1 minute ago, Will B Good said:

 

Rude

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

3 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

 

Mine was the laughing emoji by the way.

Born and raised in Hawaii, I grew up in a multi-ethnic society where I learned to eat a variety of foods.  I wasn't the typical white (haole) person and was welcomed wherever I went because I ate anything and everything.  I was invited to parties where I was the only white person. 

When I returned from military service I  began work in the construction industry that was dominated by local Japanese.  I worked for companies where I was the only white person.  Mostly, I was treated fairly and rose through the ranks eventually becoming a building superintendent, before starting my own company. 

During this period of my life, Hawaii lost two of it's major industries, sugar and pineapple, which was replaced by tourism and the military.  Over time an influx of people from the mainland brought their own ways, a culture that was counter to the easy going local lifestyle.  Money became more important than friendship.  This is what visitors face today.

Income taxes and taxes on the visitor industry are among the highest in the country.  I yearn for the good old days.  Fortunately, my sons are financially able to live here because they are like me.  They get along with everyone, no matter their skin color.  Yes, it takes a special person to survive and thrive here.

9 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Mine was the laughing emoji by the way.

Didn't notice, but thank you just the same. I'm a funny guy.

5 minutes ago, Hawaiian said:

Born and raised in Hawaii, I grew up in a multi-ethnic society where I learned to eat a variety of foods.  I wasn't the typical white (haole) person and was welcomed wherever I went because I ate anything and everything.  I was invited to parties where I was the only white person. 

When I returned from military service I  began work in the construction industry that was dominated by local Japanese.  I worked for companies where I was the only white person.  Mostly, I was treated fairly and rose through the ranks eventually becoming a building superintendent, before starting my own company. 

During this period of my life, Hawaii lost two of it's major industries, sugar and pineapple, which was replaced by tourism and the military.  Over time an influx of people from the mainland brought their own ways, a culture that was counter to the easy going local lifestyle.  Money became more important than friendship.  This is what visitors face today.

Income taxes and taxes on the visitor industry are among the highest in the country.  I yearn for the good old days.  Fortunately, my sons are financially able to live here because they are like me.  They get along with everyone, no matter their skin color.  Yes, it takes a special person to survive and thrive here.

With all the tourism, why are income taxes so high? 

1 minute ago, Yellowtail said:

With all the tourism, why are income taxes so high? 

Fiscal mismanagement and corruption.

2 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Another strong, well thought out response from the high IQ left. 

Like your 'poor Lefty" post  up the page.

When towns, States, countries start offering very cheap land, $1 houses or high paid jobs to tempt people to move there, it's because others have given it up and headed for greener pastures. Free is not worth it!

 

The USA has evolved from a democracy to a plutocracy. only idiots would want to move there now. Even the naive and profoundly stupid MAGA base are finally starting tp realize they have served their purpose and are the victims of the economic and fascist state outcomes.

 

When the whole system eventually implodes and reverts to what it was prior to WW11, they will realize thay are not the greatest.  The biggest economies will come from Asia, Africa and South America.

16 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

Like your 'poor Lefty" post  up the page.

 

Except that I'm still waiting for the poor lefty to provide the examples that support his false claims. 

3 hours ago, FolkGuitar said:

Would you clarify something for us? (Serious question)

What is it about the U.S. Constitution that you disagree with?

(I'm afraid that a genuine answer will not be forthcoming.)

 

As you and I know anybody who leaves a reply as the lame as "poor lefty" should simply be ignored as they very obviously have nothing to contribute to this forum nor this thread, and they appear to be both hateful and intellectually challenged. 

2 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

As you and I know anybody who leaves a reply as the lame as "poor lefty" should simply be ignored as they very obviously have nothing to contribute to this forum nor this thread, and they appear to be both hateful and intellectually challenged. 

That's why I'm still waiting for the poor lefty @FolkGuitar  to provide the examples that support his false claims. 

