What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
#256
Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
We have quite a few now where I live in Maryland. I once saw someone go left (clockwise) into a roundabout, take the first exit (on his left) and drive up the left side of the road. Had to have been an expat who shifted into autopilot after encountering his first US roundabout!
There's a few around town too, especially in the shopping areas. Have been for quite a few years apparently, but it's still a little scary at times.
#257
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
I wish the sun didn't shine every day, and that it would be grey and gloomy more often. Grey brightens my mood.
I wish that petrol was more expensive, so that I would have to ride the bus more often. I then would be able to stand outside in the cold, wind and rain, getting splashed while waiting for an overdue bus.
I wish I couldn't turn right on red - it would give me more time to be in my own little bubble.
I wish surgery wouldn't be scheduled quite as quickly. I would rather put off an operation for about 18 months - to give me time to get worse, then I could stay in hospital longer.
I wish the police were slower in reaction time. If I'm going to loot a shop, I enjoy knowing that I have time to pick and choose.
I wish they wouldn't wrap bread and baked goods in cellophane. If they leave them unwrapped on the counter. you can pick it up and smell it, squeeze it, and put it back down again if you don't want it.
I wish windows didn't have screens on them. I have a big fly swatter, and I would enjoy chasing flies and wasps around the house.
I wish there wasn't ample parking outside places of business, doctor's, dentist, etc. I would prefer to park in a car park at a high fee for a few hours.
I wish the beaches were more crowded. It's boring when someone's else's kids aren't screaming in your ear, and throwing sand on you.
I wish there was more dog poo around. I could do with the exercise from jumping over it.
I wish people wouldn't smile so much, and be so friendly. It confuses me. They should complain more.
I wish there more threads on BE about what is wrong with the US, and how the UK is better in every aspect. I could buy myself a one-way ticket to the UK to savour utopia. Then I could kick myself for not buying a return ticket!
I wish that petrol was more expensive, so that I would have to ride the bus more often. I then would be able to stand outside in the cold, wind and rain, getting splashed while waiting for an overdue bus.
I wish I couldn't turn right on red - it would give me more time to be in my own little bubble.
I wish surgery wouldn't be scheduled quite as quickly. I would rather put off an operation for about 18 months - to give me time to get worse, then I could stay in hospital longer.
I wish the police were slower in reaction time. If I'm going to loot a shop, I enjoy knowing that I have time to pick and choose.
I wish they wouldn't wrap bread and baked goods in cellophane. If they leave them unwrapped on the counter. you can pick it up and smell it, squeeze it, and put it back down again if you don't want it.
I wish windows didn't have screens on them. I have a big fly swatter, and I would enjoy chasing flies and wasps around the house.
I wish there wasn't ample parking outside places of business, doctor's, dentist, etc. I would prefer to park in a car park at a high fee for a few hours.
I wish the beaches were more crowded. It's boring when someone's else's kids aren't screaming in your ear, and throwing sand on you.
I wish there was more dog poo around. I could do with the exercise from jumping over it.
I wish people wouldn't smile so much, and be so friendly. It confuses me. They should complain more.
I wish there more threads on BE about what is wrong with the US, and how the UK is better in every aspect. I could buy myself a one-way ticket to the UK to savour utopia. Then I could kick myself for not buying a return ticket!
Awsome, I LOVE it!
#259
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#260
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
If we had to live our lives based on statistics, there are few places besides a bunker where we would live. If you stop going to the movies or move away from the U.S. because some nut shot a movie theater once in a lifetime, you won't ever fly again, drive your car etc. etc. The truth is that it can happen anywhere, just like if you buy a lottery ticket, you may win...
The question should be, what are YOU doing to correct those things that bother you?
I came to this ountry not in search of paradise as it does not exist on earth and I'm not in a hurry to get there due to the pretty drastic entry requirement.
Every place has its advantages and disadvantages, it's up to each individual to decide what best suits them. If you move away form your country of origin in the hopes that you will find a place free of problems and challenges, you will be disappointed. Why move half a world away and complain about the different views people hold, the unavailability of certain products, the lifestyle the healthcare system etc.?
Why move if your life is going to be lived looking in the rear view mirror?
This seems to be a little schitzophrenic, seeking change, but only in some areas and only to a certain point.
An expatriation should be thought over very carefully. Its is definitely not for everyone. I would even dare say that only a small percentage of people can be totally successful in their expatriation. My maternal grandparents were italians and lived in France for over 60 years until they passed away. I cannot remember a time when they did not long for their native land as it often happens with people who move more by necessity than choice.
I've lived in Europe, in the U.S. and in Latin America; each place has its charms and things that I don't like. I have family in each of those regions and all of them live where they live because they want to. I guess it comes down to what suits you best and what you are willing to sacrifice.
