How I view the US after 12 years living abroad 

I often wish to move to Europe or the UK, especially since visiting my daughter in Italy this past year. I am wondering though if I would be unwelcome as an American. I am not loud or opinionated, rather more on the quiet side. I respect other cultures and love to learn new things. I especially love the beauty where I have visited, and the feeling of antiquity in many places. But would my husband and I be welcome?

Lp

How is Australia doing with the lock downs and the poison jab? here in USA it is not mandatory.

@@SHL-ge3wn Lockdowns? What lockdowns? That was two years ago. And vaccinations are not mandatory. Shouldn't believe everything you read.

Australia, I lost all respect.

Nobody lied. And you do realize the US was made by people escaping right? It is STILL that way.

@@tube.brasil You obviously haven't watched the video.

@@harrydehnhardt5092 that's not an argument. Of course I did. Come with something more intelligent. If you can.

just scream a few times " U S A ", shoot your neighbor and vote for MTG and you feel home again!

@@Arltratlo Crybaby

Well that's what happens when most of the wage is already covered by taxes

@@mattemathias3242 I think not, actuallly it is the opposite Italy first, US next in the numbers Net taxes on products > Current US$ > Per $ GDP 0.102$ per $1 billion of GDP Ranked 64th. 69.3$ per $1 billion of GDP Ranked 114th. 679 times more than Italy Other taxes payable by businesses > % of commercial profits 2% Ranked 115th. 8.4% Ranked 39th. 4 times more than Italy Components of taxation > Property tax 4.3% Ranked 11th. 10.1% Ranked 3rd. 2 times more than Italy Components of taxation > Social security > Employees contribution 5.6% Ranked 24th. 11.7% Ranked 10th. 2 times more than Italy Income tax Italy, average is 36%, US 48%

@@mattemathias3242 America has been destroyed by it's politicians, morespecifically, by it's lawmakers. I am afraid America might cease to exist in 20 years if this goes on.

@@mattemathias3242 No that is what happens in most first world countries around the world because they value the health of their citizens. You cannot be free if you have not your health and spend your time worrying about medical bankruptcy.

@@mattemathias3242 that's another lie told to Americans. You don't even start paying income tax on the first £12,570 ($15,668) of your earnings. Higher earnings than that are taxed at 20 per cent.

In Florida we say ...do not call the ambulance, throw me in a pick up to the hospital ...the bill is $800.00 plus change.(just for the drive)

My mum and dad went on their first (and only) cruise, from Ireland to New York, via England. Many people on board fell ill with pneumonia, including mum, who collapsed at the dock in New York. An ambulance was called, and she was taken overnight to hospital, before being released into my emigrated kid sister's care in Long Island, where she had some basic blood and medical checks at the local healthcare centre, and saw a doctor for some associated checks. When my parents got home to Ireland eventually, the first - of several - US Medical Bills they were sent was for an even, round $10,000. (I think ultimately they were billed more than $80,000.) In the Republic of Ireland, the standard overnight bill for patients without health insurance is about €75 a night, payable over a year-plus in installments, if needed. I think - I might be wrong, but I think - ambulance call-outs are about €400. Regardless, her bill for that level of care in the Republic would have been, at the very most, very substantially less than $1,000/€1,000. Far less. (Similarly, more than a decade ago, as a public patient I had a giant lipoma - random fat lump - removed from my shoulder, undergoing surgery with a full medical team, surgeon, x-rays, etc etc, for which I was billed less than €100.) My parents didn't have to pay a thing - their travel insurance, costing less than €100, paid for everything. As the TI girl said on the phone, they'd made a couple of small mistakes in filling out their form before their holiday - But no problem, as plenty of people made those mistakes, and obviously they hadn't planned to have an utterly ruined holiday with a major medical issue thrown in, so sure, they genuinely needed their TI, and the TI company would take care of any of the US bills. And they did. The stark, astronomical difference between healthcare costs in Ireland (either country here, the Republic or the North) and America are beyond shocking - clearly, getting sick in America either financially ruins you for life, and is beyond the reach of many poor people, or is just absent completely for many, condemning then to perpetual ill health, or death. I mean, $80,000+ for an ambulance ride, a night in hospital, some fairly routine medical checks and doctor consultations?! Now, that's sick...

​@@e.rivera4251😮

@@e.rivera4251fucking ridiculous

В России это было бы просто бесплатно

Yes, it’s called paternity leave and it’s for 20 weeks! What this guy talking about??

​@@chevive7Don't worry he corrected himself, it's in the comments.

So Australians have a socialist leave, would say Americans 😂 Here in the US you leave by your own. The baby is yours, not the boss's 😒 so why would he pay you? 🤧 It's the American way of doing business: the country is made for businessmen, not for workers or ordinary ppl.

​@avnereriksen so it's made for the top 1% and the other 99% are worthless?

​@@avnereriksenevery man for themselves in the USA.

That's a typical American attitude

This is hilarious but also pitiful, as you state at the end of your comment

So you think Denmark is that great? Lol, whatever.

@@thadtuiol1717 great! Smh. Not great but for now better.

@@tubbytuber please read my first comment! I wasn't ranking anything. I explained that I was harassed and accused of wanted to stay runaway in the US.