 

Just like you, he comes on spewing nonsense and runs away when asked to support his false claims. 

 

Run-away lefty, run-away! 

12 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

When towns, States, countries start offering very cheap land, $1 houses or high paid jobs to tempt people to move there, it's because others have given it up and headed for greener pastures. Free is not worth it!

 

The USA has evolved from a democracy to a plutocracy. only idiots would want to move there now. Even the naive and profoundly stupid MAGA base are finally starting tp realize they have served their purpose and are the victims of the economic and fascist state outcomes.

 

When the whole system eventually implodes and reverts to what it was prior to WW11, they will realize thay are not the greatest.  The biggest economies will come from Asia, Africa and South America.

Sure, that's why we are trying to deport the ten (or however many) million that came illegally in during the Biden debacle, and millions more on the waiting list to come legally. 

 

Like @FolkGuitar , all you poor lefties can do is make stuff up. 

18 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

When towns, States, countries start offering very cheap land, $1 houses or high paid jobs to tempt people to move there, it's because others have given it up and headed for greener pastures. Free is not worth it!

 

The USA has evolved from a democracy to a plutocracy. only idiots would want to move there now. Even the naive and profoundly stupid MAGA base are finally starting tp realize they have served their purpose and are the victims of the economic and fascist state outcomes.

 

When the whole system eventually implodes and reverts to what it was prior to WW11, they will realize thay are not the greatest.  The biggest economies will come from Asia, Africa and South America.

Is that why millions of idiots have risked their lives sneaking into the country? 

8 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Sure, that's why we are trying to deport the ten (or however many) million that came illegally in during the Biden debacle, and millions more on the waiting list to come legally. 

 

Like @FolkGuitar , all you poor lefties can do is make stuff up. 

I'm unsure which part of my post your bable is aimed at, as you seem to be talking about something else altogether.

Deporting your cheap, migrant labor base on racist grounds just highlights the shoot oneself in the foot, idiot mentality of the US. 

Imtelligent governments realise the value of such labour for  necessary menial jobs and grant temporary visas to keep control. Countries like Saudi, Thailand , Australia and many more.

The people entering there illegally are not all rapist, criminal gangsters. Such filth exists in any community of people and need to be treated as such.  Like anyone, most border jumpers are seeking a better, richer life in what they perceive is still a land of opportunity.   Westerners know better. Decades ago I thought a Green Card might be a chance for a bigger, more interesting adventure. I laugh at that idea now.

On 7/24/2025 at 7:16 AM, Knight Rider said:

A few mid-western states are giving free lands in rural towns to build homes and stay in the US. Anybody planning to go back to the US with their social security? Property taxes are "alleged" to be in "hundreds" only.  And in rural Kansas one can build a house for $125K. Walmart and hospitals are within 30 minutes drive. 

Kansas ..here we come !!!!!

43 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

As you and I know anybody who leaves a reply as the lame as "poor lefty" should simply be ignored as they very obviously have nothing to contribute to this forum nor this thread, and they appear to be both hateful and intellectually challenged. 

You're quite right. MAGAs have raised avoiding answers to an art form. And when they get stuck, it's 'Obama' this or 'Biden' that. Never answering a question with a direct answer. We see this daily in the news, watching Repubs in Congress deflect, avoid, and refuse to answer direct questions. It's part of the program. If you don't answer, how can you be wrong?

And yes, you're correct that this guy isn't worth trying to have an adult discussion with. I answered his questions when he asked. He would not give me a straight answer when I asked. I'll not be responding to his nonsense in this thread again. We have already been given a sample of his morality.

12 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

I'm unsure which part of my post your bable is aimed at, as you seem to be talking about something else altogether.

Deporting your cheap, migrant labor base on racist grounds just highlights the shoot oneself in the foot, idiot mentality of the US. 

Imtelligent governments realise the value of such labour for  necessary menial jobs and grant temporary visas to keep control. Countries like Saudi, Thailand , Australia and many more.

