wwest5829

From what I understand, Thai banks would issue me only a "secure" charge card. As stated by a reply already given. So, I have maintained my US credit cards which are based on my credit history. I think I could "charge" close to a million baht on the cards.

Well, they can be “ideals” … you and I would probably agree that they are not positive ideals but ideals by definition need not be positive. Don’t you agree?

My ballot was just handed over to the US Consulate in Chiang Mai. Voting in Kentucky it will be Democrat. Oh, I have plenty to take issue with the Democrat Party but, as you note … there is precious little in the way of alternatives. Republican? Not today’s US Republican Party …

And not one comment about how to motivate students and their parents to take school seriously. OK … same challenge faced by teachers the world round. Over my 41 years as an educator I had the cross section of humanity … some self motivated, some outstanding, some lacking self confidence, some fighting anti-education sediment at home, some … well, some incapable of gaining knowledge at the level or time in their life when in my classroom. One of the most challenging and most rewarding careers but it will break your heart if you truly care … and do not look to be financially compensated for the role you play in society. All that said, no … I cannot definitively speak for this particular teachers motivation.

Nor under China.

I have, evidently failed to communicate with you. I received 3300 baht more on this month’s transfer over last month’s transfer for “long term living” in Thailand (one option for those of us living here on retirement Visas).

I did too on yesterday's Wise transfer, oh wait, it was not 100 baht, it was 100 USD difference so 3300 baht. And that amount I do feel in the monthly budget. I missed 36.86 and did the transfer at 36.52.

While I do rule out term limits out of hand ... The voters can limit terms at every election. Wish all issues had simple answers but they do not. I am not one to state that all serving in positions of public trust are automatically corrupt (that said, I also recognize that the USA systems have been corrupted over time).

What was the old Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsh) saying? "We are too soon old and too late smart".

Si, si ... es verdad.

"I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." - Bob Seger quotes from BrainyQuote.com. We live and learn. Earlier in our lives we were unaware of what would come into our experiences.

I wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then - B. Seeger

To which god do you refer? I addressed the linking of the 1956, “in god we trust” motto that you addressed for historic background.

It does make me reflect on this theme being played out in my birth country (USA). You cannot trust any educated person, politician, media, government institution … only listen to the one man fighting for you personally … you know the lead nominee of the minority political party.

And the followers of the Isis cult were also promised eternal life for believers. But I respect all having an equal right to believe as they wish. A central tenant of the founding of the USA. I would note that all US “Rights” have restrictions … sorry, if one believes in human sacrifices … nope. And no imposing beliefs on others … a current issue in American society today.

Just a bit of the history, “In god We Trust” associated with US currency. It was imposed in 1956 under the Republican Eisenhower Administration. The idea being to counter those communists as Marx had stated that religion is an opiate of the people. For me, “E Pluribus Unum” remains the motto … since the establishment clause firmly states the government of the USA will establish no religious belief on the citizens.

In faring world. Here, defamation is judged as causing damage to someone or some business reputation. At least, that is my understanding.

Just a note on our experience at the end of March. Took the #10 train (newer Chinese car), two interconnected compartments. Overnight train, compartments were fine, bathroom and separate shower stall down the hall. Unfortunately, the care air conditioning was set on refrigerate. Could not sleep. In the morning, they turned off the air and immediate hot and humid.

I recall on first retiring here and riding the motorbike. Suddenly, a loud voice speaking in Thai was a my side. Scared the bejabbits out of me! One of those sound trucks which ride around advertising things. Thailand has been the only country where I had experienced this.

I certainly allow that the 91 indictments should play out, I trust the citizen Grand Juries and the citizen Trial Juries to hear the evidence and make their determinations in my name as an American citizen. OK, to allow that all of them and the Prosecutors, Defense Lawyers, Judges are all corrupted as being prejudiced against The Donald?

Thanks, Jerry.

I agree, Jerry. I will stay tuned.

Thanks but 1000 baht is best spent elsewhere. I am a US economic refugee retired on $2400. USD in a lower cost country as a career U.S. educator.

No, I won’t call you crazy. And I also want to see government spending to be brought under better control by Congress in a responsible way. The current demand to shut down the government is not the responsible way. As to Trump? President for four years and during his administration a Republican majority sponsored tax cut, primarily benefiting the wealthy and corporations while not cutting spending. The factual result of his administration? An increase in the national debt of trillions of dollars. OK, absolutely we need to bring the costs of demands for government spending on the national treasury into alignment with tax income. I look to fund Social Security earned by the lifetime of labor of the working middle class by raising the cap on Social Security contributions from income earned. I support an absolute demand that there be no earning of millions without taxation (SCOTUS ruled that corporations are equal citizens with me … treat them equally, taxwise).

Such a great current irony. The working middle class having the same interests being divided between those of us supporting Bernie’s approach and those supporting The Donald. So sad … look to the lifelong histories … which has consistently supported the working middle class?!