wwest5829

On 10/25/2024 at 10:17 AM, riclag said:

DEI is Marxist!

Its all you here from the extreme left!

the conquest of the oppressed vs the oppressor!

The Cultural Marxist want to rewrite humanity by eliminating Traditional values of merit based achievements and replace it with vibe identity based ideals.

Ha! Very funny … I am seeing that you are simply playing.

13 hours ago, AndreasHG said:

 

But the forces who shall support Harris are dependent on the perceived qualities of the Dem candidate...

 

Not entirely as there are those who will vote for Harris in opposition to Trump and his ilk.

16 hours ago, Celsius said:

Finally all tourists will be insured.

And those who do border renewals every 90 days? And even though I have a year long extension of stay. If I leave the country and come back with a “re-entry permit” as a tourist I am covered for the 30 days?

3 hours ago, AgMech Cowboy said:

She's not 'black'. That's one of the bigger lies.

Will not vote for a woman of “color”. Does that help comphrhension?

1 hour ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Trump wasn't in office so he couldn't block it. That bill wasn't passing anyway. 

Denying the influence of Trump on the Republican Party? Wow. He did call for it to be blocked. Whether there were enough votes in the House without his active call will remain unknown.

On 10/23/2024 at 9:11 PM, swissie said:

The 2 stratetic errors of the Democrats.

a) Accross party lines, most Americans want some sort of "Deportations" of illegals. (Kamala has not joined this bandwagon).

b) There is a number of white voters that will never vote for a black female for president. Under no circumstances.

Those missing 1 to 2 % will prevent Kamala from becoming president.

2 stratetic errors of epic proportions.

Think there are other “epic proportions” that were more critical.

22 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Why aren't you there then?

 

If I was a citizen of the country with the best economy in the world, I'd be living there.

Hmm, there are those capable of some critical thinking, handy as the world is complex. I fully recognize the justified frustration/anger built up within the working middle class as the result of the policies/actions inactions by both US major political parties over the past decades at both the state and national levels. Unfortunately, no major addressing of the issues was done by either party. Along comes Donald Trump, a being wholly unworthy and unqualified but … he has given voice to the frustration/anger. And so off they go, in ignorance, following the Pied Piper. It has happened before in history but, Americans are well known for their non-caring ignorance of the past. They want action … even self destructive action as they are tired of the status quo. I do not know if we will survive this brush with the end of my country but if we do … it will only delay if both parties do not see that their current direction has lost the support of the working middle class upon whom any hope of a U.S. participatory democracy depends.

On 10/22/2024 at 1:13 PM, Talon said:

 

Trump wasn't personally responsible, but he negotiated settlements with creditors before filing Chapter 11.  The law is available to every US citizen.

So, student loans can use the same bankruptcy laws?

15 hours ago, Cameroni said:

 

Chiang Mai is clearly one of the best place to live in Thailand, for a few months the air is poor, but you can easily head to the islands then.

 

No wonder the US press is reporting these stories, Chiang Mai never disappoints.

 

 

My only global residence for 13 years. And, yes, I have been known to travel out of the mountain, smoke catching “bowl” during the smoky season. If staying? Moving from air conditioned home to air conditioned car to air conditioned mall/restaurant, etc. is workable. And yes, I do miss getting out on the motorbike during that time.

My understanding of the Buddha’s teaching is to avoid any substance which duos/enhances or otherwise interferes with your being naturally in the moment, being aware of carrying out the eightfold path. Many Buddhists, like many Christians, etc. are not strict in the adherence to the teachings. With that, I bid you a good evening as I am off to watch TV and sip my red wine. Ha! Yes, I am aware, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging and whosoever is there deceived is not wise”.

14 hours ago, still kicking said:

I am getting sick and tired about all topics about the USA election. Every second topic on AN is about that. Why talk about a country who is bankrupt? Hate Trump hate Harries who cares? not every body lives in the US only 340 million out of 8 billion. Sorry about my American friends but I am getting pinched off. How many posts do we get about the coming Australian election ? None What about New Zealand or Italy India none, 

Agree and I am an American. My Absentee Ballot mailed. Up to the my fellow voting citizens. I am done.

Six trips outside Thailand in 13+ years for visits. I have felt no need to look for another retirement residence. If the need arises I will deal with it at that time. I am fully aware of alternatives.

3 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

One of my interests is why people travel from Pattaya to Bangkok to save a pittance 

 

Again this morning in my Hotel I watched a retired couple from the USA complete with pushing their luggage bags order a Grab to take them to the North Pattaya bus station to go to Bangkok 

 

I actually heard him say to the reception would he have to order another Grab when he got to Bangkok to go to the hotel there or could they get the SkyTrain 

 

I'm thinking why? Why don't you just pay 1200 baht for a taxi car door to door ?

How much are you saving ,so let's look at it.

Grab probably 70-90  baht to bus station 

Bus to Bangkok 200 baht each ?

Then when they get to Bangkok another Grab -150-200 baht ?

So they saved 600 baht 

 

Please tell me if that's worth it and why do you travel by bus 

 

Ah, fondly remember my first trip in 2009. I would just observe that it is a learning experience so I would think they thought that was the best way of doing things simply by not knowing the alternatives. I was quite lucky, found a driver with car near the hotel I was staying … reasonable cost and I was still working so I hired him to both take me around some in Bangkok and drive me to Pattaya. I have now been here 13+ years and am much more able to wheel and deal than during that first trip.

I can only relate my own experience here in achiang Mai and having driven around Thailand for 13 years … AIS.

On 10/14/2024 at 10:13 AM, Danderman123 said:

You love your billionaires.

Hmm, where did you get that idea? 

On 10/8/2024 at 3:30 PM, KhunLA said:

If you want to tax more fairly, get rid of all the deduction/allowances, along with subsidies, all markets, all industries, and simply have  flat tax.

 

Flat tax of 15-20-25%.  That would be fair.  Because someone has the desire to make more, they shouldn't be penalized with higher taxes.  That's just stupid.

 

Half pays less that <15% tax, many, no income tax at all or an average of 3.3%.  And I've been hit with 37% income tax, and that's just 'federal'. 

 

That's not a fair tax code... that's BS

 

 

source

 

I can support pealing back deductions after study to see if they are, if fact benefitting a country desired goal. I cannot support a flat tax without a bottom cur off. Someone earning $10,000 should not be taxed. I do not propose any amount as that would need some study and thought … Federal poverty level? You are also supporting higher taxes for higher earners, are you not? In general, I think the income/wealth gap has risen to unsustainable levels and is the underlying cause of most of the shredding of the social fabric today. 

47 minutes ago, timendres said:

It is what we call an "empty promise", since the US and Thailand have a DTA.

For ten years, I never paid a dime in US taxes on income earned in Thailand.

I am sure there are some who would benefit, but the number would be small.

I’m thinking it would be a boon for wealthy Americans not being subject to  US taxation. Just maintain aone of your foreign address  as a tax residency (preferably a country which does not tax your income).