NHS is going downhill too,, weeks to get an appointment and impossible to get a GP to take you on

@@bid84 I can see my Gp the same day and so can all my neighbours IF ITS IMPORTANT/NEEDED. I got cancer and was treated immediately and cured 15? years ago. ima you are talking nonsense about the nhs.

that is because one political party wants it, so the other naturally despises it and scares people into thinking it is similar to communism

I'm an American in Japan (where there's national healthcare). One of the major reasons I came back here was for the healthcare. I've gotten multiple major surgeries here, all with kind, patient, empathetic care, even though I'm a random black woman. They always treat me like a human, whereas back home I was treated like a subhuman (this is a big problem for black people in American health"care," even if you're wealthy). S/N: Most people (especially Americans) don't actually know what socialism is. They've just been taught it's bad in some way and don't bother to do research. It's like the people who hate "Obamacare" but love the "Affordable Care Act," which is actually Obamacare.

it very soon WILL BE a right just like in all of Europe Latin America Asia and elsewhere. No way in Hell this crap will last much longer in the USA and people here in USA had literally already had ENOUGH (and that was even Before the pandemic, which made everyone a million times worse, both nationally/globally). There is NOTHING that the great superpower aka United States cannot resolve/fix IF both its great society & its government & kickass military & corporations etc etc ALL UNITE fully, work things out well & fast and smartly and fairly & get all national priorities straight and fast. Once that is done then there is literally NO stopping the US. Cheers.....

Well, that would be down to the lack of guns now wouldn’t it? And lack of extreme poverty.

Spain is actually one of the most unsafe countries in Europe so to read that it's even safer than the US, speaks volumes about US safety...

we have illegal immigrants and lots of people from the dark continent, which obviously leads to crime

Spain unsafe? Not according to the statistics from the Global Peace Index. It's mid-tier in Europe, which in the context of the world would be quite high. It's much safer than, say, France, and safer than Italy or the UK.

I wanted to move there the moment I saw how much cheaper the groceries are in Barcelona. Probably way cheaper in suburban areas in Spain.

While I agree with you somewhat I have to say that no matter where you go on the planet the average citizen is not going to know much about other countries and cultures. That's not a uniquely American thing. I used to think it was til I started traveling around the world and meeting people.

Another issue that expats may encounter is the high cost of living in popular European cities. Many people dream of living in cities like Paris, London, or Amsterdam, but fail to realize the financial strain it can put on their budget. The cost of rent, groceries, and daily expenses can quickly add up, leaving expats struggling to make ends meet. This can lead to financial stress and the need to constantly budget and sacrifice certain luxuries.

@@PoisonelleMisty4311Expats don’t move to Paris, London, or Amsterdam. It’s like moving to New York City or San Francisco where everything is 10 times more. Germany, except of Munich. Hamburg or Berlin, is much more affordable than most places in the US

@@angiewithangiesweb8096 You're absolutely right! Moving to major cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, New York City, or San Francisco can often come with a higher cost of living compared to other areas. While these cities offer various opportunities and attractions, they can be more expensive in terms of housing, transportation, and general daily expenses. On the other hand, other cities in Germany, such as Hamburg or Berlin, can provide a more affordable living situation compared to many places in the US. It's essential for expats to consider the cost of living and the lifestyle they desire when choosing their destination.

People would likely have been even more closed minded and defensive of the U.S. if you had been in somewhere besides San Francisco.

what country did you move to?

Where on earth did you end up?

Excellent commentary

I'm a 22 yr vet and I agree. I would love to move back to Germany or the Netherlands.

Total collapse within ten years.

Wow! Every time I visit family in the USA I'm shocked. Ive been living in Europe for most of my adult life but still visit family in the USA. I'm always amazed at how much more it has changed and mostly not for the better. There are some things that are better but they never outweigh the incrementing agression that I feel everywhere from everyone in the USA.

@@Sandra9135 pure monetairy wise usa can claim 'better' i think? and i know it features start-ups better... it's a bit of a problem that some of the best venture capitalist ideas that start in europe, tend to find their capital to start up easer in the USA.. I once heard a pretty big part of the CIA specialist are european lured there by much higher wages. But i do believe i'm okay with half me income taxed away, when it goes to affordable healt care, schools, public transports, ... . You will never hear someone in western europe see suffering and at same time ask you to certainly NOT call an ambulance... costs of health care are reasonable or even really cheap governement payed. I can visit my house doctor for 4€ for a consultation, it's seen as a Pilar of society, if you can easely access the house doctor, there are good medical records to consult and diagnose when more serious symptoms emerge.. i also think the doctors job is more interessting when also trying to diagnose more light symptoms, with almost always a medical history to look toward when trying to figure out what's wrong with you when you have more severe symptoms. but that money has to come from.. taxes, no other way to fund something for the entire society in a country, so tax burden is way higher in europe then in the usa..

Oh in the last 15 months things have gotten worse faster here in Russia, but that aside I totally understand what you're saying. I can't handle America's indomitable drive-everywhere car culture, the overweight, lackluster women who dress like lesbians on hiking trips, and the big, easily-triggered egos

I remember returning to the Chicago airport after being abroad for a year. You forget how overweight Americans are when you're away.

@@Sandra9135 how about it?! My son in law told us today about a weird road rage incident. Sitting in traffic, the car alongside, lowered their window just to flip the bird and scream FU to him??!! So weird, he just laughed.

