human Development Report to countries that accept immigrant cultures in addition to their own.

Norway's cultural diversity has blossomed in recent years, and public policies are aimed at integrating various ethnic groups and promoting tolerance.

Norway also was lauded for its high literacy rate in addition to educational levels and material wealth. Norwegians themselves generally point to their country's scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, clean water and fresh air.

The United States landed in eighth place on the list, while France, for example, was 16th.

The worst countries in which to live are all in Africa, according to the UN report. All 23 nations at the bottom of the list were African, with war-torn Sierra Leone in last place.

Ah, Norway. It is nice. I went there in 2003 to shoot machine guns. It is very expensive due to gov't giveaways. Example: a large pizza and 2 cokes was 350NOK, or about $52. And the diversity celibrated in the article means that Norway is importing many problems from other countries that will further drain the public coffers. It is a beautiful place, but pretty damn cold. Taxes are very high, and you'll have to drive one of those little Euro turd cars and not your big American gas hog.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:51:28 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
Turn off your TV. That's the most important thing to do first. You will feel much better.

I do have a tendancy to get wound up too tight when I watch TV/listen to AM radio.

There has to be a line between beating your head against the wall, and our duty to stay informed and somehow keep politicians in check.

[southpark]So, every election is a choice between a douche bag and a turd sandwich?[/southpark]

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:54:07 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Norway still the world's best place to live
For the fourth year in a row, the United Nations has ranked Norway as having the highest standard of living in the world. Sweden, Australia and Canada are next in line, while the United States is further down the scale

The annual ranking is based largely on average levels of education and income, combined with expected length of lifetime.

The report measured standards of living in 177 countries around the world. Other Nordic countries also ranked high, with Iceland in 7th place, Finland 13th and Denmark 17th.

Norway's gross national product per person amounted to USD 36,600, beaten only by Luxembourg. Its men and women are expected to live to an age of 78.9 years and Norway is one of 19 countries in the world with no measurable rates of illiteracy.

Researchers for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also weighed countries' degrees of cultural freedom in their analysis. They called cultural freedom a "basic human right," and awarded high scores in this year's UN Human Development Report to countries that accept immigrant cultures in addition to their own.

Norway's cultural diversity has blossomed in recent years, and public policies are aimed at integrating various ethnic groups and promoting tolerance.

Norway also was lauded for its high literacy rate in addition to educational levels and material wealth. Norwegians themselves generally point to their country's scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, clean water and fresh air.

The United States landed in eighth place on the list, while France, for example, was 16th.

The worst countries in which to live are all in Africa, according to the UN report. All 23 nations at the bottom of the list were African, with war-torn Sierra Leone in last place.

What is Norway's tax environment? They are a member state of the EU. Can citizens own guns?

Lots of taxes. Income, Wealth (property), and a 12-25% VAT tax way over 50%, yes, and yes but VERY heavily regulated and not in their two big cities (normal people).

But you get FREE health care.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:55:12 AM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Turn off your TV. That's the most important thing to do first. You will feel much better.

I do have a tendancy to get wound up too tight when I watch TV/listen to AM radio.

There has to be a line between beating your head against the wall, and our duty to stay informed and somehow keep politicians in check.

I tend to fall into the same trap. I have to make a conscious effort to only skim the headlines a few times a day but not to dwell on the bad news. I avoid watching CNN and Fox News more than an hour or so - they necessarily sensationalize/dramatize bad news to try to keep viewers.