55Jay

4 minutes ago, elgordo38 said:

Security or a lose of face when you see the condition its in. Each time they open their mouth the hole just gets deeper. Maintenance is not their strong suit. 

Can still tour US Navy ships on weekends in San Diego.  They pull one up to Broadway pier for the public/tourists to come have a look.  Did it a few times when I was a teenager.

1 minute ago, ilostmypassword said:

And if Idaho, Utah or Arizona had complaints they would then direct them to Nevada? And so forth and so on?

Nope. 

29 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

It's not as simple and clear-cut as you make it out to be.  And it's certainly not political.  I'm not an expert on this stuff, but I was watching an interview with the mayor of LA the other day and he gave an insightful explanation.  For example, solving crimes is not like on TV where forensic experts sit in a room and go over DNA evidence.  It's more about cops getting involved in communities and gaining the trust of its citizens.  That's how they solve crimes and keep the communities safe.  Cops can't be trusted if they're doing the job of federal agents.  That's the point...partially.  I'm sure there are other reasons, but the people on the ground know best, not bureaucrats in DC. 

Well, it's not like the LAPD is bosom buddies with the population to begin with.  Certainly not the ones the LA Mayor had in mind when making those comments. 

It's not a stretch to expect local cops to check the status of people they arrest.  They do that anyway, and if they wind up being illegals and you're going to kick them loose on OR, you hand them off to the BP.  It's not difficult.  If they were wanted by Feds, you kick them loose to them, and they are transferred to MCC (Federal).

Border Patrol can't arrest you for DUI crossing the border.  But in the interest of public safety, they will detain and call the state or local authorities to come handle it. 

When I began as an MP in California, we would occasionally get illegals running through the base on their way North/toward Los Angeles.  We would detain, call the BP and they would come out and scoop them up. 

Just now, ilostmypassword said:

And then would you station immigration personnel on the eastern California border? 

I did think of that but no, I wouldn't.  If Nevada had any complaints, they would need to direct them to California.

27 minutes ago, hawker9000 said:

I think you mischaracterize the relationship between NK and China.  Forgetting the charming metaphors, NK is a near-failed state in danger of flooding China with economic refugees.  China has an active interest in NOT having this happen.  THAAD is in fact as much, or perhaps even more, an economic warfare tactic as it is an actual military provision because it devalues fat boy's ongoing expensive investments in nuclear and ballistic programs.  And it does so in a way that even deploying nuclear counter weapons to S Korea could not.  THIS (THAAD) may be the one thing that's finally moved China off top dead center in its dealings with fatboy, because they're aware that the devaluation effect could drive NK much closer to failed-state status if fatboy is allowed to just keep doubling down on his military programs.

Thanks.  Agreed.  I do that because I've always thought China, following Russia, has or had, a lot of sway over NK, which is why they are seen as an important 3rd party broker.  But again, I get mixed messages on that, and how effective China actually is.  Following up on the coal sanction - believe it was ILostMyPassword who sent me off reading about that - I was a bit surprised to see KJU cop an attitude with them.  

But I think I'm pretty straight on the idea that Trump isn't the first US President/ Administration to confer with China about NK.  Not that I'm trying to defend Trump in anyway, but thought it was an unfair comment.

Would be interesting if the Feds packed up and left California border crossings unmanned.  Shift personnel and assets to AZ, NM and Texas, and let California get on with it.   

Better than the current "justice" system.  None. 

2 hours ago, clockman said:

No hope for this society!

I know what you mean.....

1 hour ago, seancbk said:

 

Perfectly said.   

I found (or rather was taken to) a very cool, relatively new, bar in Phra Khanong last weekend.  

Had an amazing Mojito for 300 baht (picture below).     Then had some other cocktail, forgotten the name, as I just told the Barman to make something nice.  That was 400 baht.

Much better than the 700 baht cocktails in Thonglor, although I do like going those places to drink.

Nice!  I've been on a Mojito kick lately at my local (Korat).  Big glass, great taste, 140 Baht. 

9 hours ago, webfact said:

“The Gulf of Thailand has an average depth of 25 to 60 metres,” he said. “We’re also not in conflict with any neighbouring countries. There is no reason to accumulate such hardware.”

The voice of reason.

Seems to be? 

The Elephant in the Room looms large in that casual statement. 

2 hours ago, chuang said:

Cannot reveal the details because of security reasons....cannot reveal CCTV footage of crimes committed by their proxies also because of security reasons....cannot reveal this or that also because of security reasons....cannot reveal  arh......enough..

I was not able to visit their aircraft carrier in Sattahip for security reasons.  I had a chuckle about that one.

8 hours ago, hawker9000 said:

What's the problem?  If Trump can get China to do some of the dirty work in reigning on the N Korean psychopath, to whatever extent he can do it, why is that a bad thing?  He's made it pretty darn clear that if China doesn't do it, he will.  China gets to be the "adult supervision" if it's up to the job.  And turning back N Korean coal shipments and possibly pulling the plug on N Korean energy supplies suggest China is taking Trump much more seriously than they ever did his weak-kneed dithering predecessor.

