wwest5829

I have rather enjoyed the sad reality. Here we have trump stating the USA has been taken advantage of, ripped off. And then we are faced with the documented reality of the USA being the wealthiest country on this globe. Poor, poor USA … I will not even give a nod to the documented times US companies have taken advantage of the poorer exporting countries … fair trade? I am all for it but supporting the chainsaw policies/actions of trump and his ilk? Nope …

Starting earlier with trump when he is on/off … back on/ back off. Instability in markets due to unstable policies. Trial and error. Try … if it works claim victory. If not, blame someone else, repackage and try again. This rather than a studied, reasoned approach to issues needing attention.

I am confused, being from a country without a Prime Minister. Are countries with Prime Minister all directly elected by the people or, like in the past, the Head of State asks the head of the winning party to form a government?

I do recognize this was trump’s push and was successful. I base my thinking on the NATO members themselves recognizing this. There are follow-up thoughts … what is 5% spending for the USA and are we spending in that already? (remember all NATO nations called on to meet the 5% financial support). Do keep in mind also that the USA has some 800 global bases so… are NATO members expected to pick up part of the costs for the total or limited to the defense of NATO responsibility?

Read though some although not all comments. Appears to me that there are far too many not dealing with the nuances here. Bu, for the most part, I observe is is those leaning in support of trump. That is consistent, in that the studies have shown those are most inclined to want yes/no, right/wrong answers in life. The nuances, the critical thinking appears to complicated….. “Just do it” rather than thinking things through … which is why we have trump …

Agree with the first sentence … within reason (apologize, as an American, would oppose ICE type raid sweeps). As to your second point? For over a decade now at age 78, I have used an agency. Why? Easier in that they know any updated procedures, if there is a new boss wanting to make their mark by changing required paperwork, which IO officers are “grumpy”, which may have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed, etc. So, I would favor allowing the agencies while focusing on the “non-comforting” manipulations (covering for not meeting financial requirements, etc.).

At age 78 and a heart patient, there is no way for me to get affordable health insurance. I too pay the monthly Part B premiums but that costs me $175.00 out of my monthly SS. I am basically self insured although my BC/BS Advantage did pay $5K against an $11K heart attack bill here in Chiang Mai in 2015. I am thinking with your monthly Medicare, Part B premium so high (based on income) you may well be able to consider self insuring as the medical costs here are more affordable for world class care.

I have been a member for 14 years and have noted the club evolution over time. Currently new direction to try and revitalize the Chiang Mai Expats Club. First Saturday of the month buffet at Duke’s, Raumchok location continues and is well attended. I serve with Dr. Ava Walker at the “Newcomers’ table to try and help those new or just visiting Chiang Mai. As all reading might note: banking, immigration, healthcare, driving, insurance, housing, different areas of CM, etc. can be a bit of a challenge when first arriving or wanting to learn more about considering settling here. Hope we are able to help some. As to meeting folks, well that relies, in large measure, in the hands of the individual. There are also related sub groups for various interest focus. COVID hit hard, CM is still recovering.

Are Prime Minister’s elected by the “people”?

Fourteen years here retired American Prof. Emeritus of History and International Programs. Married to Thai with a Thai Stepdaughter in university. Yes, Kingdom of Thailand, I would accept Thai citizenship responsibility if offered on this same basis. I am past my prime but am a mutually beneficial positive relationship overall living in your country in support of my Thai family.

“I would not consider my life a success if I could only retire in the cheapest place”. Certainly you are free to define your view of your life as you wish. I would submit that I am quite pleased with the totality on my life. My only large financial mistake was being an educator in Southern oriented US state. But, I am not alone as there are millions of working middle class Americans who are “outsourced” in retirement, out-priced in the US economy (another result of the income/wealth gap. And I have met other western retirees from all over priced out of their home countries due to economics , not necessarily one’ success.

Right … and how many employers are responsible in filling out the required forms?

