This page has been archived and commenting is disabled.
Leaving America Redux: Sovereign Man's "Next Steps" Guide To Expats-In-Waiting
The musings of Simon "Sovereign Man" Black, whose prior post about leaving America as the only intelligent way to lead a noble fight against crony capitalism and a corrupt regime, provoked a very spirited conversation, received well over 20k reads, indicating this is a very sensitive topic to many potential expats currently on the fence about abandoning this once great country. Today, exclusively on Zero Hedge, we present Black's follow up thoughts on the topic of expatriation as the noble way of winning the fight with the "mob-installed government beast", by avoiding the fight entirely. For all those who are considering pulling the cord on abandoning an increasingly oppressive regime where the concept of liberty is now whispered about with the hushed tones of increasing nostalgia, here are some suggestions on what one's next steps may be. If nothing else, this should certainly engender another possibly combustible discussion on the benefits of passive versus active patriotism.
(Incidentally, Black's daily musing from various known and unknown corners around the world are extremely informative and entertaining, and we suggest everyone who wishes to get an unbiased perspective of the world to subscribe to the Sovereign Man's free newsletter - link).
From Simon Black of SovereignMan.com
Writing today from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Freedom, independence, and awareness are undoubtedly in decline in the western world, particularly the US. In the last 10-days, Homeland Security has started seizing Internet domains from 'rogue' webmasters, and TSA has begun labeling dissenters of its new security procedures as domestic extremists.
It's as if the government's actions are being ripped from Atlas Shrugged and 1984... and yet the trend, at least for now, is still more government control, fake security, and reduced freedom.
Earlier this week I published a controversial article about the nature of patriotism. In the article, I suggested that when you find yourself increasingly isolated from your country's declining values, it's probably time to pack up and head somewhere else.
Many people found this idea to be cowardly and weak. Obviously I believe the opposite to be true. One of the most difficult things you could ever do is pack up your life, leave everything familiar, and head to a new world full of uncertainty.
Just about everyone reading this had ancestors who did just that. These were not cowards, they were pioneers; they were trading tyranny for opportunity, heading to a land full of bright prospects where they could carve out a life accountable for their own successes and failures.
Granted, we have it easier today than our pioneering ancestors... but leaving behind the familiarity of home is still a difficult concept for most people to commit.
It's like staying in a bad marriage or dead-end job... people do it because their paralyzing fear of the unknown is often greater than the routine misery to which they've already grown accustomed.
Taking action requires a catalyst, and that's what we're experiencing today-- perhaps a mother who watches a government agent fondle her child, or an entrepreneur whose assets are wrongfully frozen, or a student who realizes that social security will no longer exist when she hits retirement age, etc.
One by one, people will wake up and consider their options. "Stay and fight" is just a bombastic rallying cry of the institutionalized, not a real option. The fact is, there is no enemy, there is no fight... there is only gradual erosion of freedom and opportunity.
Unable to change what we cannot control, productive people will eventually reach a breaking point and leave. The "stay and fight" crowd who remain will congratulate themselves on their patriotism, chastise the "cowards" who have left, and resolve to go down with the mob-mentality, mafia-controlled sinking ship.
This is neither honorable nor courageous, and unless you see Davy Crockett staring back at you in the mirror, the "stay and fight" crowd should question their own actions first-- what are you doing to change things? Who exactly are you fighting?
Here's the bottom line: your country is controlled by a very small group of people, and you're not one of them. You cannot control the machine, you can only control where and how to invest your time. Fortunately, there are a lot of options around the world for the open-minded.
One commenter this week lamented, "Leave to where? Guatemala? Panama? What other hellhole can you name, and what do you do when you get there? Raise chickens?" as if every other country on earth is a 'hellhole' with no economic prospects for talented, creative people.
Stop listening to what Sean Hannity tells you and see for yourself, the world is full of opportunity. I've traveled to around 100 countries and done business in dozens-- some of my favorites:
Chile: the new America. Strong, independent, civilized economy, you'll think you're in Europe given how modern it is.
Singapore: Too much to say here... you need a job? They're hiring. You need capital? They're investing. You hate taxes? So do they. Singapore is ideal for families, and obtaining residency (and citizenship) is simple.
Colombia: Forget everything you've ever heard and go see for yourself. With similar geology to Venezuela and peace at hand, the country is poised for a bonanza.
Sri Lanka: Ditto, except that the Sri Lankan government is bending over backwards to provide some of the strongest investor incentives I've ever seen. Oh yeah, it's one of the cheapest (and most beautiful) countries in the world.
Malaysia: Peaceful, beautiful, cheap, and thriving, Malaysia will constantly surprise you and exceed your expectations for its modernness and opportunities.
Estonia: With its flat tax structure, streamlined government, and brilliant work force, Estonia provides ample opportunity for entrepreneurs, particularly those looking for entry into Europe's harmonized customs union.
I could go on-- Brazil, Indonesia, Uruguay, Tanzania, China, etc., but you get the idea. Sure, you could pick apart any country for its faults. I call these the 'yeah, buts' as in "Estonia? Yeah, but it's cold." It's not going to look like Black Friday shopping in Topeka, but the idea is freedom and opportunity, and once on the ground, you'll feel it.
In case you're geographically constrained, you can still take steps to increase your freedom. Start by moving some money to an overseas bank account, and store gold in an offshore vault-- this safeguards your wealth from government bureaucrats who could otherwise freeze or confiscate your accounts on a whim.
Also consider buying some land overseas, even if it's just a small piece. This is a great way to move money, and it gives you a starting point if you ever need a place to go.
Remember, these options are not exclusive to the wealthy-- anyone who is willing to reject institutional programming can find opportunity overseas or start protecting what they have at home; it takes an open mind, creativity, readiness to learn new skills, and the will to act.
»
- 43575 reads
- Printer-friendly version
- Send to friend
- advertisements -
One reason to leave is to escape the ridiculous debt being forced upon us.
However, there is always default ...
The American government has been spending trillions of dollars on programs it had no Constitutional authority to create, and such unconstitutional expenditures exceed the amount of the federal debt. Therefore, the federal debt is unconstitutional, and given that the US Constitution is pretty simple, then anyone who loaned money to the US government should have known that they were loaning money to a fraudulent enterprise and thus should not expect repayment.
Ha! Ha!
Nanner! Nanner! Nanner!
Of course, there would be a huge consequence – no one would be willing to loan money to the US government again until it started obeying the Constitution, which would be ...
Good!
http://www.endofinnocence.com/2010/09/us-federal-debt-problem-solved.html
I like the way you think, but do you have a brith certificate? Did your mother register you when you were born? Has you body been pledged as biological collateral against the US debt? Has your labor been bonded and sold on the NYSE? If so your argument is silly at best dangerous at worst. You might want to do a little research on the US CON-stitution and the UCC.
Lets not forget, leaving is the last resort. Raising awareness of the benefits of default has much greater benefits, if you actually plan on staying in America.
Every nation is in a position where it would benefit from default. The reason it doesn't happen? Because the Oligarchy wants to remain in control, obviously! Just cutting everyone loose from their debt obligations isn't going to do much good for those who WANT to keep humanity enslaved!
I have a lot of faith in my fellow man, so even though you occasionally feel a little embarrassed by a few of your country men does not mean it is time to give up on humanity, entirely!