We have two teachers in the family and they are always struggling to meet end of the month in Florida., they work super hard and sometimes after 7:00pm. ....i am an industrial mechanic and make more money than both of them without a college degree........simply not fair how USA treats teachers and education.

​@Dms-sn8qjHahaha, for me too since it's not true. I know people in Austria that make more on part time receiving some sort of scholarship from unemployment insurance to pursue higher education. Also most of the people I know make more than that here. It is the true that in some countries in Europe people make 20.000 a year (or less, like in Bosnia where I grew up) but then their costs of living are covered by that amount and they even manage to make some savings. Other thing is that we are not pressured to make significant savings since in case of unemployment or illness we are covered by our insurances and benefits.

​@Dms-sn8qj you have a really good job then because this is not the norm. Yes it does exist, but it's very rare. I work for a tech company and we have better than average benefits and still not quite what you have. Yes I got paid maternity leave for 16 weeks but that's because I live in one of only a handful of states that mandates paid maternity leave. The vast majority of women in my mom's Facebook group were being forced to return to work asap after their babies were born due to having no paid leave. Yes they had leave, but it was unpaid and they couldn't afford to stay home. Average vacation time is 2-4 weeks depending on company and longevity. But many companies give nothing.

Well said 👍. I've tried having discussions with Americans online before and they always, always believe they have 'freedom' because of their guns. My argument is the same as you stated, my children can walk to school and roam free without ever having to be afraid of getting shot. I have no interest at all in travelling there. And welcome to Australia and good on ya for embracing the Aussie spirit.

@@shaynethompson415 It really makes you wonder why they always choose violence first. Then you started doing research on their history and realized, they're probably afraid of violence against them because the US did a lot of war crime, trespassing, insults of another country's sovereignty, etc.. So it's like they expect people to attack them. When you point a finger at others, four fingers (actually if you tried, it's more like three, your thumb don't bend that way 😂) point back at you. Go figure.

Be honest with me as a black man to black man, is it true what they say about Australia with their spiders and snakes? Also how is the elderly treated like over there in regards to care since back in America they are trying to destroy social security even more.

​@@shaynethompson415 No, they don't, Shayne. You were talking to Republicans. The MAJORITY of Americans want stricter gun laws, and have for a while now according to every single poll.

Your children will have a good chance of becoming whatever they want to be if they are living in Australia.

Great places please go back.

God bless you

Lol where in Russia did you live and where in Mexico?

You believe Russia, China and Mexico are better than the USA?

Im not from US but live there for over 20 yrs and can see how everything going down the tube, and ppl in US still thinks their country is the best😂

Let us know if you are overseas again please.

@@duncancallum Will do! Due to the nature of the world economy, it is not as easy getting a job abroad as I did in Qatar, but I am planning on traveling three times this year, starting in late winter and early spring

@@jnap657 Thank you all the best for the future . Duncan.

Same thing when I went to germany. I miss being in Germany. Never did I ever have so much problem until I deal with America

They hate Christians. So no to Qatar.

There's places in the USA where you're not allowed to hang washing outside or own a cat. You can't just cross the road anywhere and in some states adultery is a crime.

Smoke Marijuana? That’s something you’re legally allowed to do in the USA but not South Africa.

@@nevillemason6791true some of our laws are ridiculous. In both cases, I can think of counterexamples to each representation of Freedom in each country.

@@Thegingerbreadm4n Yes, we can. It’s legal in South Africa. Not the best example though because I’m not talking about minor things like that. We are allowed to vote, start our own business, own firearms, criticize the president, etc. It just seems like some Americans think the rest of the world is like Russia or North Korea. Also, they seem to equate freedom with gun ownership which is strange to outsiders. But I should add that virtually all Americans I’ve personally met are pleasant and open-minded people. Also, I would exchange South African leaders with those in the US at the drop of a hat!

Just leave the us, it is a country with no future.

I lived in the US for 15 years, after which I moved to Germany, married, had 3 children. My husband and I could have never afforded building our own house and putting our 3 kids through college in America, not to mention health insurance. I have never regretted the move.

​@@susiestr6264to be honest I think it's personal preference. I've heard similar stories about Germans moving to America they don't regret their move.

“The constant marketing of fear” is exactly what is going on. And that creates more fear, which creates either the fight, flight, freeze or fawn response. The fawning (ie in politics) is off the chain right now. A major segment of the US population is in the mental state of being in a cult.

Thanks, but is Germany really that much better? (I`m German)

Aqui no Brasil boa parte da população ama os Estados Unidos. Porém tem muitos brasileiros que já não olham mais os Estados Unidos como um país poderoso. Eu sou um deles. Os Estados Unidos só causam guerra e interferem na política dos países.

the US is the center of the world. It used to be Europe but it is now the US. Everyone is always talking about them because they are the world superpower(not for long).

The "World Series" when no other country is participating in it lol.

It certainly appears to me living in New Zealand that the US we see through world media is losing its mind. A NZ politician having lived in the US said it was "the land of the free" but in NZ we have "the land of the fair". It would appear to be the US has freedom but "the devil takes the hindmost". This attitude which does consider your fellow man is a recipe for disaster where you can live in your mansion but you need a shotgun to keep out the dispossessed. Just an additional point others have noted. The term socialism in the US is regarded with great disdain which is a big mistake. It is NOT communism but a system that has concern and supports others who need help to a greater or lesser extent.

