You sound like a bunch of Freepers.

[BooScout]

Yes you. All you that love to tell those considering leaving the US to not let the door kick em in the ass and calling them cowards. I am fucking sick of it. I see it every week or so here. It gets old. Quite a few Americans chose to live overseas for various reason(s). I chose to leave for love of my husband, better economic situation, no worries about health care and frankly I was tired of fighting a fight that wasn't going anywhere. I protested the war in Iraq, wrote, called and emailed my representatives.....it didn't do a damn bit of good. I worked hard at a job for 23 fucking years and they still shut it down. I had a choice.... to leave or stay. I chose to leave. For a lot of reasons. Those reasons are my reasons, not yours.........so don't sit in fucking judgement of me and call me a fucking coward. It was hard as hell to leave. You get the guts to try something so damned different than what you have known all your life and then stand there and call me a coward. Walk a damned mile in my shoes and see how you feel. You.re 4000 miles from home and your own damned countrymen sit and condemn you without a trial. Next tell me to move to Iraq if I don't like it in America. Yes you do damned well sound like them and you should be ashamed.

[slackmaster]

1. If I walk a mile in your shoes, I'll wave at you and run away laughing

You'll be barefoot on the hot pavement and won't have any hope of catching up with me.

[acmejack]

2. feel better?

[BooScout]

10. Not really...

It's hard as hell sometimes. I come here to hear from home and get the crap like I have seen on some threads tonight. I honest to god am crying because of what I have read here tonight.

[acmejack]

20. Illegitimae non carborundum, my friend...

I am the one to talk, of course, as I get way too excited, far too easily! Everybody has an opinion and is eager to express it, whether or not it makes any sense or if it is germane to the topic at hand or not...

[shanti]

98. seriously

you really need to get a thicker skin. :shrug:

[uppityperson]

3. go Boo (meant positively in agreement)

Be civil. That is all.

[MissB]

4. It would probably be in poor taste

to include the term "pissed in your cheerios" in my post.

[rockymountaindem]

12. lol!!!

Good one.

[Radio_Lady]

5. BooScout, I would never call you a coward. You have the right to

choose where to live. I wish you the best of luck in your home.

Please understand that there are people here who do not judge you and who do not condemn you for your decisions.

I hope you have a great life where you are -- it says Cardiff, UK. We're coming to London in May for a three week visit in England and Scotland. I've often said I'd love to live there, but of course, we have children and grandchildren where we are.

Good night and good luck,

In peace,

Radio_Lady in Oregon

[AlCzervik]

9. me too, we just got back from a visit to London, we were there for 9

days and if i had the poundage i'd move there--not becasue i'm sick of here but just becasue i really liked it there.

[BlooInBloo]

6. Everyone gets to have their own opinions...

... about those who choose to leave... It's the American way.

You are right though - it isn't necessarily advisable to draw conclusions without detailed information...

And nobody disputes that it is up to the individual to stay or to go - that's also the American way.

[uppityperson]

11. Everyone gets to have their own opinions, just don't be insulting

be civil in discoursing. Don't insult.

[druidity33]

45. loved Cardiff...

spent most of my time on the Gower peninsula. Be sure to check out Rhossili (Worm's Head), but don't get caught on the head at low tide. I would've stayed longer than a year if i could have. Brecon Beacons and the forested areas there are magical...it is a fantastic place to be. I still have dreams about the landscape... every foggy day i think of Wales and their incomprehensible-gyygyywwerish language. Never did meet anyone that spoke fluent Welsh.

Since there have been nations, there has been "expatriotism" (perhaps there could be a better word)... if personal opinions matter to you, to me it's cinematic & literary... and a thing done particularly in wartime. There is no shame in it. I'm sure you have excellent reasons... and it is only for you to decide where you can be. Peace to you...

y gwir yn ercyn cyd




edited to add Worm's Head

[BooScout]

49. I live on the edge of Brecon Beacons.....

And see wonderful pics like that everyday. It really is a beautiful country and so are the Welsh people.:)

[REP]

78. Cenedl Heb Iaith, Cenedl Heb Galon

Welsh is not spoken so much in the South as it is in the North. There are parts of the North where it can be difficult to find someone willing to use Saesneg.