Check out our latest PsychoNews Update, 12/1 Edition, "This week's PsychoNews Update will start with a short anecdote from history. The year is 1815, and Napoleon has just been defeated at Waterloo. There is a blockade on the English Channel, but a ship belonging to a certain banker named Rothschild is allowed through. The Rothschilds are already prominent bankers, but they are on the verge of their greatest ever 'trade'. "
http://psychonews.site90.net
Here is a web site that helped me out tremendously when I finally decided to leave the USSA:
http://www.expatforum.com/
PS. Don't forget, that as an American Citizen they can tax you no matter which country you live and work in. Eventually you will want to seek secondary citizenship somewhere else (the moon?) where there is economic freedom.
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.
But what about the cracking good cheese Gromit?
Not necessarily true.
Here are the details:
I have done all of the of above without breaking any law. Worked on four continents already. All you need is 2 suitcases. Especially if you only work in warm weather countries. Freedom galore.
Yep. Good post. I'm just making people painfully aware that the USA is only one of two countries which taxes it's citizens (under conditions) if they live and work away from the home country. The other being the Philippines (unless things have changed since I remember them).
Oh, and $85,000 might not be enough to buy a loaf of bread in this new "post-Marxian utopia". Just a thought! :)
I think the 85K exclusion went up to 91k this year. Also check on the per diem in your country. I end up paying only social security and a few other things.
Get this, I have a neighbour who is an American Citizen and she has NO SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER! I almost dropped dead! I had to register when I was 18 and living in Germany, but SHE escaped all that "draft" stuff. I told her never to get a SS number.
not sure about this year, but last year my exclusion was 90,400. they make you add back in what the company pays for your housing and food, but it is self reported of course.
couple other comments on the article:
1) i live in Colombia now and am married to a Colombian who i met in Houston. If you look at the cycle of nations and all the problems they had in the past, Colombia is definitely on an upswing. The free trade agreement that never passes the Democrats side of the aisle would help even more. Most things are expensive if you want U.S. quality, but you can find many things for less. Beautiful country. Land and buildings are where most people invest. borrowing costs here are very high so most people pay cash. This eliminates the "no skin in the game" BS that killed the U.S. housing market with speculation. Taxes running a business are complex. I'm a project mgr implementing an ERP system. Most people play games dodging taxes if they can. So it is not all gravy.
2) Singapore - personally my favorite place in the world. Housing and vehicle costs (if you own your own car) are killer, but i suppose if you can swing the purchase price, then there is probably not a better place to live in my mind. There are just too many positives: lack of crime, good public transport, they limit the #of vehicles on the road to reduce traffic problems, cheap taxis, beautiful land, near many amazing vacation places, financial and trade hub for Asia, etc.
3) Brazil is the most complex place to do business that i've seen or heard of. The taxes boggle the mind, but like colombia, most people simply don't comply with the law. but if you run a business it is very difficult. I also heard it is very difficult to open bank accounts - even for expats living in-country. Not 100% sure of that last part. I move there mid 2011.
While i'm working i just keep taking notes to see where is best to go when this gets old.
Can't you just taste the irony in this post?
You like Columbia, but the business taxes are complex. Isn't that what every robber baron in America is screaming about? Wah, business taxes are too complex, wah!
You like Singapore, but housing and vehicle costs are killer and they limit the number of vehicles on the road. Aren't high housing prices killing the American middle class? If taxis are cheap, doesn't that infer that vehicle ownership is expensive due to fees and taxes? And where in America is mommy government dictating when/if I'm allowed to drive?
You like Brazil but, oh, wait, complex business taxes again. All in all the same problems as Columbia from the sound of it. Oh and with the added plus of it being very difficult to open a back account. I can't wait to escape terrible America to move to this paradise!
You're pointing out the "yeah, buts". Singapore has a huge vehicle tax because they don't want everyone to own a car since it's an island and could get easily congested and turn into Mumbai. So they've gone ahead and created THE BEST public transportation system in the world (I've been there recently and witnessed it myself. Clean, Safe, Freqeuent, Efficient and Comfortable) and the taxis are cheap since you don't have to go very far to get to the interesting places on the island.
Overall an EXCELLENT place to consider living for anyone in general and especially if you are more well off (say $200k+ income) as the barriers to asset ownership like cars and housing becomes less formidable. Plus the place is spotless, virtually crime-free and has many nice attractions (Google "singapore esplanade" for example).
Don't make decisions till you've actually seen or been to these places, you're selling yourself short and throwing out a lot of potential value for you and your family.
Sure, I have property overseas and I work overseas but everyday I dream of being able to come back to the US and work.
Thing is, this is exactly what "they" want us to do. They want us to run for the mountains and leave the scene.
It's a backup plan definitely but between now and then, I plan on being loud as hell. Maybe its the crowd I hang out with but the principles of liberty are very strong in the younger generations.
It's gotta be the crowd you hang out with. Anyone under 30 that I've ever ran across (including my younger siblings) have absolutely no clue what the hell is going on with their country or care to learn. (How's that younger generation voter turnout trending?)
Just change the channel to ESPN or some stupid reality show and they're tuned out. They glaze over even when I try to explain things to them S-L-O-W-L-Y.
That's one reason I'm looking for the exit. I don't have faith in my own generation (or younger) to fix things my dad's generation broke. I think the Economist ran an article on the upcoming inter-generational war. Me thinks we're there today but unfortunately my side is outmatched.
From the 04 MARCH 2010 print issue:
"Another of these fights will be between generations. In America the biggest medium-term budget busters are pensions and health care for the old. A big deficit may ease the economic pain in the short term but risks saddling the next generation with a growth-sapping burden of higher taxes and interest payments"
So where's that exit again?
Kopfjaeger,
I dig your handle............I am sure you know where it comes from, and what branch uses it.
I agree, wanting to stay and fight the good fight is in my blood.Leaving is (at my age) preferable, but too much nuclear younger(most your ages) familiy members would be left behind.(by choice)
Due to being clueless, and will not know a thing until it hits them dead in the face.They will not listen to me,everyone is sick of my warnings.Even the one's I told 5-7 yrs ago what was coming, and are witnessing it.
Still are Ostriches.
Here is the LATEST move of the fascists to gain real control,over things none of can live without.
President Obama wants to control all the land and all the water in the United States.
Legislation that would have deleted the word "navigable" from the federal Clean Water Act and given the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction over every drop of moisture in the country crashed and burned last Congress, ending the 36-year congressional career of its lead sponsor, Jim Oberstar, in the process.
But Obama's EPA, as usual, won't take no for an answer, and is now attempting to ignore two Supreme Court decisions, commonsense, and the American people and vastly expand federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction via a guidance document. A bipartisan group of 170 members of Congress told them not to, but they are doing it anyway.
If the EPA and Army Corps succeed, they can exercise effective control over all land and water in the United States. The green groups are fired up and pouring comments into the docket supporting this outrageous power grab, and we need to fight back.
Click here to tell the EPA and the Army Corps to STOP their back door assault on private property rights.
The docket closes on July 31st, so there is no time to spare. Please take action today!
Sincerely,
Phil Kerpen
Vice President, Policy
Americans for Prosperity
Hmm, Chile sounds nice.. might have to brush up on my espanol!
Chile is nice, modern roads, clean water, good sanitation, almost any climate you can imagine from desert to rainforest. California upside down. Don't worry too much about brushing up on your high school Spanish, what they speak down there only vaguely resembles what you'd hear in Madrid or Bogota.