@@nsebast Ha ha ha! Yup I never figured that one out. I love baseball but when I hear a player shouting "We are world champs...." I want to cringe

So true.

I definitely think that is part of it

It’s a thing. 45 said it out loud. “I love the poorly educated.”

its not education per se but the public system is way underfunded.

The right in our country has gutted public education. The USA is only #1 for the rich

Brazil has the same culture without any benefits of living in the US, true nightmare

​@@Leon_HAS_A_BIG_COCKNo benefits? We have a universal health system, where everyone has free access to hospitals and medicines. Our diet is much healthier than that of Americans... Just to start.

@@marcosaxis lol what, Brazil is good because muuh food? Brazil is absurd in question of violence poverty inequality low income education, idk where you live but we are not talking about the same country are we?

@@Leon_HAS_A_BIG_COCK Yes, our food and cooking is much healthier than that of Americans. Do you really want to talk about violence? With the US having the worst numbers of developed countries? Every day children die in their schools, from violence Americans must understand. You are the epitome of the alienated American.

​@@Leon_HAS_A_BIG_COCKWe have PERFECT weather year round. May not be the richest, and our large cities have serious problems...but good weather is a very important factor in quality of life.

Not for nothing but George Orwell's "Ministry of Truth," basically a brain washing media giant was based on the BBC. The idea that European news is somehow superior in this day and age is ridiculous.

Part of the problem in America is that they mainly only see American news

​@@deeboneham2738 And this is a language problem. When you can only speak english, you are easy to control. It is no accident if learning languages is not mandatory in the USA or the UK. And the funniest part is that both these countries rebuke my country for sucking at english. That's crazy ignorance.

​@@nox8730there are many people who speak other languages in the US, but usually it's local dialects, like Creole, Paw Paw french, Oregonian Russian, etc.

@@user-gv4mi9cd2y Yes, i knew that much. I believe it is important to respect these local languages. We have so many of those here, too, that have been there for millenia. But reading you, i am certain that you understand that in this world, the first point of learning languages is to build a bridge with the rest of the world. But that is not even about this here. It is about the fact that i can read news in several languages. And americans generally can't. The news they "consume" are all made in corporate USA. And they are taught that it is enough. It should be very easy to understand why this makes americans mere sheeps. And looking at the american society nowadays, and what happened with the capitole, it is easy to see how terrifying the consequences can be.

There has been a cultural shift in the U. S. It is not good for the people and I don't know who started it or how to fix it. I think people are looking out for number one while the country crumbles around them.

Must have been nice to be able to not live a dystopian hell hole

Just came back from Spain. It was amazingly relaxed. It was immaculate, safe and the food was so fresh. They are accepting of everyone. Everyone was just living their lives and minding their own business. Getting a dual citizenship based on grandparents. I plan on moving there by next summer.

I am aways thinking about the bond in american families, I have a feeling that is not so strong as I am used to!

@@truthteller88Spain is a good country, one of the most warm when talking about people

Jean, as an American, I’ve learned about the insanity behind all this nonsense. What I don’t understand is why people from other countries are so keen on wanting to come here. Maybe, for a vacation to take your kids to Disney World, but not to live here. I’d much prefer to live in Europe from what I’ve heard about health care and benefits on the job, plus I find Europeans more philosophical and able to discuss abstract concepts.

​@@nightowl5475 the marketing is strong, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, and the US is actually very calm and friendly if you don't get unlucky...or accidentally try to answer someone's rhetorical question about politics or society. If I didn't know what I know about the depth of the gun/race stuff I could convince myself on some days. You just have to convince yourself you'll be one of the lucky ones 😕

@@nonsequitor Well, it's true we have a crime problem that is out of control. I stay out of the big cities. I understand both sides of the gun argument. I don't own a gun and never did. I can understand if a man wants to protect his family but I'm concerned about guns getting into the hands of all these young crazy kids. Some of the stuff that's reported on the news is very concerning.

I think education should be on the forefront, ignorant people are dangerous.

@@nightowl5475European here and living in the US for 22 years. It’s money and opportunities. WAY WAY better in the US. And that’s all that counts. Also, if you have a decent health insurance (which most employed people do), the quality of healthcare is much better here. No secret that anything run by the government is inefficient and lower quality. So at the end of the day, the US aren’t for everyone. But if you work hard there is no place better than the US. If you are mediocre and like a nanny state, then go ahead and live in Western Europe.

Great comment but the average usa worker can not get enough paid leave or time off to travel. The ones we meet in europe tend to be wealth off, loud mouthed and fat with really bad dress sense.

good luck sailor!

We made a 3 day stop at Vladivostok Russia and some locals there never seen a black man. I was blown away by this lol. The night life there was killer though. I sure do miss the travels but glad I’m out.

