Earlier quoted context omitted.
Can you give some examples?
I mean it's kind of obvious right. He's rich.
America rich perhaps, possibly not Swiss rich.
Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
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Re: Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
#82And go where? Seriously I don’t know of another country that isn’t on the same authoritarian track, if not further along. If anyone has done a serious study and come up with a country that still has strong judicial independence, due process, lack of censorship and respect for private property, Id love to know
> Seriously I don’t know of another country that isn’t on the same authoritarian track,
New Zealand? Canada? Japan? France? I mean you really aren't trying there.
> if not further along.
The only places further along are China, Russia, Georgia, Venezuela, and Hungary. Even Slovakia or Poland or Germany aren't as bad (though still troubling). It's really hard to be more authoritarian than the US is now still. The Feds claiming they'll keep going at Comey yet again really seals the deal there .
Not saying it's worth it for you, but there are lots of places.
Re: Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
#83Leaving now is the best way to ensure things get worse. If you've given up, your vote no longer counts and your voice no longer matters.
??? Tons of US citizens vote from abroad every year?
Re: Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
#84Earlier quoted context omitted.
Can you give some examples?
I mean it's kind of obvious right. He's rich.
Switzerland is one of the best countries to be if you are rich, because it's safe and nobody will target you for driving a Porsche (probably the most common car brand in canton Zug), or similar.
So I'd be interested what he means too.
What is for sure better in the US: There is way more space.
Re: Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
#85Earlier quoted context omitted.
That's the root of it, isn't it? America is pretty great if you're in the upper 20% or so, and otherwise it's losing ground fast.
Perhaps, but the places where it’s arguably nicer (than US) to be bottom 50% are that way because of side-effects of America being how America has always been. Without things like US NATO membership, someone in, let’s say Europe, might eventually find themselves made forcibly familiar with what actual fascism is, by being “welcomed” into Soviet Union 2.0, now without the communist trappings. If you think Soviet bread…
I live in Germany and I'm not afraid of Russia. If they had more manpower they would have overrun Ukraine by now. They do not. I'm not saying it would be an easy fight, but Russia stands no chance. Not even with Belarus on their side or some other satellite states.
Re: Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
#86Re: Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
#87As an immigrant to the US, I've often viewed the fervent wish to depart (among natural born citizens) to be the ultimate form of self-entitlement. That you'd give up so easily when your voice, presence, and vote, matters most. It's being tested right now, and leaving is the only way to fail. Also, why do you think any other country would -love- to have you?
Sounds a bit like a Stockholm syndrome argument to be honest. There is nothing wrong with moving somewhere else because it aligns with your ideals and needs.
Re: Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
#88I sometimes wonder whether the political attitudes of some immigrants and their descendants are shaped by negative experiences or family histories from their countries of origin. This might help explain why people with backgrounds in places like South Africa, the Levant, or Eastern Europe often express strong libertarian views or criticize institutions such as the European Union, progressive politics, or European bur…
Poland really is a great example of a modern EU state that has flourished, I am so proud of them, they deserve it.
Re: Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
#89I love the Netherlands and have spent a few months trying it out as a place to live. It's among my favourite places: moderate weather, friendly people, a high level of personal freedom, very high rate of English speakers, clean and modern environment, good international restaurants, lively town centres even in smaller towns, most towns have rivers / canals which make them very pleasant to walk around. I could list ma…
>Taxes are also very high. In addition to the usual income taxes, you pay a wealth tax and the threshold is very low (around 55k EUR in savings/assets) so this isn't only targeting very rich people. This makes it a pretty bad place to live if you care about investing and saving for the future. This was a deal breaker for me as someone on the FIRE path. It's neighbor, Belgium, is much better in this respect.
FIRE people are funny, I wouldn't retire in belgium even if I was paid for it personally. Do you just order by tax rate and move wherever the number is the smallest ? I never heard of anyone moving to Belgium for anything other than family or cross border workers
Re: Leaving the U.S. for the Netherlands
#90Godspeed!