There is no 'perfect' country to live in in the absolute and looking for one is futile. Happiness is a self-motivated feeling that you need to find in yourself. No one or nothing can 'make' you happy. I chose to be happy where I'm at and work at changing what bothers me and this country allows you to become part of its society and participate to the fullest. That may not be important to you, but it is to me. I lived in France for 18 years, you can become a French citizen, but you can't become French. In their eyes, you will always be a foreigner and God forbid should you look different, that will last for generations. I lived in Mexico and it's the same, no matter how long you live there, no matter what you do, you will always be an outsider. As a naturalized Mexican, you are kept out of any government job and out from serving in the armed forces. The won't even trust you with a broom there, you couldn't be a street sweeper working for a municipality there if you tried. You just don't become Mexican. I lived in Honduras and Panama and it's the same thing. (To a lesser degree in Panama). My cousins have been living in Costa Rica since their early teens, but they will never be Ticos. I don't know about the U.K. I don't know if you truly can become British.
I chose to live here and to adopt the country that adopted me, 'for better or worse, in the good and the bad times, in health and illness', it's the commitment I have made and the rule by which I live. What has worked for me in all of those places, is to respect people and do my best to understand their way of life, their culture without constantly comparing it to my native circumstances.
I see it as my responsibility to do my part in fixing what I think is wrong with this country, knowing I will never be able to solve all the problems. All we can do is to add our own little grain of sand to build something better.
Complaining about things makes you feel better temporarily, but does little to better the world if you stay at the complaining stage.
This has been my experience and is not necessarily valid for the next guy that comes around but that's what I'm gonna stick to.
Just a tought.
#261
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
Which is exactly why I asked the question in the first place i.e. to find out what people liked least about the US. At the same time there was a parallel thread that asked what people liked the most.
Last edited by MarylandNed; Aug 21st 2012 at 5:26 pm.
#262
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
If we had to live our lives based on statistics, there are few places besides a bunker where we would live. If you stop going to the movies or move away from the U.S. because some nut shot a movie theater once in a lifetime, you won't ever fly again, drive your car etc. etc. The truth is that it can happen anywhere, just like if you buy a lottery ticket, you may win...
And statistics can be distorted and manipulated - like referring to the cinema shooting as 'once in a lifetime'. While that's true, the same can be said of Virginia Tech, Columbine, etc etc. I think I'm also right in saying those chaps on 9-11 didn't go on to fly any other planes into sky-scrapers but I don't think they'd be good examples of rehabilitation working.
Being horrified or concerned about gun control (or lack of) isn't the same as imagining other places are perfect - nor is it about never going to a movie theatre again, though hearing you use the 'my gun keeps me safe' argument I'm actually wondering if even that's worth a rethink.
I do - and you can.
Last edited by Egon; Aug 22nd 2012 at 1:47 pm.
#263
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
If we had to live our lives based on statistics, there are few places besides a bunker where we would live. If you stop going to the movies or move away from the U.S. because some nut shot a movie theater once in a lifetime, you won't ever fly again, drive your car etc. etc. The truth is that it can happen anywhere, just like if you buy a lottery ticket, you may win...
And statistics can be distorted and manipulated - like referring to the cinema shooting as 'once in a lifetime'. While that's true, the same can be said of Virginia Tech, Columbine, etc etc. I think I'm also right in saying those chaps on 9-11 didn't go on to fly any other planes into sky-scrapers but I don't think they'd be good examples of rehabilitation working.
Being horrified or concerned about gun control (or lack of) isn't the same as imagining other places are perfect - nor is it about never going to a movie theatre again, though hearing you use the 'my gun keeps me safe' argument I'm actually wondering if even that's worth a rethink.
I enjoy living in the US. Life here has a lot going for it. At the same time, there are many things that I don't like and it's important to recognize that. It's not a case of complaining. Just because many people prefer life here to life in the UK doesn't mean that you can't discuss the things you don't like about the US.
Last edited by MarylandNed; Aug 22nd 2012 at 2:45 pm.
#264
Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
Exactly. Many people with the opportunity to move abroad consider multiple options. Knowing the pros and cons of living somewhere is an important step in making a decision. I have read (figures differ depending on the source) that somewhere between 33% and 40% of US homes contain at least 1 gun. That makes you think twice about where you let your kids go. Recently a young child was killed in Virginia after he found a loaded gun in a parked truck and accidentally shot himself. These things (and worse) happen with frightening regularity in the US and don't always make the news.
I enjoy living in the US. Life here has a lot going for it. At the same time, there are many things that I don't like and it's important to recognize that. It's not a case of complaining. Just because many people prefer life here to life in the UK doesn't mean that you can't discuss the things you don't like about the US.