I feel you, shipmate. I unfortunately barely got the opportunity to experience life abroad while in - COVID, Iran, and terrible leadership port management led to me visiting Duqm twice (which may one day have potential but right now it's a parking lot with lawn chairs and beer and shawarma) and that was it. The cultish leadership nowadays sought to take my questioning attitude as dissidence and I've since left. Once I'm able to assemble my local family and get ourselves visas I hope for the same thing someday. The VA's highly variable healthcare quality and disability pay (40% lower on paper, 66% lower in dollars than it should be with documentation, because it's not /their documentation/, hence "variable healthcare quality") is not worth the cost of having spent years talking about how backwards we're being and being told I'm a joykill and anti-patriot, sometimes by my own family and shipmates, after following in the footsteps of my family including a WWII war hero who died months before I got my NWUs to show to him out of gratitude for his Purple Hearts and to keep my BRAC'd LT mother off the streets since the VA doesn't recognize her service due to being shore the entire time when she worked with fucking Admiral Hopper. Fucking stupid. Same amount of time in. Suffice to say, thank you for keeping your head on a swivel.

How are you able to live and work there legally?

I'm from Denmark and I've no idea what "freedoms" you are talking about. Muslim immigrants here have more rights than we do, a local populace.

You are beautiful. Just saying... bye.

Yes, and those who have actually seen how the other half lives by living in other countries also know that there's another side to life!!!

The extremes yield different opinions. Rich people have no problem with the way things are. People who have good retirements with ample health care feel the same. The poor struggle

Is not the government! Is Corporate American who actually has all the power is the US.

You are so right. We are getting ripped off by both sides but the dems are a little better in helping people. I don’t vote any more and enjoy spending my money in West Europe

Trump loves the poorly educated.

Money rules EVERYTHING here - America is a giant corporation - it is incredibly obvious anymore.

American media is propaganda. America is a giant corporation.

can't you watch european channels?

@@TheOwlsarewatching606 English is the unofficial primary language of the internet. The US has a major pop cultural influence on the rest of the world because of that. The influence usually isn't positive either since it's the most extreme trends that make enough of a ruckus to be heard over here. Another reason is that European channels also can't compete because they have to cater to smaller parts of the population because of all the different languages and cultures which makes it harder for them to survive, let alone be profitable.

They are all in bed with each other. Fast food sector, hospitals, insurance companies, farmacies. They all work together to make you sick and squeeze as much money from you as they can. That is the reason why "body positivity" movement is being protected in media calling critics "fatphobic". I would say all these names are badges of honor, keep your trans propaganda we dont want it.

And the fkng trend continues unabated. I worked Psych in a hospital. We have a systemic problem. Ignorance and arrogance and lack of fortitude abounds.

..and let's not talk about the Dentist $$$...................

Moreover, living abroad can also have a negative impact on relationships and family dynamics. Moving to a new country can strain relationships as couples or families adapt to a new way of life and may face different challenges. Children may struggle to adjust to a new school and culture, and the constant moving from country to country can disrupt their sense of stability and routine.

​@@PoisonelleMisty4311and the biggest reason for anger is how the U.S. Govt is crucifying the USA public and the public is clueless about it.

When you look at the prices of medical procedures in countries like Japan is when you realize the US medical system is a total scam run by the Insurance Mafia.

Absolutely! Good for you!

What are "they" talking about? Because the US is actually just a 330 million hive brain that all think, feel, speak the same??? What are YOU talking about??

😅

jajaja im sorry

I have lived in usa for 37 years and never heard gunshots. Unless you are in a really bad area this stuff never really happens. Rural areas are different as you may hear people target shooting or hunting. Just because you have guns doesn't mean you are a bad person so there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

@@bhslefty I grew up hearing them constantly and seeing the helicopters with spotlights searching at night. (west side of San Antonio) I especially heard them during NYE. We were told to go inside when we heard them. I've heard them up in DFW as well.

Please move.

@Mark Newton So that's your reaction? Tell him to move because he's realised that other countries are better than US. You know that's exactly the reason US is falling behind. If you close your eyes really hard your country will be forever best.

@@fredrik3685 that is why America is falling. When I moved to us, I was shocked how ignorance about rest of world majority people are. They just know so little this would and believe all lies main media gave.

Most of the non-US people commenting are from the geographically tiny area of northern Europe. #1, living in a cold snowy place affects how people are treated because no one wants to be responsible for people freezing to death. I'm curious how people from outside Europe feel about the USA. Truly curious. I'm from the US and do not think it's that great.

I lived in Germany and France for 7 years and travelled extensively in Europe. After I returned to America, I then moved to Southeast Asia where I've lived for nearly 30 years. When I went back to the California 5 years ago, I didn't recognize the name the place!

...we are free to pay a lot of money to the insurance companies and medical bills$$$......and free to work, work and work a little more............

It's good to know more about the "New US" from a Native person

As a professional drummer touring with many different artists, my time in u k , Germany, Sweden was heaven. I remember sitting on the jet heading home wanting to cry . French people are the epitome of kindness. We would stay at their homes they would cook for us like they were cooking for their family .when we landed in NYC the rude people ridiculous pace of life made us all

I wish everyone can afford that. I wish to travel a lot too, but it’s expensive.

@@rolandaustria7926 There's more ways to travel than simply doing it as a holiday. There are various ways that you can volunteer abroad where most of your basic needs for food and accomodation will be taken care of. Sure it's work, but we all end up working anyway - so it's better to start early and get a good view of the world comparatively to where we live. I wish I had done this in my youth, at this point I'm basically house broken to a life of drudgery but I would encourage anyone else to get out while they can.

@@williamfeilhauer2667 And thats odd because the French are considered the most unfriendly. I have not spent much time there so I can't comment.