I'm not sure what you've written; it looks like "the truth in {not a word} coupling."

ON edit: Like I should talk - can't type/spell in any language!

[BooScout]

79. I think they meant....

Y Gwir yn Erbyn Byd

But I could be wrong......meaning "truth against the world".

[REP]

80. That Makes More Sense!

I'm still learning, and idiomatic phrases are a killer. (At this rate, I'll be "still learning" when I'm 100.)

[BooScout]

81. I don't even pretend to understand.......

But I am good at finding translation sites.:7

[REP]

82. I Admit - I Was Kind Of Hoping It Was A "Dirty" Phrase

When I lived in KC, there were a bunch of native speakers, but in California, when I say "Wales" people ask "Humpback or Right?" Learning from books is fine, but no swearing or dirty phrases!

edit to add my favorite on line translator: http://www.geiriadur.net/

[druidity33]

113. yes

That is the correct spelling.

I misread my own scribblings.... the dangers of poor penmanship.

Culled from the book The 21 Lessons of Merlin by Douglas Monroe... an interesting read.

[druidity33]

106. it's an [b]old[/b] motto...

proferred by the druid schools, so that may have something to do with the "incorrect" spelling. It's said to mean "the truth against the world" or "the truth in spite of the world"...

As for the north, i spent a few weeks in and around Aberystwyth and still encountered no Welsh speakers... despite going on my own and ONLY spending time with the folk i met along the way. This was 1992 though and i recall a big legislative push to include the language in all schooling, roadsigns, gov't literature, etc... i hear it's become standard curriculum and generally accepted now. At the time i got the impression that some folk identified the Welsh language with being poor, still not sure why (?).

I'd love to go back...
Cymru!

[SmokingJacket]

109. Dwi'n siarad Gymraeg.

Tipyn bach.

(Sorry, it's been 15 years!)

[REP]

114. Tipyn Bach Hefyd

I'm learning, mostly from books. My Welsh-speaking relatives refused to speak it in front of the American-born, which we're all really pissed off about now that we know how hard it is to learn!

[druidity33]

123. druid lore

The 3 Conditions for which a druid can be unseated:

For performing murder or warfare
For telling a falsehood
For divulging a secret which he holds

dontcha wish our Resident were held to these standards?

[SmokingJacket]

108. They speak welsh much more in the northern half of the country.

Go to Bangor -- lots of fluent speakers up there.

[REP]

115. That's What I Said, Too!

Glad to know I wasn't talking out of my ass. I know the North is a lot more nationalistic; my family is originally mostly from Merioneth and many of them still call the non-Welsh the "bloody English."

We're Ieuans, Vaughans, Evans, Morgans, Lewises, Proberts ... just like every other Welsh family.

[Burning Water]

7. Hey, good luck

to you.

We all have to do what is best for ourselves, first.

[NJmaverick]

8. This is what condemns you

<<I was tired of fighting a fight that wasn't going anywhere.>>

This country can not afford quitters. We need EVERYONE to stop the conservative menace.

[Waya]

17. And yet....

...while that may condemn her in the eyes of some.....I can understand where she's coming from. Everyone has to follow their own path....

Good Luck!

:)

[NJmaverick]

96. We owe it to the world not to give up the fight

Our Country is too powerful. What happens here affects the entire world.

[guinivere]

25. Not everyone has time all damn day to "fight".

I need to work all day, and am looking into taking on a second job. I will have very little time left to "fight". Not everyone wants politics to be their whole life. I do what I can, when I can.

There is a whole big world out there. BooScout had the opportunity to live elsewhere. I don't think anyone has the right to bitch about ex-pats. Why does freedom come to a screeching halt when it comes to people wanting to move away from the US?

And you know what, a lot of folks feel the same as far as the fight not going anywhere.

[Renew Deal]

43. I mentioned this to someone today.

I wonder if people are too lazy to fight, don't care, too strapped with bills, or just think things are fine. What's the breaking point? When do you get masses in the streets? is it when TV's are too expensive, so no American Idol is available? I wonder.

[libhill]

126. Mr. Bushco's Nieghborhood -

Can you say,"DRAFT"?