The people entering there illegally are not all rapist, criminal gangsters. Such filth exists in any community of people and need to be treated as such.  Like anyone, most border jumpers are seeking a better, richer life in what they perceive is still a land of opportunity.   Westerners know better. Decades ago I thought a Green Card might be a chance for a bigger, more interesting adventure. I laugh at that idea now.

There is nothing wrong with immigrants as long as they come in through the right channels and are vetted , their criminal background checked and they have a grasp of the language of the country that they are apllying to enter.In other words legally.

17 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Cold lol.

 

I like Reno.

I always liked Reno as well. Not sure why. Maybe because I used to take short trips there with friends when I was younger growing up in the Bay Area.

 

They also had those skint & old people cheap bus ride package deals up there where you got a matching hotel room for a couple days. They were usually taken by older degenerate gamblers. One time a couple dudes got in a fight on the bus and the driver threatened to leave them alongside the road.

 

The casino area had a grungyness and desperation vibe that's very different then Vegas. The Silver Legacy Hotel was nice. I remember some grungy hooker in the hotel lobby waiting as people came to check in.

 

More losers around then winners. A place where you go to drink and enjoy losing 😂

43 minutes ago, FolkGuitar said:

You're quite right. MAGAs have raised avoiding answers to an art form. And when they get stuck, it's 'Obama' this or 'Biden' that. Never answering a question with a direct answer. We see this daily in the news, watching Repubs in Congress deflect, avoid, and refuse to answer direct questions. It's part of the program. If you don't answer, how can you be wrong?

And yes, you're correct that this guy isn't worth trying to have an adult discussion with. I answered his questions when he asked. He would not give me a straight answer when I asked. I'll not be responding to his nonsense in this thread again. We have already been given a sample of his morality.

Poor lefty

No. I went back to Chicago in fall 2024 after 7 years away. It was very very bad...far worse than 2017.

The airports are full of migrants who live indoors on the floors

The downtown lost its good spenders b/c the white-collar office folks WFH since covid. 

At least 50% office & retail vacancy rates. Migrants sleeping on the streets, begging and hitting on the women. 

I loved the US as a young guy in the 1960s...but it now makes me sick.

 

On 7/24/2025 at 8:02 AM, FolkGuitar said:

If they offered me a free house, car, and a monthly stipend, I would NOT return to the U.S.

First of all, it isn't the U.S. now. There is nothing 'united' about America today. Not the people, not the government, not the nation. It was a dangerous place to live before the current administration exposed and amplified those dangers. The current administration is making it so much worse.  Good grief! They just started building and filling Concentration Camps in America!!!!!   Why would any decent human being support that?!?

 

Next, why the hell would anyone want to live in a place where you are REQUIRED to pay half the salary for someone to serve you in a restaurant, and you stand a good chance of getting shot if you are pulled over for a traffic offence. God forbid you are the 'wrong color,' and find yourself in a detention cell after walking in the wrong neighborhood!

No... I will not return to the US.

Drama queen alert.

I have no plans to ever return to the USA. I've lived in Thailand for over 20 years now and hope it will be another 20. But I doubt that I'd be 99 years old since then. 😄

The problem with many of these places is there is probably no economic activity and probably no chance of economic activity.

They give you the land so they can collect property taxes, I expect.

Never heard of most of those places.

 

I did see Tulsa is giving some Digital Nomads $10,000 to move there.  Tulsa probably not a horrible place to live.

https://www.tulsaremote.com/

 

 

Yes! I’m Medically Forced to Return to the USA.

After spending 12 years in Thailand (from age 30 to 42), I feel it’s time to share some hard truths. This isn't about criticizing—it's about informing others of the realities, especially as we get older and think about our long-term health and well-being.