Santiago also has a modern underground transport system which is a pleasure to travel on.
And beautiful women always keen to practice their English.
"Hmm, Chile sounds nice.. might have to brush up on my espanol!"
Chile is wonderful. We ended up there on accident back in 2003. We stayed in the "lake district" longest - it was heaven. Worked up an exit plan on a napkin while flying back to the states. We still talk about it to this day.
Is there any way that I could get into contact with you about Chile. I have been contemplating moving for several years now and see things going to hell in this country and would like an out, but would like to know more. I would very much appreciate hearing anything you have to say.
Go to www.ChrisMartenson.com, and search the forums for "Getting Out", the topic where we discussed this subject at length almost a year ago. There was a woman there who moved to Chile and loves it. She had plenty of helpful information (posted in the Getting Out thread) to share about the place.
xPat
Anyone with genuine skills or a largish saving stash can consider India too. It's a fascinating place to be, difficult also, but if you like Chai, you're off on the right footing.
Many jobs to be had if you are willing to work on Indian Wages (which are high right now, and allow for a very comfortable lifestyle).
I think Americans or whites in general need to re-adjust their attitudes regarding foreign countries and people and be willing to come as equals, not superiors. If you are past that little hitch, half the problem solved.
If anyone is considering India as a possible work/investment/retirement destination, feel free to get in touch.
Life on a Tea or Coffee plantation can be quite rewarding. ;-)
ORI
http://aadivaahan.wordpress.com
Hi Indian,
I really cannot recommend India for retirement or casual relocation. India is much too difficult a country for Americans to adapt too, and the infrastructure is very poor. Not to mention the crowds etc. India is a destination for one reason only.
Primarily a lot of IT jobs are available. Anyone looking for a job can move to India due to so many jobs- We just hired an H-1 and he says its raining jobs in INdia, companies from UK, Germany, USA, China, Japan, Norway, Sweden- everybody is hiring in India -thats the one and only reason to move there.
I would have to agree with Parth. I travelled around India for 6 weeks a few years ago and totally loved it. Such a rich and facinating culture. But to actually live and work there year round is a whole different thing. The cultural differences are just too great. My advice to anyone thinking of emigrating is to go somewhere as similar to your own country as possible. I have lived off and on in the UK for many years and find them hard enough to deal with. The only other country I would consider long term would be Australia.
Citizens of the US would also find it pretty hard to emigrate to NZ in my opinion. It seems the same from a distance but when you get here it isn't. For one thing there's very few other Americans here. That may sound great when you're emigrating to leave your countrymen behind but the reality is you tend to get on best with others of your own nationality.
Alot of people from the UK emigrate here for the 'good life' and end up going home after 5 years. The pull of family and friends cannot be underestimated either.
http://www.chrismartenson.com/forum/getting-out-fsn-follow/37263?page=0#comments
Thank You, Sir.
HoboTraveler.com
Part 1 of 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17LcgUqq3Rc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd86EXTIEn0
Cool stuff man-who is bozo texino?
"-who is bozo texino?"
Good time Charlie?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4rrFgYYJ0s
I left the USA for good in 1995. Have only been back 3 times for short visits!
'I left the USSA for good in 1970. Have only been back a few times for short visits.'
Just got to laugh at all the hemming and hawing about getting out of that stink hole of fascism.
The best advice I ever got was from John Prine!
Forty years ago ...
"I was just a soldier on my way to Montreal"...
- Spanish Pipedream
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whpf4Xs2ww8&feature=related
- Sam Stone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-fc2j38Ab4&feature=related
- Hello In There
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_PbfxNsdZs&feature=related
"We lost Davey in the Korean War"
"All the news just repeats itself...
Old people just grow lonesome..."
It looks to me like most of the people with get up and go have already got up and went.
Simon leaves out one very important fact: you cannot escape US taxes by being an expat. You must relinquish your US citizenship to free yourself from the burden of US taxation.
Just living somewhere else doesn't actually do much for you - you have to take the full plunge and kiss the blue passport goodbye.
With them making sure everyone gets a solid ass pat in a BUS STATION now by the TSA. I think a lot of people are understanding that writing is on the wall.
Save your money and split.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4G-0g9PRrE
//sitting on a deck chair watching half of it burn...getting another beer and taking note of names and locations of those in wikileaks.
That's a shitload of acronyms.
Or you can dump your citizenship (lower case "c") and reapply for your blue passport as a US National not a citizen. Everyone assumes you have to be a citizen to have a passport. Almost none of you even qualify for citizenship or a social security number. A citizen is a resident of Washington DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, etc. Most of us were duped in to citizenship through mass ignorance.
AF - I am an expat, and I plead ignorance to the above. Where can I learn more about that? Thanks - Popo
AF, i also have no direct knowledge of this, and would be very interested to see some more info on this. i am skeptical, especially if you are a citizena and give it up with any capital to speak of.
can you add some links, info?
around '93, a number of high flying US biznessmen gave up their citizenship to avoid taxes, took bahamian/irish/etc passports, and the IRS together with Congress came up with a nice package of laws that essentially makes it impossible for you to get out with any money, and ever come back (as a toursist). if you got nothin, probably easier.
the last guys out left before 95, are now reaching their 70-80's,
http://www.escapeartist.com/library/article7.htm
and fly in for short term trips, but can't stay more than 60-180 days (the numbers i cannot recall exactly, but there are limits on single trips and total time per year.)those afterwards face this:
http://inclusion.semitagui.gov.co/Subjects/LawAndGovt/Citizenship/Anddon...
also, what is an american national but not citizen? can a 'national' with a passport travel freely internationally, apply for visas in another country? get a bank account? does a national have restrictions on being on US soil.
popo is totally right that all us citizens regardless of their place of residence are required to pay taxes on all income. 85k is the expat waiver now, it has been attacked once in the last 5 years unsuccessfully, but could easily be repealed. expats vote even less than local americans, why not screw them on their taxes? - even though they get almost no benefit from them.
When you are born on US soil, you are a US National. When your gullible sheople parents buy in to the bullshit that they need to sign you over as a slave to the state, they register you for a birth certificate and social security number. This turns you from a first class Citizen to a second class citizen.
SS numbers are only for government employees, or people born or residing in Washington DC or other territories.
The Federal government has expanded their territory using tricks like Putting a federal mail box on your property or getting you to use zip codes which makes you acknowledge federal juristdiction. It's a pretty deep rabbit hole, but the long and short of it is this:
The constitution applies to the land on which you are standing. If you are here, you have constitutional rights under common law. If you are a citizen, then you basically have no constitutional rights because you were not born here and accepted citizenship (as a subject of congress) as a condition of being allowed in, or you were a US National, and surrendered your constitutional rights in favor of statutory priveleges.
This is why Mexicans who are here illegally can drive with no license and get away with so much that you would be nailed for in a second. They aren't subject to statutory law because they aren't citizens. Only common law applies to them. Under common law, there has to be an injured party to impose a fine or punnishment. They get pulled over without a seat belt on, and nothing happens. There is no injured party, and the whole seatbelt racket only applies to people who surrender their contitutional right to travel freely for the privelege of a driving license that makes you subject to the BS tickets.
