Originally Posted by Leslie66

You know, this is exactly the kind of shit he's talking about. The guy comes on here with an honest expression of his own experience and struggle. He posted with no malice whatsoever and this is all you can come up with? Is this how you're going to deal with your wife when/if she has problems adjusting? Tell her she can just **** off to Canada? What a ignorant little person you have proven yourself to be. Shameful.

Originally Posted by Michael

The US has always been slower to move to a more progressive government because of the 60 vote (was 67 votes at one time) cloture rule in the senate. It is almost impossible to get 60 votes on any controversial issue until something is completely broken.

This is the saving grace for conservatives since it slows the tidal wave of progressiveness like most other western countries and also allows the liberals to oppose radical conservative laws and judicial appointments.

As a progressive, I sometimes get very frustrated but at other times I am thankful that certain judicial appointments and restrictive laws were not allowed to be put into place.

Originally Posted by Octang Frye

Speaking of ignorant people, if it's okay to display the hammer and sickle, I think I might change my avatar to a swastika. You know, 'cause, displaying the symbols of an ideology responsible for a 100 million deaths is cool, right? Amirite?

Originally Posted by Leslie66

I wouldn't be comfortable advising you on such matters. You could display the American flag though 'cause that's always safe and will remind me to watch the Olympics tonight.

Originally Posted by Octang Frye

Kim Yuna.
Laura Lepisto.

Yum, yum. Either would do.

Originally Posted by Leslie66

Whatever. I would totally look just like that if I trained 42 hours a day and lived entirely off lettuce and water. No prob.

Originally Posted by HighlandPenguin

Hi All

I realize in this day and age one should be thankful one has a job and a roof over ones head, but there are times I find myself so at odds with the culture and polarized political landscape here in the US.

I am an expat with British and South African roots who has been living in the US now for almost 6 years now. Currently I live in Kentucky which may be part of my problem (Red State and all). Anyhow I don't know if it is my liberal European roots or what, but I get so frustrated with how conservatives here in the US are so against things like a health care plan with a Public Option or regulation of the financial systems etc..... Then I get further frustrated when people will claim they are so Christian, but don't want to ensure their fellow human being gets health care - the epitome of hypocrisy . I would like to hear from other Brits to find out if they have similar reactions to what I am having with regards to some of the conservative mindsets here in the US. Also how do you deal with it or do you find yourself wanting to hop on the next available flight back to Britain as I am feeling these days?

My other half, Sunflwrgrl13, feels I maybe take the politics too serious here in the US, but part of me feels it goes deeper than just politics and has more to do with cultures and ideologies. Again to any Brits reading this, do you find the cultural integration here difficult?

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying the UK is perfect either, but I feel that there was far less friction between people with different political affiliations (labor, conservative etc..) and a greater sense for the well being of society on whole - possibly more socialistic in nature.

Looking at the positive, there are a great deal of good things here in the US too, so I am not saying the US is a bad place, but maybe just not meant for me possibly.

Would love to hear other Expats thoughts on this.

Cheers
HighlandPenguin

Originally Posted by Leslie66

HP ---

Location might be the key for you. If you guys decide to stay in the US, you might be much more comfortable in a different city/state. We've had some pretty good conversations on here about how some people are profoundly affected by their surroundings and others (like me) don't suffer as adversly. Maybe you're a person that needs a certain equilibrium with their environment in order to be happy?

Originally Posted by Octang Frye

I've got some lettuce they could munch on right here.

Come on, you've got Johnny Weir. And that Barry Manilow/Plushenko dude.

Originally Posted by HighlandPenguin

Hi All

I realize in this day and age one should be thankful one has a job and a roof over ones head, but there are times I find myself so at odds with the culture and polarized political landscape here in the US.

I am an expat with British and South African roots who has been living in the US now for almost 6 years now. Currently I live in Kentucky which may be part of my problem (Red State and all). Anyhow I don't know if it is my liberal European roots or what, but I get so frustrated with how conservatives here in the US are so against things like a health care plan with a Public Option or regulation of the financial systems etc..... Then I get further frustrated when people will claim they are so Christian, but don't want to ensure their fellow human being gets health care - the epitome of hypocrisy . I would like to hear from other Brits to find out if they have similar reactions to what I am having with regards to some of the conservative mindsets here in the US. Also how do you deal with it or do you find yourself wanting to hop on the next available flight back to Britain as I am feeling these days?

My other half, Sunflwrgrl13, feels I maybe take the politics too serious here in the US, but part of me feels it goes deeper than just politics and has more to do with cultures and ideologies. Again to any Brits reading this, do you find the cultural integration here difficult?

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying the UK is perfect either, but I feel that there was far less friction between people with different political affiliations (labor, conservative etc..) and a greater sense for the well being of society on whole - possibly more socialistic in nature.

Looking at the positive, there are a great deal of good things here in the US too, so I am not saying the US is a bad place, but maybe just not meant for me possibly.

Would love to hear other Expats thoughts on this.

Cheers
HighlandPenguin

Originally Posted by HighlandPenguin

Hi Leslie66

Thanks for the advise. Sunflwrgrl13 and myself have had conversations along that line but have not acted on it. We have discussed options like the Pacific North west, Chicago and Boston.

Cheers
HighlandPenguin

Originally Posted by Leslie66

Maybe start taking more trips around the states? You'll be surprised at how different the vibe can be depending on the city. Sometimes just visiting different places can revive you.

Originally Posted by Octang Frye

You can come to Denver/Boulder. We'll have you. I want a "finder's fee" though.

Originally Posted by Leslie66

HP ---

Location might be the key for you. If you guys decide to stay in the US, you might be much more comfortable in a different city/state. We've had some pretty good conversations on here about how some people are profoundly affected by their surroundings and others (like me) don't suffer as adversly. Maybe you're a person that needs a certain equilibrium with their environment in order to be happy?