The young Americans of the 80s used to do that, take a sabbatical, get an Interrail ticket, a backpack, a stack of Travel checks and get on a plane. They would eat foods, learn some languages, see places, meet topples girls, wow. The stats on how many Americans had passports then, compared to now, are depressing. It shows how a society get hijacked and transformed, from a popular and inspiring, to insular and, honestly, cringe.

Welcome to Italy, enjoy your stay :)

Oh from a fellow Campania citizen welcome to our own kind of craziness then!

😊mķ

Wow! There's no calmness to be had in the USA. Its all crazy and apparently no one here could possibly be happy right?? And if some one is happy the are probably just ignorant and just indoctrinated to American ways and how Americans see the world?? And of course every American fits the supremely judgmental European stereotype of fat, over worked, hyper-patriotic imbecile, pathetic violent and worthless. Is that all we are to them??

Will be there soon!

Don't blame you ... 👍

Unfortunately, you can't make money in the best countries to live in. Your situation being a case in point.

6 months out of the year I must be in the Netherlands, 6th country in happiness.

RUN.

It is really amazing to see how things can change quickly.

Maybe you destroyed, asia prosperity has everything to do with being in the globalization only made possible by selling to the US.

What you witnessed is retribution. God is fair.

China drought, economic stress, XI third term, Taiwan invasion, military, …

@@leewn2319 i am glad formerly subjugated countries have recovered but god's existence is still undetermined. And if he/she/it/they existed, what has been happening in the world for time immemorial does not prove fairness. :(

Quality of life 👌

I absolutely love this very charming and warm story. That’s how we should relate to each other.

Europeans have culture, unlike america

being proud of the country you just happened to be born in is a wierd phenomena...like being proud you have 2 legs. whoopee for you

Ok with your statement, makes sense. But may be that your country is not as bashed as mine is, and that my experience shows that the grass is rarely greener elsewhere.@@user-wp1pl5je2u

Replace it by love then and you will understand the meaning of it. Also French, also travelling a lot, and I have the same feeling (even if I found also many countries very "lovable" also). It may looks strange to say that, you are right, but you have to understand that France national sport is self-depreciation and criticism (the opposition of "USA USA" shouting culture). Sylvain Tesson, poet and globe-trotter, famously said that France is "a paradise inhabited by people who think they are in hell"

That is unthinkable to most people outside the US. Downright barbaric!

Eh I can’t move as switching would take too long

Unthinkable up here in Canada...

@@ruthgiles8926 health care in many West European countries is not free either, even seniors must pay monthly payments.

Add dental care also… smh

How’s that payroll tax?

@@KYPopskull What's the use of 'low' taxation if you die because you can't afford health care?

@@KYPopskull Would you rather pay $100 a year or $1000000 in a month because you got hit by a car?

You wouldn't pay anything at all in quite a few countries.

What exactly did you take and how much was the bill? Just curious how bills are in different countries.

Yea, I added a lot of stats to make it have more validity, but even with facts many don't care.

I am starting to think that Americans don't want to know the truth bc they don't want that historical revolution when the majority of society can't handle it anymore.

Agreed! Have you ever heard the saying, "Don't confuse me with the facts. My mind is made up."? That's the USA today.

and the bad news was always first.

Well, yeah? It's less about keeping up to date worldwide. Who cares whats happening in Oman. The highways going to be closed and the state you love in is trying to pass a legislation. And there's something going on federally.

You're right. The political division's in the US are unbearable. We don't even talk to some family members. If the country gets taken over by facism we will leave. We are worried that the facists will take away our social security

Sweating with the oldies.

it happens often enough if you know where to look.

That's really great. Happy for you man

Same in Romania. Lots of doctors don't give a damn if someone dies waiting in the hallway even though no other patient is being looked at, because the doctors expect bribe. While in Hungary I get great treatment from any doctor and they will instantly lose their license if caught taking bribe.

Man that's sad and beautiful at the same time. Glad you're getting the treatment you deserve as a human being just too bad it wasn't at "home"

I’m an American and it breaks my heart ,but I know everything you say about American health care is true.. but I’m happy for you and wish you a speedy recovery.

As a Black woman in the US I absolutely 100% agree with you regarding the subpar treatment people of color receive in the healthcare system here and that is across the board regardless of what insurance you have or how much money you make. What you spoke of regarding the treatment of your pain here and the textbook is called Medical Racial Bias and it is a real form of systemic racism in the healthcare system and has been recognized by the Journal of American Medicine. Currently they are pushing for several American medical and nursing textbooks to be rewritten. It has been researched and proven that the maternity care in hospitals for Black women and minority women in America is equal to the level received in a third world country. My cousin lost his wife to this the day after she had their daughter. She had complained all that night of pain and discomfort. She was told by the nurses that it was common b/c she'd had pre-eclampsia during the birth(high BP during childbirth) and it was pretty common for Blk women. They didn't come and actually check her. My cousin came back to the hospital the next morning. He was there for the birth but had had to go home as they also had a 3 yr old son. He called for the nurses to come as he'd found her incoherent and exhausted. By the time they listened to him and came she had passed of internal bleeding. He lost the love of his life and raised my baby cousins on his own. His son just finished grad school and his daughter is graduating in the spring! The belief that we have a higher pain tolerance underlying medical texts comes from slavery when medical procedures were done on slaves for research without anesthesia in teaching and in order to write the textbooks, especially for gynecology. Like you, though Japan is a pretty homogenous country and therefore I'm sure there is racism, like most places, I think you're right it would be still better there. The difference is systemic racism. Racism in most other countries is in an individual level, mainly among older people or people in rural areas. But it is not embedded in the systems you use everyday--healthcare, housing, banking, law, city planning and infrastructure, voting. I find it hilarious how many Black people here talk about Japan, SK or China and are worried about some "little old Japanese man" cursing them out and spitting at them on the train but are fine living in a place where if you try to sell your home it will be appraised at a much lower value than it should be simply because there is a Blk person living in it. Another form of systemic racism in housing that is also currently being studied. I can change the old man's mind by learning a little Japanese and buying him a cup of coffee for a week. Systemic vs. individual racism. Not to mention, no guns in Japan--HELLO! I'm really glad you got the compassionate care you needed. Back pain is excruciating and the healing is a long road. 💖

