Wrwest

Politifact, listen to the fact check ... Trump was on task and forceful in his continued lying and continues to present a clear and present danger to the USA and worldwide.

Ah, the sweet memories ... shy? Virgin until 20. But not worth our time to reminisce concerning my progress since. Past my prime, now humor overcomes the shyness, insecurity.

Yo! Go easy on the short guy idea. One of the reasons to come to Thailand ... many of the girls are shorter than me! ha!

Financial security is a major consideration in all nations where females do not have a string social safety net as they grow older. There is more to be observed here ... many Thai male/female early relationships leaving females alone with child (I love that as, being a retired faring there is a great selection of Thai females available when we settle here. Oh, quite so ... caution is the word (and never giving up control of the money) ... there is more but this is long enough ...

There are many venues to be exposed to the world of ideas. Education is great for that but government public schools, attendance required, are not the appropriate venue. Separation of Church and State ... In the USA, Puritans came to form their society in Massachusetts, Quakers went to Pennsylvania, Catholics to Maryland and the Church of England held sway in Virginia (where all residents were taxed for church support) ... I add Jews were present from colonial times. On this matter, only way to form one country was to remember the past religious fighting and declare a personal right to belief not to have any one belief imposed. If a belief, philosophy of government has merit it brings supporters ... if it does not attract supporters there is reason to question the validity of the belief/system.

Yes, do keep in mind my background oriented to the study of history and Santayana's adminishion for those who forget history. The history of the USA Southern, "Bible Belt" states do have a checkered past.

My thought was my offering to be the beneficiary of faring funds here in Thailand for those without anyone, in particular, to leave their remaining funds. They could claim to have helped creat a millionaire!!! All I need is the additional $500K usd equivalent.

It does influence but did not determine, in my case ... the middle way.

"On the money". Lower cost of living was a major consideration for retiring in Chiang Mai. Sustainable monthly budget $2400.00 usd ($1570 of that from SS). Doubt as to being able to retire in the USA on that ... and lower cost medical care another consideration.

Ah, sorry, just an historical (not hysterical) reminder that is was some of these same good Americans who wore the KKK hoods, carried out the lynchings, demanded states rights to block integration, not so long ago murdered gays ... Yes, the extremism has lead to such ...

Nope, the issue is not size ... the government representing all citizens cannot impose any religious teaching. I am sure the Louisiana Republican majority legislature, having just passed law to post the 10 Commandments in every public education classroom will certainly agree, in equal posting of a like Moslem, Sikh, Hindu, etc. religious message. I will be wanting the Noble Eightfold Path, as taught by the Buddha posted. I have no doubt as a student of American History that this is action by Louisiana is a direct affront to what my forebears fought to avoid, knowing of and many of them experiencing religious discrimination/imprisonment when it was not held by the governing person (Cousins Henry and Mary Tudor come to mind) or governing body (Puitans in Massachusetts, Church of England in Virginia, etc.).

Good question ... answer ... I received my guidance from my parents at home and in my church membership as a youth. OK, I am American and old and so was indoctrinated by public school Bible readings and Pledging Allegiance to the flag of the USA, which would end in the 1960s, if I recall correctly. "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." - Corinthinans 13:11. Personally, I have far outgrown orientation toward any one religious belief. And that is the point ... our individual beliefs are personal rights, not to be imposed by the government.

I fear far too many can read the words of the US Constitution but are quite incapable of comprehending the interpretation. Hmm, actually some "originalists" on the SCOTUS seem to also be afflicted being driven by their political orientation.

Free Speech issue concerning the US flag. Separation of Church and State is the issue with this Louisiana Republican majority legislature move. Stay with the subject at hand ... equal posting from The Koran, Noble Eightfold Path, Sikh teachings, etc.?

My advice ... give yourself more time for the psychological changes taking place. After regaining some semblance of a core balance for who you are, visit Thailand again for a month or so ... in different locales and at an arm's length from "Apple". You will learn one of the appeals for Thai life is there are many "Apples". Take your time above all and do get a balance with your sustainable financial balance ... never, never loose control of your financial wellbeing. Anticipating retirement, I visited Thailand 4 times at a month each visit. Explored different potential cities ... and the "Apples". Retired in Chiang Mai 2011. After 8 months settled in with a Thai GF which lasted 4 years (her family responsibilities took precedence). My Thai Wife and I have been together since 2017, marrying in 2021 ... Oh, Thai smile that lights up a room, traditionally raised to take care of her man, 26 years younger ... Yes, you can be much happier here ... but if you do not take the time needed, you can be much unhappier in a different culture, different language, distant from familiar home country surroundings ... good luck in your journey.

Recommend reading, "Thailand Fever" as a cultural understanding base.

Now, Tug ... you know we are not to confuse them with facts.

Average stay? Article says 23 years? How many Congresses? How many President Administrations? We would agree that there is a serious issue with both major parties, "kicking the can down the road". The lates was the Senate bi-partisan agreement on Immigration Legislation ... stopped by Trump.

I supported the USA taking military action against Afghanistan as they did allow/support the training bases used by those who attacked the USA. However, having been exposed to a bit of history, I opposed any idea of staying and trying to change the culture in the image of western democracy types. Not an idea consistent with known history.

I am caught in a dilemma. While I support democracy (the will of the majority of a citizen population), I also hold those same populations responsible for the actions taken by their representative governments. It matters not if the citizens support or acquiesce to those actions. This is on my mind in looking at all nations, including my own. For example, I hold the people of Gaza responsible for Hamas actions ... equally I hold the citizens of Israel responsible for their government's actions. Russians? Haiti? The list can be applied widely ...

I lean toward, "I will deal with this if it comes to pass". Any concern is due to having retired to lower cost of living Thailand as I cannot afford to live a retired working middle class life in my own country. As an American, I am required by US Law to report worldwide income annually. I continue to do so but, under US law, my tax return results in no income tax owed. The Kingdom of Thailand is discussing taxing me as a tax resident? The issue arises that my income would result in a Thai income tax as transferring around 1 million baht annually ... irony in this ... saving grace? Tax Treaty to protect from double taxation but ... not sure how this will all shake out. Jai, yen, yen ...

Nor would I as I had a good childhood growing up in a blue collar, union family. But that is different from asking about specific events on specific dates ... well, at least it certainly would be for me.

A very strong case can be made that money has totally corrupted the American institutional ideals. Starting with the need for money to get elected ... then the donating to you campaign CEO comes to you or sends word that a piece of prosed legislation will hurt his business. Justice system ... those who can afford the high priced attorneys versus getting the appointed Public Defender for the same charges ... equal justice (never mind penalties heavier for minorities = say various drug use). Educational system ... same potential mental capability but different finaancial resources. The income/wealth gap overall. Medical access ... financial resources get far different health outcomes in the country with the highest medical cost (including pharmaceuticals) in the world ... and so it goes ... Each needing to be addressed, each being ignored in varying degree by both major political parties. Thus Trump's appeal ... giving voice to the justified frustration/anger within the working middle class. Each can be addressed, lessening the affect but ... I seriously fear the loss of my country as a result of the power holders/wealthy bringing us to this point in history (ultimately, each American citizen of voting age is responsible for allowing this evolvement).

Now here is a case of insult to the Thai nation and the monarchy. A theft at a Wat?! Sad indeed.

Up to the Thai citizens to ultimately decide but ... if I were filing an Amicus Brief, it would point out that the current law has been missed for political aims for years, which in itself insulted by allowing the misuse the protective law.