Shall we surmise the list of native born Americans who have not absolutely followed the letter of the law (not law-abiding)? Start with the broken traffic laws, progress up through a bit of falsification on job records. Or can I just follow the example of the current occupant of the White House as being law-abiding? I agree Ted, we definitely need comprehensive immigrant reform. The current system with its delays, inability to carry out existing laws requiring due process cannot handle the current valid requests.

I had posted this morn on my FB page. … Not important to anyone not on retirement income outside the USA, in lower cost countries, and the percent difference will depend on the particular country exchange rate but ... I just looked at the comparison with the US dollar exchange rate from a year ago. Here in Thailand from this time last year, the USD has lost 13% of its exchange value. Being on a fixed sustainable retirement income, you can believe this is felt negatively. And I am considerably better off than many working middle class retirees due to living in a lower cost country. Once again, thanks to the economic instability caused by trump. Additionally, recently check on my retirement funds invested in USA are down about one year’s total income (close to $30K).

Cross cultural differences. As an American, I was used to seeing the price and then the added tax on the bill. But traveling elsewhere? Usually see the price which included the tax in Europe, if I recall correctly. Here in Thailand, the price, VAT stated and added and at many restaurants a sever ice charge added for the final total.

We keep hoping to hit 6 million on the lottery. Pay off the house, both cars are over 20 years old … ah, well. In the meantime head continues above water bearing any heavy surf …

Happy to have gotten my experience over a decade ago. Fat boy in the candy shop and such a positive experience firmly setting the Thailand hook in me. Grateful for having made it through unscathed as condoms were mostly avoided. Of course, my loves were all virgins so that cut down on the danger of illness (ha). Everything in moderation, my friend B. Franklin advised. Maybe rationalizing as I have only made love to two dozen females (half in Thailand) in my pushing 80 years. Happy camper with fond memories.

I confess to being bent in my view due to being American. You know the only major country without a national healthcare program that, in fact, adds to the working middle class economic squeeze there. But, being in Chiang Mai for over a decade, I recognize working middle class retirees from many western democratic, capitalist countries retired here for the major benefit of affordability with access to world class healthcare. With the threat of taxation changes, I have reopened looking at a plan B. Again, due to being American … Mexico, Panama, Ecuador are possibilities. Personally, I would welcome Thailand recognizing a retirement stay of over 10 years with granting of Permanent Resident status and being able to purchase an affordable annual healthcare membership in the national healthcare scheme. But, hey, if Thailand does not want my modest, trouble free, retirement dollars … I am free to look elsewhere. Until that time, I am quite happy to spend my million baht annually here.

You just can’t make this stuff up. Reality is more ridiculous.

Yep, trump won in the number of votes cast. But it is also true that many sat out the election and so he certainly won no “mandate”. Much to the chagrin of those who think in terms of yes/no … right/wrong. The world being more nuanced, both statements can be true.

Sadly, I confess after 41 years teaching history to lack the stamina and desire to try to educate far too many who seem unable or unwilling to listen to those who have made a lifetime of study.

Excellent example of shooting oneself in the foot. Over react to a recognized issue and do even more damage to the positive travel. As an American I certainly cannot encourage those who I have met on 6 continents to subject themselves to having mobile phones/computers searched for anti trump statements. I would fear for the same if I re-entered in USA under this administration …

Agreed. And Trump is a great example of this.

Ha! Why the Republican resistance in the House? Because … like the previous Trump/Republican passed tax reduction in 2017 (the current Bill renews and enhances) … it will add yet more to the debt of the USA. The current Bill is just a continuation of spending but refusing to t@x to cover wanted/needed programs … from medical coverage to defense.

Might have some valid points if citing a creditable source … not the ministry of propaganda. Largest tax cut ever … if you compare it to the expiration of the 2017 Trump/Republican tax cut that added how much to the USA debt due to those previous cuts going mostly to the wealthy and corporations? Largest tax cut ever? And who gets the overwhelming amount of benefit? Apologize, some of us are able to think our way through the misleading BS.