The 14th ammendment created the juristic entity, or fictitious entity. Your birth certificate is the title to your fictitious entity with the same name as your birth name but in all capitol letters. It is this "corporate you" that gets the ticket, and gets sued in court. Only a fiction can do business with another fiction, so if you don't have a birth certificate, then the po-po cant "contract" with you.
There are a million places online to read about this stuff, but I think that they will shut it all down soon.
You can google a couple of these topics to lead you in the right direction:
ucc 1-308
strawman
http://sedm.org/Forms/MemLaw/WhyANational.pdf
The info posted above concerning ucc 1-308 is a bunch of bullshit.
Sincerely,
Thisson
(An attorney familiar with the Uniform Commercial Code).
I forgot to mention that you have to learn the law yourself, and not rely on attorneys. If you show up to court trying to defend your rights with an attorney, you've already lost.
Also google sui juris
Simon leaves out one very important fact: you cannot escape US taxes by being an expat. You must relinquish your US citizenship to free yourself from the burden of US taxation.
Just living somewhere else doesn't actually do much for you - you have to take the full plunge and kiss the blue passport goodbye.
Uncle Sugar is way ahead of you. Since ’08, capital controls have been in place for those suspected of leaving for tax purposes, and anyone renouncing their citizenship. It is becoming very difficult to open a foreign bank account because Treasury and the IRS have been busy inking anti-terror, trade and tax agreements that require foreign banks to share information about U.S. accounts. To avoid this hassle, many banks just refuse to open accounts for Americans. That means you get to live on the $250 a day you can pull from ATM machines. Maybe that's OK if you're a tourist, not so great if you want to rent an apartment, buy a car, etc.
Buying property is (for now) still a legitimate way to get money out of the U.S. Making it earn a reasonable return, well that's another story.
That is not exactly true. If you can live somewhere else (330 days outside the USA per year) where you earn less than $90K a year and still be happy with that, and your net worth is under (I think) $2 million, then you are exempt from US taxes even while still a citizen.
This is from the treasury web site today, I think we can forget about going to Panama.
November 30, 2010
TG-982
U.S., Panama Sign New Tax Information Exchange Agreement
WASHINGTON – In a ceremony at the U.S. Department of the Treasury today, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Panamanian Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Juan Carlos Varela signed a new tax information exchange agreement (TIEA) between the United States and Panama.
"Today, we are ushering in a new era of openness and transparency for tax information between the United States and Panama" Secretary Geithner said. "This bilateral agreement to provide for the exchange of tax information between our two countries reflects the commitment of the United States and Panama to the importance of transparency of tax information."
Upon entry into force, the new TIEA will provide the United States with access to the information it needs to enforce U.S. tax laws, including information related to bank accounts in Panama.
The TIEA will permit the United States and Panama to seek information from each other on all types of national taxes in both civil and criminal matters for tax years beginning on or after November 30, 2007. Information exchanged pursuant to the TIEA shall be used for tax purposes, although the information may also be used for other purposes as permitted under the the provisions of the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the United States and Panama as long as the tax authorities of the country providing the information consents to such use in writing.
The full text of the TIEA and the TIEA Joint Declaration can be viewed at the links below.
US taxation dept = Citizen Ringnet
Bummer...Panama was on the short list.
Try Nevis. Btw, if you have kids, they get a free call option. When they turn 18, they can come back and say mom and dad are nuts. We want to be citizens again! By then all of your assets will have safely been placed in trust away passed on tax free! And what, you can only be in us 180 days a year?
Here's plan b
1. Expatriate
2. Try new country. Stay if you like it. If not...
3. Enter country illegally through Mexico and start all over again!
This is good and will work well. The southern border is very porous.
You can purchase specific properties in both St Kitts and Nevis and obtain citizenship this way. It is recognized as an EU type of passport, which allows you to travel to most places without a visa. No taxes on investment income. You do not have to give up your US citizenship and can hold dual passports. Many people can also obtain dual citizenship from the country their parents/grandparents came from, even if they have never lived in that country. It is fairly easy to get this information from corresponding embassies.
One reason people want to leave America is due to the actions of our government in squandering our chance to lead the world after the fall of the soviet union and leveraging it for corporate gains in exchange for many thousands of lives, foreign and American.
See: http://www.newamericancentury.org/statementofprinciples.htm
I can't believe this site is still up for anyone to read. It is a blueprint for America going to war in the middle east and cashing in our position of respect that we had back in 1997. Cash it in they did.
I wouldn't say "blueprint" -- I'd say "template" in the sense that it's the same vapidly-couched vague p.c. speak we always get from politicians, and that therefore whatever the audience wishes to hear they're able to hear.
Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter. ~ Oscar Wilde
Simon's work is always fun and useful, but how about some really practical advice for the traveler/entrepreneur..., like the quality of the women, and their, ahem, charms?
"Simon's work is always fun and useful, but how about some really practical advice for the traveler/entrepreneur..., like the quality of the women, and their, ahem, charms?"
The Philippines and Brazil come to mind. I have found in my limited travels that women outside the US dig American men. Check out Australia - American men are prized there. Many American men have been brainwashed by their American counterparts.
As an Aussie, I have to say "Haha...!"
Truth is that American men have a reputation in Australia for thinking that they are prized by Aussie women. Generally Aussie women aren't fans of men that unjustly think they're prized for anything :)
Yeah, have to agree. I would say that in the 90's American men had a pretty good chance of nabbing an Aussie damsel. However, even in the Land Down Under the sentiment towards Americans these days has turned very negative. Certainly not what it used to be.
Estonia is famous for tall beautiful blondes. I'm norwegian, and they outrank ours and the swedish ones :)
I live in Medelln Collombia..and for me the Paisas are the most beautiful women in the world...beautiful long dark hair...big dark eyes....and they have no problem being women...none at all...
This is very useful and intersting to me. I believe you, but why do you travel so much if any of these places is so great? What if you had a wife and kids in school? What if you only spoke English? What if you lived in America and could make $80/hr in the current economy? Can you take all of your guns with you?
Even if some countries are overall better than America, why should we believe that some of these countries that were really messed up and/or ruled by dictators not so long ago will continue their relatively short stint of freedom?
Isn't it the success from America's former freedom that attracted TPTB to interfere so much because we were the juciest prize? If any other place became a juicy prize, do you really think it would be immune from the interference of TPTB?
BTW, I'm a computer programmer, so I assume I could do that anywhere. In fact, I intend to write some web based software specifically to grant me almost unlimited mobility.
Is there really a way to send your PMs offshore securely?
Surely you can't take them on the plane with you...?!
Try goldmoney.com. They are supposed to be very reliable.
i am not too excited about sending my physical somewhere.
then again, i guess i can't fly with 40+ kilos of metal in my bags, could i...
I have had a goldmoney account for the last 7 years, it is a pain in the ass to ever re access the funds, once they are deposited into the account. Just something to realize when you open it.
chartered private planes
- yep, sailboats and catamaran's work too.
Don't leave the US, join the Free State Project.
www.freestateproject.org
The Free State Project is a fantastic idea, which I observed in its infancy about 10 years ago. The plan is for 20,000 libertarians to move to a low population state and basically take it over politically.
After all these years, it now has only 10531 signatories? Only 875 have moved? There must be 1 million who would be very interested, and all libertarians have heard about it. It sounds like this great idea is still suffering from what I experienced first hand that was crippling it in the beginning, which was the authoritarian hand of its leaders and the nasty temperaments of many of my fellow libertarians. It almost made me stop calling myself a libertarian.