[NJmaverick]

97. even 1 vote or a donation or a few well placed comments

can make a difference

[AndyTiedye]

53. What If "Voting With Your Feet" Is The Only Vote That Counts Anymore?

Does our feeble opposition to the regime outweigh our coerced support in the form of taxes, etc.?

[Karenina]

63. VERY GOOD POINT!

[NJmaverick]

95. never give up, never surrender

that's my philosphy

[never cry wolf]

13. Given the chance and the right partner, I'd be there too

Not that I want to give up the fight but sometimes a drastic personal change is needed. I lived in France for a year in college and thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn't "home" but it could be for me.

Good on you!

[Neil Lisst]

14. another straw man takes a beating

God's in his heaven,
all's right with the world.

[JuniperLea]

15. True liberals are live and let live types

I hate hearing stories like this. So sorry it happened to you, Boo.

It must be hard being so far from "home".

I've been told to leave by some here, more than once. It was all over me being patriotic and questioning my government as provided for in our Constitution.


:shrug:


It's only words, Boo... don't let them rattle you.

[Cyrano]

I'm with you BooScout.

I don't know how many of these name-callers would have the guts to get up and move far from their home.

And you've done far more than most of the big mouths. Don't let them get to you. Talk is cheap. What you're doing takes a hell of a lot of guts.

I hope the day will come when you can return home.

Best of everything to you and yours.


Cyrano

[sasquatch]

16. Boy you're not trying to attract attention with a tread like that are you

;)

Have fun in the UK while us and Howard Dean try to cram a spine and a tact gene into the pink tutu democrats.

[BooScout]

19. Well I figured it would work, lol....

Seriously though. It's very upsetting to see people ragging nastily on anyone considering living elsewhere. It's one of the hardest things to do. I don't mean to insult people but damn......they insulted me first.

[guinivere]

29. Good on you, Boo.

:hug:

Don't let them bother you. Enjoy your new home.

[Renew Deal]

40. I think it's hard for people

to see what they thought were true believers quit. I personally believe that if you love this country, you will stay and fight. But what do I know. I don't have kids, so it's not hard to do that.

[DearAbby]

18. I dont look at those,

who have small children thinking of leaving as cowards. They have the future to think about, those children.

If things get real bad, it would be wise to have them safe. No words of anger from me.

Go, in peace.

[GoneOffShore]

21. I've often felt that those who are happy to tell others

to leave if they express the desire to do so, have no concept of what it means to live elsewhere.

I left the USA in 1971, because I was not going to go to Vietnam. I had marched, voted, petitioned, protested and done all that I could short of going to jail. I wasn't going to support that war and I didn't. I paid NO US taxes during the time I was gone and therefore contributed nothing to the war machine, even though it was winding down. I didn't go. And I didn't come back here until the 80's.

BooScout, good for you!

If things get better here, come back if you can. If they don't, well it will just show that you've made the correct decision.

[sam sarrha]

22. i find myself happier no attaching emotions to others actions and attitudes

count your blessings that you are simply a 'conscious' person... many aren't..

good luck

[apple_ridge]

23. I'd be right behind you if I had the money.

Good for you and enjoy your new home.

[libhill]

120. Amen

Do I hear a fucking hallelujah?

[Solly Mack]

24. No one can live your life for you - even though many presumptuous

folks will want to tell you how to live, those folks don't get a say in how you live your life. Their opinions don't matter because it's not their life - it's your life. Fuck'em if they don't understand that simple little fact.

You don't owe anyone an explanation for your choices. You don't owe anyone an apology for your choices.

[Karenina]

42. Hey Solly!!!

Isn't it AMAZING how easily the land-locked and mind-locked get their knickers in a twist? :rofl: They're up-in-arms to attack anyone who makes a CHOICE that doesn't conform to their small-minded ideas. ;-)

[Solly Mack]

46. Hey Karenina!!

I didn't get the handbook on how I'm supposed to live my life according to the demands of others.
I'm told it comes with a decoder ring though.

All that those notions about the perils of nationalism and being a world citizen sorely get tested the minute anyone mentions moving abroad.