I enjoy living in the US. Life here has a lot going for it. At the same time, there are many things that I don't like and it's important to recognize that. It's not a case of complaining. Just because many people prefer life here to life in the UK doesn't mean that you can't discuss the things you don't like about the US.
I am also surprised at the filmsy excuses some Americans give for owning guns.
#265
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
Yeah...particularly this one: "Because it's my constitutional right."
#266
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
Exactly. Many people with the opportunity to move abroad consider multiple options. Knowing the pros and cons of living somewhere is an important step in making a decision. I have read (figures differ depending on the source) that somewhere between 33% and 40% of US homes contain at least 1 gun. That makes you think twice about where you let your kids go. Recently a young child was killed in Virginia after he found a loaded gun in a parked truck and accidentally shot himself. These things (and worse) happen with frightening regularity in the US and don't always make the news.
I enjoy living in the US. Life here has a lot going for it. At the same time, there are many things that I don't like and it's important to recognize that. It's not a case of complaining. Just because many people prefer life here to life in the UK doesn't mean that you can't discuss the things you don't like about the US.
I enjoy living in the US. Life here has a lot going for it. At the same time, there are many things that I don't like and it's important to recognize that. It's not a case of complaining. Just because many people prefer life here to life in the UK doesn't mean that you can't discuss the things you don't like about the US.
I am a law enforcement officer and I carry a gun all the time so for me, it's part of life. Debating gun control in the U.S. is a valid premise but one has to realize that with more than 200 million guns out there, the cat's already out of the bag and no one will propose measures to get all those guns turned in or confiscated in the foreseable future.
I think that in some cases guns make you safer and in others they don't. All accidents are preventable in one way or another but we chose not to take the proper actions and accept the risk that accidents will happen. You explain to your kids that playing with kitchen knives is probably not a good idea, the same should go for guns and any other dangerous item. It's a pipe dream to think that all dangerous things will be banned and no accidents will ever happen again.
You can't expet every accident involving vehicles, sharp tools and guns to make the news. It's each person's individual responsibilty to teach their children how to be safe with guns or to stay away from them.
I opt for the teaching part. Rarely do children who have received some instruction on how to use a gun suffer from gun accidents. You teach your kids how to swim so they don't drown if they fall in some water, why not teach them how to safely use a gun since they are everywhere just like water? Pretending they're never going to come into contact with one is as foolish as pretending there is no chance they will ever fall into a body of water.
Guns have a particular mystique, especially when it comes to guns in the U.S. The debate always rages on regarding guns in the U.S. among European expats here. You rarely hear that same debate among expats in other countries where guns are everywhere too, such as Brazil, the Caribbean islands, Central and South America etc. There, somehow, guns are more acceptable to expats.
Guns have been a reality in the U.S. since the inception of the country and will remain so for the rest of our natural lives, there is little point in finding this to be shocking. It's a fact of life here.
I yet have to see a study not based on the ideology of one side or the other of this issue that would prove either side's point.
The issue has too many facets to reduce it to equating the presence and availibilty of guns to more violent crime and gun deaths. The correlation is weak at best and dissapears if you introduce other variables.
Maryland, for example, has a higher rate of violent crime than Virginia with half the guns. The rates of homicides in every major U.S. city in the 1990's were close to 50% higher than now with less guns. There are more guns out there now and less crime across the nation. This shows that guns cannot be the only factor.
The bottom line is, if you don't like guns and are concerned about them, don't move to the U.S., if you don't like rain, don't move to the U.K.
#267
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
That's much too simplistic a view. There are pros and cons to living anywhere so you have to weigh the pros and cons in order to make informed decisions. Different people will have a different tolerance for various levels of threat to their safety (perceived or real) or standard of living. You can't just rule out somewhere simply because there are one or more cons. You have to determine if you can live with it and then manage it as best you can.
#268
Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
I don't like the liberality of attitudes to guns in the US, but I have moved here and do not intend to move away and object to people who more or less say if you don't like it f*$k off. I will continue to voice my opinion in my community when I think it right to do so.
#269
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
How on earth do you equate guns and rain?
Guns droppeth as the gentle rain over here I suppose.
Guns droppeth as the gentle rain over here I suppose.
#270
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Re: What's your LEAST favorite thing about the US?
That's much too simplistic a view. There are pros and cons to living anywhere so you have to weigh the pros and cons in order to make informed decisions. Different people will have a different tolerance for various levels of threat to their safety (perceived or real) or standard of living. You can't just rule out somewhere simply because there are one or more cons. You have to determine if you can live with it and then manage it as best you can.
Guns, in and of themselves - are only tools - they are not the problem. It is the glorification, almost to the point of fanaticism of them and the often cavalier attitude that many (not all, I hasten to add) gun ownership advocates have with regards to using them to take a life, that I, personally, have a problem with. The argument that guns make us safer is also, I feel, a bit of a flawed one, but whatever.