I have noticed the rise in social media and immigration (I live in the southern US, so we have a lot of Hispanic/Latin American immigration), this reasoning is my speculation, of course, people are getting new perspectives on the pledge and views of it are changing as well, at least for kids who are on the younger side. When I was in elementary, it was said by everyone and it was mandatory. Now, the majority of kids don't say it and some don't even stand up for the pledge or even some schools (I've noticed this at US charter schools mostly) don't even do the pledge/have the US flag. But, yeah I agree the pledge is really weird, especially when you have to explain it to someone else.

The ubiquitous Flag and juxtaposition of military personnel and symbols and sports events has always made me deeply uncomfortable. It is straight up fascist and they don't see it

so in short you were a snotty little brat who didn't understand people were trying to take responsibility for your safety in loco parentis. You were a 17 year old privileged child accustomed to staying in different countries. Lucky you. America is a long way from Europe so it would have been rare for young Americans to travel as frequently as you did. I don't like gun culture. I prefer mostly european food but there are also good places if you look around. We should consider that there is a war raging on european soil which may spread a lot further.We will be very glad if America steps up again. Unless you want to make whoopy with Putin. To be european means we have easy access to a lot of different countries, but it doesn't make us perfect on all scores. People are just people and all of us are ignorant when out of our norms. Many people on this thread have found entrancing new lives in new places. I know I have.

you don't know the meaning of fascism. Think carefully before you fall for that easy argot@@electrosyzygy

@@TheOwlsarewatching606 your condescension is unwarranted; although to be fair I was being a bit hyperbolic. That said militarism juxtaposed with sports, especially spectator sports, are a potent tool of propaganda and the way this manifests in the US cannot but have fascist undertones representative of the undercurrents in their society.

I recall a Question Time episode (I forget which) where challenge was debated for NHS reform (AKA make private). The defence of this reform was made by an American on the panel?! WTF UK? Really disturbing how the UK is allowing is core services to be sold down the river. (ps. live in Germany)

I went to britain in the 80s and i always thought it was cool how the british talked, since most of my contact with the language was with american films before, a british friend of mine said a lot of kids are adopting american culture of talking and discussing politics with the internet. I Would say the british are far more civilized in discussing controversial topics than americans are, since are often focusing on what the politicians are saying while americans act like a bizarre football team.

Same goes here in Australia. I'd much rather Australia look to Finland and the Nordic countries!

same here

Same here in Germany

Just do not eat all the CRAP the Americans eat. I have lived here for many years. Traveled all over the world and do still not understand that most Americans are not interested in learning new things>.

considering portugal as well could you get in touch with me and we could talk about it thx so much michael

Texan here too…in Spain now and ditto.

I went to visit Portugal in 2019 and it was beautiful! The environment is so different out there I bet living there must be amazing. 😍 I'm from California.

going on year 5 in PT and loving the comfort and security

This is our goal for our family of 5 as well. US is a lost cause! I’m not willing to go down with the sinking ship

It's so hard to even move though. Nobody wants Americans. :(

What is the 1%??

@@drewg4323 , oh hell, I’m not about to watch the whole thing over again. Why is that important to you?

@@mlmontalvo I mean, it's a video about differences between the US and other countries. 99% implies you heard something you didn't agree was a difference. I was just curious what that was.

Well said sir.

Sure as an option but definitely not mandatory.

It's relaxing when other people handle your adult duties.

@@johnhatchel9681 if by "adult duties" you mean having good schools, not getting shot, and having access to healthcare without massive debt then yeah, it is pretty relaxing

@Sean Aaron Yes babyboy mama government will take care of you👶

Very articulately stated but it could have been summed up in 2 words or, borrowing the math skills of the corrupt dimwit current 'president', 3 words. It's over.

That was well said! ❤🇺🇸#TEXAS♥️

Amen to that! Hope America can make a comeback someday?

I'm not American, but I don't understand why your government is still limited to two parties. The quickest way to change would be to open this up to more parties. But given the American Socio economic and political landscape it looks like this will never and probably can't ever be done. I think that's a shame, but I'm sure there are Americans out there that will blast me for even thinking this!