I was going to comment along these lines because Al's known disdain for Trump colored his characterization.  Not unusual for US to engage China as a broker for NK issues. 

No fan of Trump and don't trust China as far as I can throw them.   I don't think Trump is a warmonger though, but his wanna be tough guy bravado act precedes him, and I think he's the type who'll confront another punk and not shy away from a Mexican Standoff.  China would be right to be a little nervous.  NK is their adopted baby, and that baby has become a bit of a rebellious teenager who's no longer responding to the private phone calls from China saying, "OK, that was a good one, LOL, but that's enough for now, chill out."  Still not sure what to believe about all that though.

At any rate, I hope there's an open, direct ring down line between D.C. and China when the Vinson starts doing donuts and air ops out there..... with Japan and S. Korea.  Don't need any mistakes but end of the day, Kim Jong Un started this nonsense and how it ends is still in his hands.   He wants to step off the porch and play with the big boys?  Well, alright then, might be time to call him out on his BS.

Quote

It’s hard to imagine what a telephone conversation between President Xi Jinping of China and U.S. President Donald Trump would be like. But one actually took place this week, after Mr. Trump had tweeted, “North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them!”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/china-speaks-at-last-on-north-korea/article34706759/

These nutters and their crazy beliefs.  Modern people in the Western world are well beyond all this primitive hocus pocus nonsense. 

Saw a clip of Obama's interview with kids.  Kinda miss hearing him speak.  Trump is a cross between Forrest Gump and The Tasmanian Devil.

On 4/25/2017 at 3:58 PM, ubonjoe said:

That is related to screen size. I  have 22 inch screen with font set to 125% and don't see the problem. If I restore down to a smaller screen I see the problem.

This has been brought up before and the tech guys they are working on it.

I just changed the Display setting in Windows Control Panel.  It was on 150% and didn't realize it.  Set to 125% and TV home page looks fine.  If I bump FireFox screen zoom up to 110%, it starts overlapping again. Not a big deal.  Thanks for response.

46 minutes ago, ddavidovsky said:

How severely you misunderstand the situation. Everyone misunderstands, and that is entirely the problem.

 

I'll put it in as few words as possible: N. Korea is belligerent BECAUSE it feels threatened. They feel threatened because of the US and S. Korea's continual and provocative war games which give every indication of those countries' desire to wipe the North off the map. Stop threatening them and we won't hear a peep out of N. Korea. Why should they rage against friends?

 

You're still fretting about Dr Dao? The only comparison is the simplicity of both situations. Dr Dao's behaviour was simply selfish and socially inconsiderate. Kim simply wants to be left alone in his own country where his ruling class have got a good thing going.

You are being intentionally obtuse in your characterizations. 

Nobody is threatening N. Korea.  Team Spirit is not a threat of invasion.  The carrier is being sent up there because...... of KJU's bullshit and like a child, he deflects, won't take responsibility and whines about everything else under the sun.

The NK leader is weak, insecure, immature, selfish and petty, which is why he must be so over-the-top brutal against his own people as perceived enemies of the state.  His state.  Not theirs.   It's also why he's desperate to preserve the notion of a massive, external enemy, in order to mislead and distract his people and, as you say, keep that good thing going. It's all about him.

The military are sycophants but I don't blame them as not being one is not good for one's health.  Same goes for the N. Korean people.  They are victims in this.  US had its role in setting this up in another era, no doubt about it.  But the continuing injustice is carried on and exacerbated first by Russia and now China.  The US has been in defensive/reactionary mode since the N. Korean invasion.

I would like nothing more than to see N. Korea conduct itself like a normal, sane country instead of these gross over reactions and threats of nuclear conflict and ultimately reunify like Germany.  If King Jong Un would one day decide to quit being such a douche bag, the US (and everyone else) would be thrilled, and we could all just go home.  It's really in his hands.  I was encouraged when Trump said once in his campaign nonsense, that sure, he'll talk to the guy (KJU).  Why not.  Dispense with protocol, politics and brinkmanship, and fly over there, meet face to face and cut through the BS.  OK Kim, dude, what's going on, what's the problem?  Hell, they would probably get on great. 

But as you say, that's not what KJU wants, and so he does what's necessary to keep things as they are.

Just now, bazza73 said:

I agree with everything you are saying. However, classifying it as negative and/or judgmental IMHO in the absence of the qualifiers you have just put in is what I've done. Doesn't change the validity of what you originally said.

Agreed, the original post was open to interpretation but stipulating the OP's question and context, I thought it would stand alone alright.   

BTW, I agree with the other things you said in your previous reply, we aren't very far apart on our approach to life in Thailand.  Funny enough, I've used the low level corruption with the road pirates as one aspect of Thailand that's kind of neat; although I've yet to be in a position to use it.   Just lucky I guess. 

