wwest5829

Thank for taking your time to offer valid "food for thought".

Interesting interpretation of history. Could I ask where you earned your degrees in history or economics? I would agree that it was WW II that brought the world clear of the economic depression.

It happened before when there was a real perceived threat. The result was, when their back seemed to be against the wall, FDR was able to get social legislation through Congress. But then, they were facing the Depression. Those with power/wealth will not bend until there seems to be no other way. Sad ... any confrontation, such as what we are facing increasingly today, could be avoided by taking a "middle road" paying increased attention to moderating the economic stress among the working middle class upon whom any hope of a participatory democracy depends in the USA.

Just a note, education certainly counts in there for adaptation as does having a liberal outlook.

USA reality, documented, is that the working middle class cannot afford life in much of the U.S. This continues for the economics of retirement.

As stated, reasoning varies and I make it a principal not to call others, “stupid”. Each must make their personal decision. I do note that there are millions of Americans, like myself who cannot afford a working middle class retirement in the USA and that points to further proof of the unsustainable economic system. I chose to retire in Thailand where I can afford food, clothing, lodging, a car, motorbike and some travel with my now, Thai Wife and Thai Stepdaughter. But there certainly was a cost. I met my two Grandsons for the first and probably only time this past April.

I do not focus on who is President but rather the Congress members who, in the majority pass such legislation. Today the attack on Social Security and Medice is coming from?

I have only kept it in case of cancer, Parkinson’s, etc. tThe chances of any major disaster are diminishing. Living full time in Thailand, keeping the premium would be of substantial income benefit. Complication would cancel my employment Advantage program.

Th President does not determine the Cola adjustment. Presidents can influence and support the Social Security or not. Good example was beginning to tax Social Security payments under President Reagan.

I pay also but this Medicare, Part b coverage is voluntary, we can chose not to have this hospitalization coverage.

I am paying monthly, as do US military retirees. They get global medical coverage, I get zip (I will continue to support the military retirees rights, I just want equal coverage). The monthly premium I view as insurance in case of need to return to the U.S. for major medical … I have strong doubts if, in fact, that is a smart decision as there would co-pays and deductibles.

Agree with your observations. I retired here in 2011 at age 64 1/2 as I was on the academic year calendar and having had 5 by-passes in 2005, I did not want to wait another year before retiring. I do count myself fortunate in my U.S. Social Security continuing and receiving the annual cost of living adjustments. Not as fortunate in getting Medicare coverage as supplied to fully retired military retirees. US Social Security is based on lifetime earnings … a large reason why I cannot retire in my own country.

I have seen it on the Sizzler menu here in CM. When I asked, I was told only available in Sizzler Bangkok.

Two occasions. 1st, went down on the motorcycle. Ambulance magically appeared took me to Sansai Hospital. Patched up, tetanus shot, Emergency Dr. exam, medication and ambulance took me home (total bill $10.00 USD). 2nd called 1669, not sure how long but not too bad as I was having a TIA. Took me to CM RAM where I had a stent placement earlier in the week. Don't recall if there was a charge as I was "out of it" for two hours until the condition passed.

History reflects that, in the short run, you can suppress by the use of force but, in the longer run, unless the underlying cause is addressed there will be continued resistance. I agree with you as regards the psychological costs and doubt Bibi is taking that into consideration ... or if he is ... regarding it as collateral damage. A homeland for the remnants of the annexation of the Jews by the Nazis led to the formation of current day Israel. Perhaps the action results by Israel will bring forth a sustained demand for a Palestinian homeland. I cannot see any other alternative hoping to bring about a sustainable peace but a two state solution. Israel will oppose its removal totally from the West Bank but, as you point out, it is currently endangering burning through global good will.

The fighting continues on both sides. We would, no doubt, agree on wanting the death and destruction to stop. Israel had a right to respond but I am not one who would agree to taking all measures. I doubt a ground invasion of Gaza will turn out toward that end.

Just a couple of observations. We do probably have areas in which we could agree on cutting the military support subsidizing some regimes. I fully supported the USA sending Covid vaccines to others around the globe ... that is the kind of foreign aid I see as positive and in line with the best of American ideals. There certainly is an argument for defending American interests ... I do favor paying for the US Navy to continue sailing in all international waters consistent with international law. I supported going into Afghanistan to punish that people for allowing the 9-11 attacks (but opposed staying), I opposed going into Iraq ... so it depends in my mind. I certainly support joining all other developed nations in providing a national healthcare program (how many of us are already on state and federal programs, either as employees or retirees, etc. Seems grossly inefficient and in the interests of profits to me. Anyway ... have a good day.

Agree but support both in resistance to aggression.

American registered Democrat here. While I would prefer a different political contest for November 2024, there is not a viable alternative currently. The Republican Party seems determined to destroy itself. Oh, that tax bit? Sad try ... the issue is not government taxation of the working middle class ... the issue is the working middle class paying a higher percentage of their take home pay than are far too many of the wealthy and not seeing the direct benefits of that taxation. So, the unfair taxation system favoring the wealthy, the shrinking income/wealth piece of the economic pie (a result of the policies/actions or inaction by both major parties for decades) resulting in an unsustainably income/wealth gap. And that is, in large measure, why Americans are chewing on each other while Congress if afraid to act to address issues.

While I am very aware of the U.S. support for the likes of Saddam, Noriega, Batista, Perón, etc., and join you in condemnation, that does negate that there are fights necessary at times. Unilateral invasion of a sovereign nation comes to mind, whether that be North Korea or Russia. Rifles and RPGs? Good thing there were not missiles and drones launched during the initial Hamas attack!

Delicious … yes. Healthy? Go with the Mediterranean Diet.

As you asked for thoughts ... I am in a similar situation as regards to my death ending any further income to my Thai Wife and Stepdaughter (age 17). However, our finances are handled a bit differently (to each their own). I bring in 65K every month (for 12+ years now) and am continuing to do so as that is our monthly budget (actually it is $2200.00 USD), excess goes into the savings account which I want to build up over time. However, we do dip into the savings for domestic travel (just returned from eye appointment in Bangkok). And we are entering a contract to buy a house so the downpayment drew down the savings considerably (house will now represent some security rather than only cash). Works for us ("knock on wood"). Your scenario would not be feasible for me. At 76, while not wanting to burn through money, this is my earned retirement made possible by retiring in Thailand since I could not afford retirement on the same level in my own country.

555 A real danger here … Vlad visits Phuket, observing the number of Russians there. They need protection of Mother Russia, same as those folks in the Donbas …

Just back from a medical appointment in Bangkok. My Thai Wife signed into hotel so no need for me being registered with my Passport. Returned home to address on record with immigration.

Agreed. As to why westerners are relocating? Well, this westerner, after a working middle class lifetime of work cannot afford retirement costs in my own country. As you point out much to be corrected in many western “democracies”. Then again, on balance with the current choices? Russia nor the PRC offer a society model I would want to live in … I am sure we agree on this.