@@GarryGri There is no law or rule stopping 3rd party candidates in US politics. The biggest barrier to a three, or more, party system in the US is the very real fear that voting for a 3rd party candidate just increases the relative vote count for one of the current 2 main parties. This was very well demonstrated in the 2016 election when the Green party along with the "Bernie or bust" crowd either voted 3rd party or didn't vote at all. The result being the most un-qualified candidate winning the US Presidency.

What are you doing you are going to be depressed how do you leave Australia 🇦🇺 to live in the USA.

Honestly though. I just want to g et away from the USA! Australia sounds awesome compared to this anti freedom/creativity sinkhole!

Are you moving back any time soon?

​@oscarwildeghost showing your soft underbelly, a bit sensitive that you were brainwashed as a child to believe you were living in the best country in the world. I believe you have never travelled overseas in your life, so your comments are irrelevant

RUOK?

Don't come back to this dumpster fire. I wish I could escape but have no means

Do you have a passport? You are free to go anywhere in the world.

Of the things you mentioned, only the lack of education is actually harmful to a nation. Guns and religion makes a people strong and cohesive, and isolationism makes it proud, trustworthy to other nations, trusting in its own capabilities and confident in itself.

You left out feminism ...

We aren’t isolationists because of mass migration… we are all retarded because of mass migration…. Devotion to money because of mass migration. However religion is not leading to our downfall since the decline of religions is parallel to the decline of our nation. You’re a retard if you believe religion ruins nations because a lot of Asian countries anyone will speak of are religious. All of Asia is one big religious caste systemz

@@ma3stro681 and American progressivism in general.

You’re a good leftist sheep. Keep up the good work

Finally someone on the internet who feels sane…

Wait! Its easy for the USA to be #1 in military spending when protecting the rest of the world in that manner. These are not well thought out arguments in this video. USA, USA, USA!

@@redhead8777 ah there we have our brainwashed defender of a fantasy.

You don't have to live abroad to "get" this great video presentation. I totally get it, and have never lived abroad. In fact, I've understood most of these issues since I was a very young adult. All you have to be is a thinking person and go through life with your eyes open. Then you get it. I've traveled a lot in search of a new country and hope to find a new homeland asap.

I've visited abroad but never lived anywhere but the US, and I GET IT. You don't have to leave America to see how screwed up it has become when you deal with it every day. If I wasn't so old and poor, I'd leave and never come back.

I am about to have minor surgery in Japan. The actual cost is near $50,000.00. What I am going pay (after Health Ins. and assistance from the city) is around $350.00. Yes, those digits are correct.

Well, I got two and half minutes in before the lies became too much. Look, taking your "facts" from some biased "ranking service", is just ridiculous. His mass-m information is entirely wrong too.

​@@earlysdawhat is actually wrong?

You mean you are forced to join army in Usa and common american citizen is centered on war techniques, violence and aggressivity?

its most times the war on X-mas.... or CRT or....!

Nicht ganz richtig. Es sind die Kriege welche die USA führen, die 800 Militär Basen auf der Welt und die Schurken an der Wall Street, die an dieser Sache verdienen. Politiker sind die Abgeordneten der Lobby Mafia.

Your pipelines blew up because of a Kulture Kampf? No. A civil war in Ukraine that was exported.

Yes unlike the German Holocaust…6 million on your mind?

Glad you like it here :) you get why Starbucks never really made it big here. The European Mediterranean immigrants brought with them knowledge of how to make a real good coffee - especially in Melbourne.. Curious to know - what do you think of Vegemite, fair warning the wrong answer may get you deported 😂

I'm half Australian legally but was born and lived my entire life in the UK and have heard similar from American ex-pats who have moved to the UK for work, study or indeed to settle full time in our country. Now, the UK is probably the most "infected" country lately by US thinking and politics, but we still retain certain important difference. An example being, in 2007 I was diagnosed with spinal cancer and, within days I was on an operating table, then ICU for 2 days and by the 4th day I was back in my office working (as it was my business and also, I needed to be around people to help me - I was not being a martyr). Total cost to me : £5.00 for the taxi from the hospital to my office. I looked up the costs for a 1 week stay in hospital plus the surgery, MRI scans and everything that goes with such a serious operation. Estimated at the time around $150,000 without insurance. Even with insurance, the copay would have been significant. I also was able - and lucky enough - to live in a city where some of the best neuro surgeons in the world were working at the nearest hospital, so the - to me - near impossibility of removing an intradural tumor (i.e. inside the spinal column wrapped around the spinal chord) - was something these amazing (if rather arrogant a la House MD) surgeons managed to complete successfully. I have now had 15 years of pain free life and while I find walking difficult because of the damage the tumour did to my nervous system, I have been able to work, contribute to society, pay taxes, watch my kids grow up and have a pretty damn good standard of living as a result. Also... yeah I love the bloody coffee and have just had 3 double espressos this morning that were delicious 😎 - America, your people deserve more - so much more. Love and "real" freedom from the other side of the pond to you all 😍 (yeah even the Trump supporters xxx)

its aspartame* i think

Every Australian cup of coffee MUST come out of an espresso machine. I was surprised by that- Canadian immigrant, 11 years in and 10x better off financially than I would have if I had stayed in Vancouver.

Are you eligable for the NDIS? I think the answer to that is no? If not, then you're not even experiencing the level of disability support you would be getting if you were born here. Australia really does incredibly well in this regard!