Nevertheless, everyone keep an eye on this project because it may yet succeed in spite of its past mistakes.
For those who can't stomach the east-coastiness of NH, there's the even-lower population Wyoming. www.freestatewyoming.org.
I'm considering Texas when the secession movement gains more steam.
Seconded. I think Texas will develop as a "freestate movement" on its own.
Hey, "leading" libertarians is like herding cats! Many will not join anything, but move anyway. I moved to NH before the FSP existed, for similiar reasons, but have not "joined" them. It seems the more political types are the joiners. Even so, a decade ago this looked like an easy number, but recently due to the loss of equity in housing, and the tight job market, it has become difficult for the "average" family to relocate.
Hell no I wont go. I will got to the street as we all should and must to push the Freedom agenda. Mandela, MLK, Gandhi, what ever. Is now a MUST. The time is now, and can not be avoided.
If you fear, leave. If you love Freedom and this Nation you will stand and fight. We CAN NOT loose this Nation.
Do a little reading on the Civil War for a hint on how not to do this. This can be done, a leader or leaders and a spark will set it off. It will come. America will survive. There is no other choice. If those leaders exist, now is the time to speak out, regardless of party. If not, new leaders must emerge and that is not always an easy process.
Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.
Before I rise up in anger, I want to know: Are you fighting for Liberty or Democracy? If it's the latter, you can count me out. I won't be party to any fight where the battle cry is "Majoritarianism or Die!".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majoritarianism
I second this a million times. I m located in France and I will never leave the land of my forefathers, I will stand and fight for freedom no matter what ! I have lived in the states 16 years it is a great country, americans are wonderful folks, you ALL must stand and fight for your land, your home, your brothers and sisters.
I have read that due to birth rates and demographics, France will be an Islamic state within the next 30 years.
We have the Hispanic wave of illegal immigration here that threatens our southwest in much the same manner.
Fedbuster,
We will have a Hispanic majority here, well before France or UK has a Muslim majority.
Birth rates are like 8-1,for Caucasoids v.s. Hispanic.
I have no issues w/the Hispanic people, they are hard working, family oriented, God fearing (majority) peoples.
As a matter of fact it would be very NICE to be a ethnic minority group for a change.Then we would get MORE rights back, than a lot of others.
Your points are excellant, however, you overlook a vital fact.
The issues tearing apart the US and EU are not local events. They are part of a centuries old plan by the PTB. They are crushing countries with massive resources and long traditions of individual freedom. Once done there, do you think they are stopping? Only long enough for consolidation. This plan is global. You have seen less established countries tossed around like rag dolls on the grand geopol chessboard. You've seen the farce that the IMF and World Bank make of national sovereignty once they get their foot in the door. Now they are bold enough to go after a place like Ireland. Suppose you find your home in the sun, where freedom and entrepreneurship are appreciated. Just how long before the PTB sets their sights on your little corner of paradise?
Yes, pioneering a new life does take courage. A chance to release your powers of creation. But if you believe in individual freedom for the future of mankind, that fight is here. That fight is now. And it has already been half lost in the minds of the sheeple. And it will take all the power of courage and creativity free people can muster.
Stand here now, or watch them slowly stamp out each little place in the sun, one by one, waiting for when that bell tolls for thee.
+1776
Agreed. The stand is here in the US. Nothing would please the PTB more than for Americans to disavow their own culture. Half their battle would be won if US professionals fanned out across the world and abandonned their own country. It's like conquering, dividing, and offshoring US culture itself.
These articles dangle every carrot imaginable: hot exotic babes, new business prospects, freedom to travel. None of it is congruous with family life, strong communities, and harth and home.
The PTB or writers who advocate such rhetoric live the "Ritz Carlton" life style. All the world looks the same to them looking out of the window of a 5 star luxury hotel.
Sure just move away from the US, no big deal. "There's nothing left there anyway. The United States is finished," said Max Keiser last year during one of his shows. (That show was pulled off the net in a hurry. Wouldn't want to show Max as he really is now, would we?)
kayl,
Notice where Max resdies, was he an American?
There are other options. Eventually Washington will lose control over the US, and devloution will take place. Unlike small countries, the US collapse has better analogies to a country like Russia. Accordingly, certain regions in the US will fall outside federal oversight. Sure, this will take time. But even those of us who would agree with the author;'s sentiment, and, who have lived outside the US would agree that there are a TON of problems too elsewhere. Frankly, the whole world kinda sucks, and you have to eke out the good things whereever you are.
GG
You're missing the big picture. This is not a localized event. This is a global PTB plan. Once the US is finished its role, this roadshow is on a nonstop world tour.
The ultimate goal is global fascist control of petty local fiefdoms. countries on paper to humor the masses, but nothing but extension of the control network.
I am not leaving. Period.
I am right behind you Drifter, but you walk point.
Walking point? I thought we didn't have to do that anymore now that we have drones?
I think many people have this misconception that they are going to leave and let someone else do the heavy lifting for them. Then when it is over and their pipe dreams in this other place have not panned out all of a sudden they think of America. As the retired WWF wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin, of Victoria, Texas, used to say.......
WHAT !
Once they leave, they cannot come back. Rules of the house, as far as I am concerned.
Same. Cold dead fingers come to mind. Better to die in love with something, because eventually we drop dead. Might as well make some fun from it. The business game is stale, game and gun theory is good stuff, why not.
I am game. I know some others around here that feel the same way. They are just waiting for the time. Heck , I love her too much to leave her when she needs me. The rest of the 97 percent such as the pinheads in that video running over each other to get into some stupid Target store, for them , I say this. Fuck you. For you I will not fight or die. Anything I do is for those who want it the way it should be and the way it could be, not those who want to pick cherries off of the tree while it is season. Hell with them.
we collect names, wait for a moment in time when names pants are currently down around the ankles, make names vanish in a corn field for next harvest.
Until then, sit in a deck chair, have a drink and watch it burn. No sense in walking into a forest on fire. Just pick them off while they fall out of the forest.
Then rebuild. Without blue blood garbage. That gene pools has to be be fairly thin right now as is. It would be mercy avoiding the eventual contamination to the human race with their centuries old inbred filth. Not to mention that shit about my grand daddy owned something and you were it's slave speech.
White, black, purple...we just have to make sure we're the guys with the guns at the end.
The question once its done, would you be willing to leave it alone to let it thrive all by itself? Other than teaching how to build and make that is. Warriors seldom make good political bed fellows in current and historical perspectives. We make better farmers after the fact if we can live as long.
How much capital do you think a consortium would need to amass to float a successful tender offer for Cuba?
I'm serious. A deal whereby the shareholders (Cuban citizens) would accept and approve new management for X number of years, a new constitution (with explicit rights), dividend terms and a business plan. A Sovereign turnaround play.
It's a no-brain-er in my view that the centerpiece of the business plan would be a medical services industry that would essentially be an "Offshore-Med" catering to the many aging, Obamacare-strapped yet still relatively wealthy Americans domiciled as close as 90 miles away. Cuba already has a high literacy rate and a high concentration of people with advanced medical training.
A sugar-based ethenol industry like Brazil's maybe, tourism, discretionary financial services for nervous foreigners...so many ways to win.