The Trade-Offs of Living in Thailand

Thailand, with its natural beauty and culture, can often overshadow serious challenges. Many of us came here for the affordable lifestyle, but we overlooked one key truth: you get what you pay for.

 

I came to Thailand as an NCAA athlete and Olympic hopeful, but the air quality in Bangkok and Southeast Asia has severely impacted my health. The high concentrations of PM2.5—fine particulate pollution—sent me to the hospital with near-fatal heart and respiratory issues. This isn't just an isolated case; many expats and locals face similar health risks, particularly during the dry and burning seasons.

The Cost of Affordable Living

Thailand’s lower cost of living often reflects its environmental and infrastructural challenges. The government, though making some improvements, remains hard to hold accountable, and the air and water quality can be hazardous. Additionally, the roads here are among the deadliest in the world.

While there’s so much to love about Thailand—its food, culture, and people—if you're planning to spend your later years here, you must seriously consider whether the low cost of living is worth the health risks: pollution, under-educated doctors on environmental health, a lack of safety, and an overall disregard for public well-being.

The Disconnect Between Us and Locals

I get that many of us feel a sense of freedom here, free from the complexities of life in the U.S. But if you’ve been here long enough, you realize there’s a disconnect between how we experience Thailand and how locals do. Many Thai people are actively looking for ways to leave, dissatisfied with their own living conditions. Our experience is not universal.

The Reality of Southeast Asia's Pollution

Southeast Asia, including Thailand, has some of the worst air pollution in the world. About 90% of global air pollution deaths are linked to Asia, with one-third of those coming from Southeast Asia.

For those of us in our 50s or older, the long-term effects of constant exposure to this toxic air can be life-threatening. I’m living proof of that.

The truth is, during certain seasons, the PM2.5 levels here can be equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes every day. I had a family member who smoked cigars his whole life and lived into his 90s, but not everyone has that kind of genetic luck. As we age, some of us simply can't afford the risk.

The U.S. Has Its Challenges, But...

Yes, life in the U.S. has its own issues—high living costs, political frustrations, etc.

 

But there are some undeniable benefits: cleaner air, reliable (albeit expensive) healthcare, and a government that takes air pollution seriously. In the U.S., doctors are knowledgeable about how to test for and treat the health effects of pollution. Here in Thailand, many doctors are ignorant about these issues, and if you bring them up, they’ll often think you’re crazy.

Living in a country where air quality is ignored, and big government forces you to breathe toxic air and drink water from microplastic-leaching bottles? That's your choice—but it’s not mine.

Prioritizing Our Health and Peace of Mind

As seniors, we deserve to spend our later years in an environment that supports both our health and peace of mind. I don’t want to spend my days wearing a mask to breathe or worrying about my heart condition getting worse because of pollution.

If the U.S. didn’t meet your expectations, you can stay here, but remember—Thailand’s crematoriums are ready for you when the pollution takes its toll.

Think About Your Future

While you stubbornly stay here, think about what happens if your health deteriorates. Who will take care of you when you’re ill? Who will pay the hospital bills for preventable conditions caused by living in a toxic environment?

I’m not telling anyone what to do, but just sharing my experience as food for thought.

The Reality of Living Near Toxic Sites

For those living in or near Pattaya, you’re literally in the "Ohio" of Thailand, surrounded by toxic chemical factories.

 

Every year, SCG (a major company) has an explosion at one of its factories, releasing toxins into the air that you eventually breathe and consume.

 

And don’t forget, Thailand is an open trash-burning country. In every Southeast Asian country, plastics and electronics are openly burned, releasing toxins that end up in the food we consume—meat, dairy, eggs, and more.

Conclusion: The True Cost of Cheap Living

Yes, Thailand can be beautiful, but the health costs—physical, emotional, and financial—can be significant. It’s a personal decision, but I’ve chosen to prioritize my health and future, even if it means a higher cost of living.

