Hawaiian

What are you waiting for?

I guess that is why you are not closer to home.

https://thediplomat.com/2023/10/china-cracks-down-on-cyber-scams-in-southeast-asia-but-leaves-networks-intact/ Why leave the networks intact? So the next gang of criminals can take over. It's a never ending cycle. Also makes it look like the Chinese government is doing stopping the illegal activity. Really?

Who do you think built (after forcibly displacing local Cambodians) and operates the casinos in Cambodia with profits flowing back home? The same people behind of human trafficking and call center scam operations. The Philippine government just busted scam center with direct ties to China. The head of this operation is said to be connected a Chinese national busted in Bangkok for a similar operation. Are these the kind of people you would place your trust in?

Where have you been? Never heard of debt trap diplomacy perpetrated on Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Laos, Mongolia and now Vietnam and soon Thailand? I was in the Philippines during the 1980's when the US Aid program was in place. The U.S. eventually abandoned the program because the Marcos government insisted that bribes be part of the package. One of my relatives was a bag man who actually delivered the bribes.

Biden's open door policy opened the floodgates. There were more criminals entering the country then being deported. Why because there was only a feeble attempt to round up all these criminals. Now the Trump administration is faced with the thankless (anti-Trumpers) job rounding them up and deporting the backlog. There are some on AN calling these deportations inhumane and barbaric. Barbaric is what you call some of the crimes committed by these terrible criminals.

BRICS, led by China has tried replacing the USD without much luck, even after being joined by Brazil. That is not to say the dollar is invincible, but for now it looks as if the dollar will remain the chief reserve currency for a while.

Every year at least 20 typhoons hit the country. This along with volcanic eruptions and earthquakes makes it difficult for the many Filipinos to stay afloat. Some blame the culture with their "bahala na" philosophy, for stifling economic progress. Others say rampant corruption doesn't help. One thing unique about the Philippines is that it is the only Christian nation in Asia. With that said can you please explain why you think that affinity to America is a stumbling block.

It did not take long for Filipinos to see Duterte's overtures to China was a major mistake. Most Filipinos I know both here and in their home country have a special affinity for America. I doubt that relationship will change anytime soon.

Rather not. You provide my daily laugh.

With bad players like China, the U.S. is wise to keep a good relationship with the good players. That includes fair trade and military alliances. The U.S. is not entirely self sufficient because modern technology requires certain products like rare earth minerals that are lacking or prohibitively expensive to produce. IMO, isolationism is a dangerous path for the U.S. to take.

That describes you, perfectly.

Then I guess native Alaskans are also sensitive having their Denali misspelled by a know-it-all American patriot that places Colombia above Alaska.

Remember when I called you out for spelling Denali incorrectly? Or have you conveniently forgotten?

Then what is the barbaric treatment you speak of?

Any foreigner living in the U.S. without permission faces the risk of arrest and eventual deportation. This has been true long before Trump. All of a sudden people are mad that immigration laws are being enforced. This must be the "madness" you are you are referring to.

While most troublesome expats are low income individuals what about those in upper income brackets that are in involved in shady businesses and criminal activity? High income earners are able to afford a lot of "tea money" enabling them to engage in illegal practices.

Mods please move to correct forum.

According to Nikkei Asia, recent high profile abductions of Chinese nationals in Thailand have prompted a spate of cancellations and put Thai authorities on the defensive. China was Thailand's number one source of tourists last year, at 6.7 million.

This is one time I disagree with you. She may be a brave warrior, but I dislike her politics. Here's one example. https://www.hawaiifreepress.com/Articles/Main/ID/20699/Who-is-Gabbards-Guru

Sorry, I'm not referring to you, but to the guy who claims that Denmark, Luxembourg and the Cayman Islands are not really countries.

If you believe everything that he posts you will soon be joining the gang also.

Everything you post is nonsense. That is why everyone on AN is learning to ignore you.

That doesn't make it a menial job. Look up the definition of "menial."

Why is making cars a menial task?