Hell, after a few years you might even be able to jet back (private of course) to see family and friends for the weekend every now and again.
Strip away the dregs of the Castro regime and you have a nearby, civilized country full of people not afraid to work that also happens to be untainted by modern high finance.
What's not to love?
I like it.
Oh sure, unintended silver linings and delicious ironies abound here.
Making the target shareholders fully aware of our good intentions and the importance of resisting the sirens of Big Banking is the first real hurdle. Once Cuba is "in play" Goldman et al will be all over this thing like white on rice...and with deeper pockets.
To help sell this deal it's possible that we may have to make a spanish language movie of the thing before it actually happens. My Cuban music collection is wide and deep so I may be able to put together a rough soundtrack by the end of the night.
Hey, I'll throw my savings into this... in Cuba or any other country of the world (or even a floating version), but ONLY IF:
no fiat money
no debt money
no central banks
no fractional reserve practices
no laws except the 3 everyone agrees upon
all trade must be in real, physical gold, silver, etc.
PS: Hopefully everyone knows the 3 laws:
1: do not harm or kill any sentient entity
2: do not harm or destroy property of others
3: do not violate agreements or defraud others
I have nothing against those who would leave the USA behind. I spent several years travelling through Central- and South America (yes, Chile is like California without the Californians...with cheaper wine). I completely understand. Still, I kissed the ground when I got home. That was a long time ago, but it's hard to imagine bailing out while my kids and grandchildren remain behind. What is life if not shared with family and friends?
Vaya con Dios, expats. It's not a matter of patriots vs. cowards or any other such false dichotomies. It's about where you want to make your stand, with whom, and why. Were I alone in this world, I'd be one foot out the door. Given the ballast of my life, however, I'll be much more likely to be arrested for decorating some lampposts with corrupt politicians.
Things are going to get very interesting in the next few years. Good luck with your greener pastures, expats. Maybe we see each other again in some seaside taco shack in Belize. Keep the beer cold.
And while you're there, please, please open a decent brewery in Belize
- and a Kabob grill too.
The main problem is the dollar and its blinding light. For example, while standing under a streetlamp in the rain, it is hard to see the rain because the lamp is blinding. But if one were to hold an umbrella to block the direct light, the rain becomes visible. The dollar is blinding people's view of reality. The dollar is the problem.
I understand it is used to buy things, but what does one really need? Food, shelter, and a little clothing, but not everyone needs a cellphone. Not everyone needs an ipad. Not everyone needs new clothing bi-monthly. Not everyone needs a car. One should maintain one's wealth above consumption of discretionaries. Wealth can and should be stored in real assets. Those are precious metals. Once this is done, it does not matter where anyone lives. The dollar, once destroyed, will free one from the tyranny of the said dollar. The dollar is the problem.
Everything has been manipulated by the dollar to check anyone from seeing the raindrops fall from the heavenly sky. This can not continue for long, but it will continue as long as it can. There are two variables standing in the dollar's way. They are oil, and precious metals. Both are finite resources whose production has peaked, which means supply will decrease. In the case of gold, production peaked in '01. In the case of platinum, production peaked in '09. Oil production peaked in '05. Silver has yet to show a peak, but could as soon as this year. Silver is very similar to Natural gas in the sense that it depletes its deposits quickly. Natural gas should peak production in the next two to three decades, but like I said, due to deposit depletion rates, it could happen sooner, especially if technology increases. Production rates for coal and uranium are also under scrutiny; both could peak their production relatively soon, and their EROEIs are also under scrutiny.
It was the increase in the price of oil today that caused the rise in stocks. Oil's price increased, and is increasing because the House of Saud is no longer the world's swing producer. The biggest oil producer is now either Russia or Venezuela. The problem with that is both countries have peaked production of sorts. Russia peaked production in '89, and Venezuela's oil has a horrible EROEI. So basically there is no longer a swing producer.
The reasons the price of equities in corporations increased is because the corporations apear more dependable than the dollar in the face of an oil crisis/financial crisis, and also many corporations will see higher profits with an increase in the price of oil (notably the oil corporations themselves but also companies like dupont). Then there is the dependencey factor. The market thinks that people are dependent on corporations, and using the current popular Neo-Keynesian economic theory, they are correct. The "rational consumer" is dependent on the corporations for necessities such as oil (Exxon), machinery (CAT), monie (A Big X), food (Whole Foods), etc. In the current economy, these corporations have become dependable for the consumer, and the consumer has become dependent on them. How long that lasts is the big question.
The only way to be self reliant, other than being a badass Hulk, is to store wealth in PMs. In fact it is the only way. Ability will be put to the test now, and most people's lifestyle will change. People were tricked into becoming consumers. Consumption is not a rational act, in fact it is an act of desperation. It is a finale. It is the last thing to do to prepare for a coming. It is coming, and most are dressed for a funeral. I recommend dressing for a retreat, as the auther does, but not necessarily one of place. Instead the change is merely to stop using the FIAT used to initially perpetrate the crime. Free yourself, free your monie.
THAR SHE BLOWS!
Well said Mr. Hendrix.
All, along the watchtower!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bng3agUOYiI
I still remember the first time I came across Jimi...in that instant my life was forever changed. Thinking about it gives me a headrush.
"Well, I stand up next to a mountain and I chop it down with the edge of my hand ..."
When he drops the solo for the rythm at the beginning of the song, that was the moment I thought, 'This is what I have been searching for my whole life.'
For any RHCP fans out there, Frusciante told me he was listening to Hendrix while making Stadium Arcadium.
Hendrix, Lennon, the Zep, and my favorite of all time, Pink Floyd. I kind of consider these up there with food, water and shelter.
Good message. I'll add a couple points.
If you have $100,000 or more savings, you might want to consider this additional note: we are far, far, far, far from "peak sun" or "peak wind". Which means, if you move to an inexpensive part of the world and spend $50,000 or more on self-sufficiency infrastructure (wind and/or solar and/or hydro power, water collection and/or purification), you can live a very pleasant, modern life even after the rest of the world goes totally down the tubes --- due to "peak stupidity"... which the world certainly appears to be reaching.
Otherwise, learn to sleep when dark, live when daytime, enjoy the calm, simple, natural life that is much more healthy for human beings anyway.
Chile is nice, and home to LOTS of very large earthquakes!
2,400 active volcanoes if I'm not mistaken. Something to consider.
The western USA has three (3) super-volcanoes in Wyoming, California and New Mexico.
Chile has one (1) in the remote highlands of Chile, Bolivia and Argentina.
As some commenter already noted: California upside down!
I love big earthquakes. Better than a roller coaster!
From our "where do we move" trip, which we took one year ago, Chile was also our favorite, all things considered. The only downside was, you really need to choose your location wisely and carefully or you may end up spending far more than countries like Ecuador and Peru.
Our core problem is that we are living way beyond our means (debt, energy, environment). This problem is global. When the SHTF all countries will suffer. Those that will suffer the least are those with the most critical resources (energy, food, water) per person. By these measures the U.S. (and Canada) are still above average. Having said that, I'd stay away from areas that are likely to have extreme social unrest like big cities with no local agriculture or water.
Writer sez: Here's the bottom line: your country is controlled by a very small group of people, and you're not one of them.