[Karenina]

69. Here are the parameters

all splained by Herr Besserwisserei!!! :rofl:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x952417

[BlackHeart]

26. So, you'll come back

after we fix things here? Great.

[BooScout]

27. I moved.....

I didn't abandon my country.

[BlackHeart]

32. But if I understand you correctly

you left the USA because you are unhappy with how things are going here.
Or did I misunderstand?

[Karenina]

38. It doesn't matter

Boo lives abroad and is still engaged in the struggle. Who are YOU to judge?

[Renew Deal]

41. A member of DU.

I really think Boo is missing the point. This is a discussion forum. Not everyone will agree with her or you or me.

[Karenina]

48. It's more a matter

of basic respect for the personal CHOICES people make in their lives.
This "HOW DARE YOU LEAVE" nonsense only highlights how myopic Americans can be. Boo is sick of being dissed for living elsewhere and I don't blame her. She misses the country of her birth and in attempting to maintain contact gets a golden shower from WANKERS.

I have an "umbrella" cuz I don't miss the States AT ALL. The anti-expat posts only serve to remind me of why I left and don't regret it ONE BIT.

[Renew Deal]

51. So if you post that on the internet

Why don't I have a right to comment? That's what I don't get.

[Karenina]

60. You have every right to comment.

I'm just questioning rude, knee-jerk responses that preclude any sincere curiosity about why people make their decisions.

[baby_mouse]

110. Rights are granted by governing bodies, not individuals.

If she doesn't like what you say, she doesn't like it. This does not affect your rights.

[Karenina]

62. If you are the we to fix things

I'll take my chances elsewhere, thank you. :evilgrin:

[grottieyottie]

85. Reminds me of something

A good German vould tell somevone leaving before leaving Germany in the last war.

[gademocrat7]

28. Best to you Boo Scout.

My brother has lived in Europe since college and has never returned, except for our Dad's funereal.
He has his reasons for staying, I understand that, but I still miss him.

[msgadget]

30. Wow, sorry to read that, Boo,

I don't think you're a coward, just the opposite. I've asked during the ongoing immigration debate how we'd feel if we had to leave our home country for a better life. It can't possibly be all sunshine and daisies even with the love of a husband and participating at DU can provide you with a positive connection. You're entitled to be angry and now that you've expressed it, settle in and enjoy this slice of home again. You obviously still love this country and deserve to be here as much as anyone. Peace.

:hi:

[elehhhhna]

31. Boo,

That's a heartfelt post you got there.

Having moved cross country I know how challenging it can be. I can imgine moving OUT of the US and it could come to that--I think I could manage it but it would take COURAGE.

Please keep representing the sane part of us over there (wherever you are!)

[Thtwudbeme]

33. They sure do.

There's probably a very good reason for that!

I wish to hell Michael and I could leave this stupid country...we might in a few years, as a matter of fact.

America has gotten too ridiculous to talk about.

[Maat]

34. I support you in your decision, BooScout.

Heck, one day I might move to another country. Who knows?

Sometimes people are this board do act like a bunch of freepers. I remember one time when someone stated that adoptive parents were 'human traffickers,' and that all children should have to remain with their biological parents, even if they were in imminent danger of dying (at least that's how I interpreted the statements).

[K8-EEE]

35. Hey, Where Ya Goin'?

Am I the only one who always sees these kind of posts and never has any knowledge of the stuff that led up to it??

Good luck with whereever you are!

[SoCalDem]

36. Exactly.. as long as corporatists feel free to move all over the globe,

why should citizens not be allowed to do the same. If the dollar is at the end of a stick we all chase, we must be prepared to follow that dollar wherever it leads us..

The world has gotten considerably smaller in the last few decades too.. What used to mean a long trip, often by boat, and being totally out of contact with the folks "back home", is no longer that way. With VOIP and internet, families can "stay connected" with the click of a mouse..no matter where they are.. Even remote areas are less so these days.. When we were in Panama, the only way we could get in touch with grandparents was to have a ham operater on base, contact a ham operator in Kansas, and we would chat that way.. (long distance was waaaaay out of reach, and my grandparents had a party line, so we would have wasted a lot of money had we tried that route if someone on the line, other than they, picked it up..