Have a good night. 

1 minute ago, anotheruser said:

wow. talk about hitting the nail on the head.

I can see how it might come off as mean spirited because it's so direct and that can cause some folks to bristle up.  Maybe they see a bit of themselves in there, and try to deflect and make it about me.  

I also don't intend it to be all encompassing, it's just some things I've observed over time.  And that includes self-reflection, acknowledging my own faults and how I sometimes piss and moan about things here when it's not really about that at all. 

2 hours ago, bazza73 said:

<snip> out my original post to save space, no need copy/pasting it.

 

I'm a bit baffled by this.

 

You're  saying falangs come here and get worn down by the immigration process. Some do. Others work the system.

 

You refer to paralysing insecurity caused by the state of reliance on Thai wives.. And that they are shells of the men they once were. That's not a negative and judgmental view? How many are self-sufficient and having the time of their lives here?

 

Thailand is a corrupt shithole. Does it affect you personally? I've found it simplifies things very nicely. A traffic infringement which would cost me $300-$400 in Australia would cost me $40 here, not that I go out looking for them. If you want to get really frustrated with immigration processes, try the bullshit Australia puts Thai nationals through.

I don't understand why you would think your post was anything but negative and judgmental. I can't see it as positive and non-judgmental.

Perhaps I have totally misinterpreted the meaning of your post, in which case I'd appreciate you explaining how I got it wrong.

 

Thailand is what you make of it, like everywhere else.

We are not talking about ALL farangs. Just those who say they feel unwelcome and why that might be.  My observations relate to that.  It's not about me, I don't feel unwelcome nor do I struggle with Immigration procedures.  I do think they could be more efficient though.

As to my original post, I'll try to be brief:

The arrogant superior ones are a doodle, but I can understand how you might be baffled and you're right. IME, they don't give a rat's aris if the little brown monkeys welcome them or not.  Some have told me they felt unwelcome in their own home countries, and escaped to Thailand only to find they must jump through hoops put up by a pack of muppets, and so they resent that.....  the old home country suddenly doesn't look so bad in comparison.....

And so that's the point.  I've noticed people are unhappy here with some (or all) parts of their lives but fail to address the root cause(s) because that would force them to take action they would rather avoid for financial, logistical, familial reasons, such as young kids in the nest, or they feel they are too old to start over again or don't have the money to do it.   

So they accept their unhappy life and project their anger and frustration at other things.  Immigration is a popular one we can all relate to, and the typical forms and procedures we all go through somehow singles them out and makes them feel "unwelcome"?  Naw mate, it's a smoke screen in a lot of cases, and why, when somebody asks the magic question, "So....why don't you just leave then, you miserable old git?", you get nothing.  

I know it sounds condescending but really mate, this observation isn't rocket science.

1 hour ago, anotheruser said:

Not so sure that is exactly the reason. I see the point but in my OP I was wondering why Thailand seems to be this way more than other countries I have lived in. 

 

I have lived and met ex pats all over the world and in places like Japan or Ireland the ex pats seem to be more appreciative of there new found countries.

 

Most of those who don't like Japan for example won't be there 20 years later they will simply leave. The ones that are left truly enjoy their lives.

Are Japan and Ireland "retirement" and/or "cheap living" destinations though?  I reckon you were among a slightly different crowd with different motivations, yes?   If I was making pretty good money in Japan, but I didn't like it, I might slug it out anyway.  At least until I could find something better, or hang up my spurs.

4 minutes ago, bazza73 said:

Thank you LOL. I'm 73 yo. Yes, I formed an opinion you were negative in the post. Works for me

Seriously though, why you think my observations were negative?  And judgemental?

51 minutes ago, bazza73 said:

A rather negative post on your fellow expats, not so? Have you always been this judgmental? Yes, Thailand and its expats have flaws.

However, you are going to find flaws wherever you go.

All that is needed here to be happy is to relax and treat each day as a new adventure. It's sad when people can't do that.

Is this that new thing I've heard younger people do?  "Don't Judge Me!". "I'm unique!" 

Yeah, ok, everyone in Thailand is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.  LOL.

Mine was a fairly simple observation. Not a revelation or a judgement really.  I have others.  It's not hard to work out.   You seemed to have formed an opinion about me.  See how that works? Pretty cool, eh?

For some, I thought it might be a sense of superiority over the people who run this banana stand and are in a position of authority over them.  They resent the hell out of that, and so no transgression goes unnoticed.  It accrues and grinds on them year after year.

For others, might be compounded by the paralyzing insecurity of being in various states of reliance on their wives here.  The reality that they are unable to communicate on a meaningful level and perform what would be routine tasks back in their own country.  They are shells of the men they once were, and that grinds on them, year after year.

Me?  Not leaving in a hurry but when we do, won't be because I finally discovered Thailand is a corrupt shit hole.  I already knew that coming here, so my expectations were low.