Late great comic agrees:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acLW1vFO-2Q
But I'm hunkered down on a farm and I'm staying.
go at Agora Financial , they have been researching this stuff for years
Renouncing US citizenship following the Patriot Act was the most righteous move I ever made. Constitutional America is dead. Damn the fascist stinkhole masquerading as the United States. Damn it to hell.
Good for you... especially being overt enough to do it formally on paper. Most of us will probably just choose to simply vanish.
Who are you? What do you do that other people actually will need?
What is going to happen in the various places, where you could reasonably live and contribute?
Forget your saved notional wealth in global crisis.
Don't let the idea of a country as it now stands make you do something that will be stupid in global collapse.
Where will the regional wars be? what stands a good chance of being missed? Who has local food security? Where do you want to live when there is no electricity and fuel? How far can you ride a heavily loaded bicycle?
There a lot of specific questions involved in preparing for the collapse of petro-world. Don't move to Phoenix. You might want to move to the Rio Grande Valley. You'll have to be a nice neighbor wherever you go. Social networks are critical. Work on that first, is what they say...
Ill leave the first chance I get. However as I pointed out before the sovereign man's posts are of no help to the "common man". His advice is directed towards rich hedge fund managers who know how to pay their way around the world. I think it be way more helpful if a common man posted their experince, not some guy who is a millionare and can just pay a country to let him live there.
This is what I mean:
" Start by moving some money to an overseas bank account, and store gold in an offshore vault-- this safeguards your wealth from government bureaucrats who could otherwise freeze or confiscate your accounts on a whim."
Wow, let me just go into my safe and get a bunch of my gold bars that I have on hand and call up my banker and tell him to put 500k in a bank account in switzerland-LOL.
No no, no, it doesn't have to be like that. Pick a cheap place to live with a nice climate.
Tropical paradise with beautiful women for you? Well, who knew.... Nicaragua, then? Good choice! You could:
Survive for $6000/yr
Live like a king for $24,000/yr
Get a roomate? Live like a king for $12,000/yr
Get bored? Travel Central America or start a little business
Splurge a little? Get a cute little live in maid with a warm smile -- $125/mo extra. You're devilish, but now you're getting the idea, excellent!
Start taking vacations to places you might want to go RIGHT NOW and check it out. Write off your trip investigations on your taxes NOW. Seek out other reliable expatriates in the areas and learn from them.
Tip: Start in the B&Bs run by expatriates. They are responsible, like minded, and already know everything about the local areas and proud to share knowledge about it. Good luck amigo!
No, that's not true. For example, to get an overview, get a one year subscription to InternationalLiving magazine, download all their back issues, and especially read about warm, inexpensive countries like Ecuador and Panama. You can live a very comfortable life in Ecuador for $1000 per month ($12,000 per year), and if you're willing to spend time and effort hunting around more, you can cut that in half.
Lol, I bailed out of the US 18 years ago, live in an 'expensive, socialist' country (France), and will not come back to the US ever again (I mean why would I?)
I'm sorry to see America go down the tubes, because the 'Idea' of America can be pretty inspiring. It just doesn't seem to exist anymore, and what a rapid slide it's been!
Anyhow, wanted to confirm that it is possible to live here cheaply (25K€/yr), and still have enough to put 7$/gas in the ole Alfa, eat some of the best food in the world (it helps to love to cook), the healthcare is close to free (and so much better than what you folk in the US have to put up with), and I can spend 2-3 months a year exploring some of the coolest places in the world.
Speaking the language is important unless you want to spend your life with other expats having deep conversations about what's constitutional and what's not, which is do-able for many, but I find mega-boring.
PS: Somone here is bound to point out that french politicians suck, that the French are arrogant and pernicious, that europeans are all wimps, etcetc. I'd like to add simply that I mostly agree with all that, and that in general, it doesn't matter all that much. 'Cause it's the same everywhere and there are other things that count.
Thank you.
I don't think Wall Street and Washington have any idea how many former patriots are willing to expatriate.
I suspect most of us who leave will not officially, on paper "expatriate". We'll just fall off the radar.
"We'll just fall off the radar."
Alternate id's are a must ;-)
they might not have the exact numbers, but they are doing everything possible to prevent monies and assets from being transferred offshore. The new legislation due to be implemented next year will require financial institutions to withhold up to 30% of funds being wired to foreign banks. Money should be moved now, you can follow it later.
They might not have the exact numbers, but they are doing everything possible to prevent monies and assets from being transferred offshore. The new legislation, due to be implemented next year, will require financial institutions to withhold up to 30% of funds being wired to foreign banks. Money should be moved now, you can follow it later.
There are several reasons that more people are not leaving but the biggest one is change.
Change is right up there with death on the list of what people fear most.
Another option is to buy PMs, some protection for same, buy popcorn (and lots of spare food), sit back and watch all the acts of this play?
I understand why some wish to leave now but I am not at an age where I would be employable in a foreign land. Here I can still contribute even if it is to give my time to charities and others who need a hand...That said, I wish all the best to those who strike out for better opportunities.
I was delt this hand and I am going to play it out.
Unless you have no savings at all, you can probably live a pretty good life on your savings in rural parts of many very pleasant countries like Ecuador. Of course, you need to avoid the cities to avoid petty crime (theft, not violence), but who wants to live in cities anyway? When you get old enough to collect SS (if it still exists), that's plenty to live in these places.
If you can't beat'em join'em.
Hide in plain sight as a Corporation. Your ID a la your driver's license and passport only describe you, not your money, or the logistics of how you live or hold your assets.
I worked in the building trades in CA for years. A grim lesson learned from the Mexicans, Poles and Russians - all good people that lived under oppressive regimes was that it does not pay to run a business under your own name, or play by the rules. Screw the law and live underground by any means necessary and shut down your front every 12-18 months to avoid the tax man, worker's comp, etc. You should go to jail, but I will say that these are the only guys I know that still work and paid cash for their homes and everything else. No debt or foreclosure for them, but they traded all ethics for a life a little different than the one we were taught to live.
Corporations live by a law-of-the-sea mentality - they exist unto themselves. Everything else is a game. Own nothing in your own name, judgment proof and likely nobody will mess with you.
Very good advice. I know people who do just that.
Making yourself Judgement Proof is definitely the key.
No assets. No worries.
bankonzhongguo, excellent advice. I have been doing the swap meet circuit for several years and earn a decent living. Wife and I are both retired but we realize that our retirement incomes could stop at any time. Unemployment in this area is extremely high, by any standard.
I have come to know lots of dealers/customers through the swap meets and we exchange information, swap/barter with each other for items that are not what our regular customers are expecting to see in our inventory, exchange info about what is in demand, discuss the state of America and how screwed up the economy is, etc.
Many of us are former 'store front' owners, Ebayers, etc.
The swap meet circuit is like a big family after one becomes a part of it and we help each other when needed.
I consider us the kernel of a new economy....one outside of the mainstream....and we are growning number. We provide a real service to communities at prices that one cannot equal even at Wal Cart.
Need a slightly used pair of Levis for a buck? Do you want locally raised veggies cheap? Need a new/used engine for a 1990 auto for a couple of hundred bucks? Looking for 90% silver at a few cents over melt? Patronize your local swap meets! Avoid the 'real' economy!
After lots of discussion with my wife (born in Peru, and we partly own a bearing import business there), we have decided to stay here in the USA unless things get VERY, VERY BAD.