 

As we age, we must consider how we’re spending our time and what we’re investing in. Our health should be our top priority, and there’s so much to enjoy in the U.S. that’s free—hiking, surfing, Frisbee golf, etc. When I lived in San Diego, I did all of that. But in Thailand, those activities cost money. The country is designed like an amusement park. Everywhere peaceful costs money; everywhere else is the mall, a dangerous road, or private property.

 

Thailand may offer cheap living, but at what cost?

 

I think it’s worth considering, especially for those of us in our senior years.

It’s a personal choice, but I’ve made mine - to survive and try to figure out how to thrive in the USA from Americans who are currently successful. It's all about mindset 😉

 

If a Muslim can immigrate to the USA and then get elected as Mayor of New York City, then any of us can at least figure out a way to live a relaxing life stateside too. 

 

Being a privileged brat will only keep you in Thailand. You gotta be tough, have hope, and think productively. 

 

Below is an air pollution graph of air quality in Bangkok at Bangkok university. You can see that there's only been a few weeks of Clean Air within the past 5 years.

 

Source: https://aqicn.org/city/thailand/pathum-thani/bangkok-university-rangsit-campus/

50 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

I have no plans to ever return to the USA. I've lived in Thailand for over 20 years now and hope it will be another 20. But I doubt that I'd be 99 years old since then. 😄

I'm going and taking the with for a visit next week. 

2 hours ago, Old Croc said:

I'm unsure which part of my post your bable is aimed at, as you seem to be talking about something else altogether.

Deporting your cheap, migrant labor base on racist grounds just highlights the shoot oneself in the foot, idiot mentality of the US. 

Imtelligent governments realise the value of such labour for  necessary menial jobs and grant temporary visas to keep control. Countries like Saudi, Thailand , Australia and many more.

The people entering there illegally are not all rapist, criminal gangsters. Such filth exists in any community of people and need to be treated as such.  Like anyone, most border jumpers are seeking a better, richer life in what they perceive is still a land of opportunity.   Westerners know better. Decades ago I thought a Green Card might be a chance for a bigger, more interesting adventure. I laugh at that idea now.

True, and multiple studies have shown that the crime rate amongst white Americans is far higher than that of illegal immigrants. I'm sure MAGA supporters would have a very hard time wrapping their dogmatic minds around that concept, and that fact. 

Just now, spidermike007 said:

True, and multiple studies have shown that the crime rate amongst white Americans is far higher than that of illegal immigrants. I'm sure MAGA supporters would have a very hard time wrapping their dogmatic minds around that concept, and that fact. 

One BS 18 months study in Texas that all the leftists cite, and even that one does not support your ridiculous claim. 

 

Now run-away lefty. 

 

 

7 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

58 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

I have no plans to ever return to the USA. I've lived in Thailand for over 20 years now and hope it will be another 20. But I doubt that I'd be 99 years old since then. 😄

I'm going and taking the with for a visit next week. 

@Yellowtail I've already done that about 15 years ago. When we went there, we spent time with all my children (now adults with their own children). I used to be an IT consultant and traveled a lot, so now, I'm very content just living at home, playing golf twice a week, and enjoying life in the jungle-filled mountains of Thailand. I just hope Trump doesn't do something like quite paying out SS payments to those (like me) who do not live in the USA. 😒

1 minute ago, WDSmart said:

@Yellowtail I've already done that about 15 years ago. When we went there, we spent time with all my children (now adults with their own children). I used to be an IT consultant and traveled a lot, so now, I'm very content just living at home, playing golf twice a week, and enjoying life in the jungle-filled mountains of Thailand. I just hope Trump doesn't do something like quite paying out SS payments to those (like me) who do not live in the USA. 😒

I've been based in Thailand for about 25 years. I traveled internationally for work at least once a month, and I used to get four personal trips to the US a year as part of my compensation until I retired. I have not been back to the US since I got stuck there during covid. 

 

I love going back to visit. 

 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

Rude

I'll also help.