Peru is our option, our escape hatch. It is quite imperfect, but currently on a pretty major upswing. Perhaps the main thing holding us here is the fact that we would have to leave behind many people and things we hold dear.
There are other reasons as well. Even though we could take our money and live like Royalty (Peruvian Royalty anyway) there.
If things DO get really bad (and it could happen, see TSA...), well then I hope that our timing and preparations would be good enough to give us there OK. I am pessimistic about the next few years, but I do believe that we can turn this country around.
My opinion: it is much too late. The USSA is far beyond the point of no return, and a huge percentage of the country is totally braindamaged, and another huge portion receives payoff from the government of the USSA (welfare, medicare, medicade, social security, food stamps, free education, government employment, etc).
I'm glad you finally decided to stay Bearing. I have to agree with the 1776-ers on this thread. I just can't turn my back on the first revolution, we've come too far to run away because of an infestation of ignorance and greed in our body politic. Rather than escape to South America I'd rather just send the Liebermans and Clintons to Siberia. I have ties to this land man, I mean literally. I'd love to vacation in Chile or Argentina or Estonia though, if just to sit in a cafe and flirt with the lovely girls. :-)
I go back and forth between Central America (Costa Rica/Nicaragua) and mountains in TN. It's great. I have friends in both places and look forward to seeing them all again when I get there.
I winter on my own little beach and spend summers on 5 acres with a garden in TN. I haven't been to Chile or Argentina yet, but they would they be my second choice for winters. Brazil is too unpredictable and Thailand is too far away.
I'd never totally leave the USA because I'm pretty sure somebody is going to have to stick around to shoot back.
I left in 2007. Returned to visit family once in 2008 and once in 2009. The visit in 2009 was to essentially say "goodbye" to family and friends. Live in SE Asia now and I'm very excited by the prospect of being part of the dynamic growth that is taking place in these emerging markets. I've no plans on returning to the US. I’d rather live in a country that is growing – not one has reached its peak and is now in decline. I can't recommend the ex-pat lifestyle for everyone though. You really have to think it through with your eyes wide open. Every country has its good and bad points and you definitely will make sacrifices in the process of becoming an expatriate. But I'm happy with my decision and I'm happy to be part of the country I now live in
tidbits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKlyHtVwg28
Stealing thousands of acres in Colorado for new military venture. eminent domain. isn't that sweet?
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7818201
voters voted in november to turn off traffic cameras and to take them down. mayor has refused to do so. Judge has issued injunction to stop their removal, even though voters voted for this to happen. now they threaten to reduce the size of the police force.
Anybody out there smelling the coffee yet? How much more of this garbage can we take? How much?
If you are a good, honest, productive human being, please leave the USSA. Deprive them of the productive souls they need to power their scam.
Colombia? Seriously? You could have said Costa Rica or Panama and I would have bought it. But Colombia? When they aren't fighting insurgents they are killing union leaders.
Having lived in S America before, I would probably leave to go there. Either Chile or Columbia would be my choices. I would steer clear of most of the others, but especially Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina. All have socialist governments as tyrannical as the US and Europe are becoming. These are sad days for America and the world!
Good input from everyone. I will be staying in the U. S. and do my best.
I like the swap meet circuit idea; there are some good people out there and this is a good way to size them up. A guy who'll cheat you for a quarter will shoot you in the back as well. Having connections is the key -- no matter where you are.
If not for the Rocky I would be out looking at these ugly fucking bitches.......who never represented the real America in any way shape or form.
http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/video/?cp-documentid=18be4118-0a61-489b-b954...
the story in the bible (history books) is written in blood.
the internet is being nationalized.
my rights confiscated
and my soul http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obfuscation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovq8QlYE_q4
Thinking back now to a line in one of the 'Alien' sequels.
They discover their ship is headed back to Earth and one exclaims.....
"Earth ...that shithole"
How true.
Should I stay or should I go?
hmmm...
What is my argument for staying?
What is my argument for leaving?
I'm trying to find the balance....
need some help. thanx
Put on the Clash, they always help me.
I sympathize, and the sentiment may be entirely right...but what is happening to the 'potential pioneers' is also happening to the molly-coddled, stupid public. There are two choices, if I can count, to leave for ourselves- because we cannot fight against the tyranny- or, to work out a way to marginalize the influence of the tyranny upon our lives -and show the cold, wet huddled masses that there is a light burning in this darkness.
I quit the UK two years ago..because it was obvious that it was the end of the road for inflation-pushed salaries, and since prices weren't going to come down..but the point is that the 'plan' over the last thirty years has been leading to this point- to shatter the now extremely docile, semi-gentrified middle classes, so that their children will go to college and then get a job and live their whole lives in debt. Being a government means to be responsible for the amalgamation of many human minds and ultimately souls - it is as near to a sacred trust as anything mankind has ever done. One of the names given to Marduk was the aspect of congregation of the population. And this 'Congress' and 'Parliament', who are openly bought in contributions (as if that is in any way conducive to Democratic government), is one hell of a false idol.
The author is correct. If there were thousands of americans ready to pick up arms and fight the second revolutionary war, I'd stay and fight. What the current "stay and fight" crowd calls "fight" is laughable. All they throw are verbal compaints. To them "fight" means "whine".
Well, guess what? All the moaning and groaning in the world will not convince the predators-that-be to give you any liberty whatsoever... or honesty, or justice, or ethics, or individualism. You are their slave, pure and simple.
So, unless the so-called "fighters" stop being just a bunch of babies crying in their cribs, and actually fight... forget them. I've waited far too long already. We've made our plans, and we're down to T minus 4 months. We can't wait.
People need to remember their history. The "stay and fighters" pretend only half the history of america is real. The first half was folks coming to america to flee authoritarianism in europe and asia. Once here a fair number of them were willing to fight the thugs hired by King George to fleece and enslave americans.
Remember both halves of that story. The first part was fleeing entrenched authoritarianism. Well, few countries today better qualify as "entrenched authoritarianism" than the USSA.
Time to leave. And good riddens.
PS: And BTW, foreigners (especially "pertetual travelers") are almost always treated much better than citizens of the country. The foreigners are typically seen as "cash cows" under the assumption they earned their money in gringo-land, and we welcome them here because they'll spend their money here, and thereby help our economy. Because of this, moving to many countries is much, much better in practice compared to being born there.
Consider carefully what TPTB fear the most:
I enjoy reading Zero Hedge 'coz there's always tons of personal initiative and genius on display...
In creative writing.
One can only wonder what all the creativity on display here might accomplish, if 'twere otherwise directed?
To be sure, personal preparation and personal actions can be extremely effective. However, carefully sharing information with other reliable like-minded folks can also come in very handy. Not every important action can be accomplished by an individual.
And what exactly have you done, buddy, but complain and then decide to run away when nobody else stepped up to do the heavy lifting for you? I suspect that people who have the courage to stay know that they don't have a leader and are simply lying in wait for the day when jack-booted thugs start kicking in doors and declare open season on themselves.
We have done quite a bit, and shall continue to do quite a bit, to prepare to thwart the effort to enslave the rest of the world in the same was as the USSA. However, if you think I'm gonna get specific and paint a bulls-eye on our foreheads, you've got another thing coming.
If I read your last sentence correctly, I sure as hell hope everyone is waiting with machine guns and a million rounds of ammo in their homes. However, I doubt that will be very common AND that is waiting far, far too long.