People have to do what people have to do, and unless others are supporting thwem financially, they have NO say in it:)

[area51]

37. Well said, Boo.

People have a myriad of reasons for wanting to leave. I too am tired of the freak republic wanna-bes who trash people for wanting to leave.

:hug:

[Renew Deal]

39. You have a right to leave and we have a right to criticize.

That's the nature of a discussion board.

I have not been involved in any of these expat discussions, but I still feel this country is salvageable. It's not quiting time.

[BlackHeart]

52. If enough people leave

or just stay home and give up it'll make it tough though.

[BooScout]

54. I can still vote ya know....

And I didn't quit...........I simply moved. :eyes:

[Renew Deal]

75. Why do you feel that we have to agree with you?

You simply moved. Why is it not alright for me to think you're a quiter? This thread is about your guilt for leaving. Nothing more. Nothing less.

[BooScout]

76. Fine...

You think I'm a quitter and I think you sound like a Freeper. Even Steven, k? :eyes:

[Renew Deal]

93. OK

:thumbsup:

So does this now mean freepers love this country and are willing to fight for it more than you do?

[NervousRex]

44. I support you

in your decision. Anyone who pretends to know your particular position in the world is an asshole keyboard jockey; insecure and empowered by their anonymity...no different from today's GOP brownshirt...just playing for a different "team". I salute those who have the guts and means to jump this sinking ship.

[Joe Fields]

47. Here Here! Or should I say, There, there!

[MelissaB]

50. Agree!

It ticks me off, too.

[bryant69]

55. Bullshit

What I'm tired of is quitters telling me I'm niave or immature for believing that America is worth fighting for.

I'm sure if your initial anouncement caused this response, it was the same sort of self-satisfied drivel that I've seen many times before. If you got a better job or you want to make a new life elsewhere, that's one thing; it's something else when you leave because you are done with Amerika and there's no hope.

[BooScout]

56. I guess I hit too close to home....

Deal with it.

[bryant69]

59. Good comeback

A bit cliched, I guess, but sometimes the old chiches are best.

[BooScout]

61. Whatever works......

I gotta go to bed........it's nearly 2 am over here. :hi:

[Karenina]

65. BWHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Yup! It IS late!

[Lefty48197]

57. The economy is strong and getting stronger....

now I feel like a freeper too.

[northofdenali]

58. With the speed of communication & the net -

who is to say that living outside the US is "quitting"? I don't see you running away, Boo, or encouraging everyone else to leave. You're here on DU, supportive of those of us who choose to stay, remaining involved - so what's the difference between you, who lives in Europe, and me in Alaska, where it still takes a week to drive to Florida? And 14 hours flying time?

Heck, you can get "home" faster than I can!!

Wales is gorgeous, and both it and Ireland are the places I most want to visit "over there".

I won't leave - yet - but I would love the option of joining with California, Washington, Oregon, BC & the Yukon Territories and forming a new country. There's so much here for me (in AK) that I don't think I could bear to leave - but I haven't quite reached my breaking point, or lost all my hope. We'll see what happens in the near future.

Anyway, Boo - :pals::hug::pals:

[trixie]

64. "You sound like a bunch of Freepers."

Well thanks for the insult! :nuke:

I for one won't let them restructure our country to accomodate themselves. I am staying and fighting.

[BlackVelvet04]

66. Just because I was born in the United States

doesn't mean I am obligated to live here. If I could afford it I would probably move elsewhere. Freedom is all about having choices. I'm glad you had a choice.

For those who think you should stay and fight all I can say is that each of us must choose our own battles in life. Sometimes personal battles leave little to fight national battles. I have no problem with anyone who decides to leave the country, except maybe a bit of jealousy.

Having said all of that, I suggest everyone keep in mind that this is a message board that attracts all kinds. It's easy to be confrontational when one is anonymous and doing it from behind the safety of a monitor and keyboard. Don't put too much emotion out in cyberspace to have it thrown back at you.

[Ksec]

67. Dayum

What did I miss. I go away for a day and come back to all this ?

Never a dull moment at ol' DU.

[cassiepriam]

68. Actually your attitude is an example of why I don't like this country

anymore, it is not just the Bush regime, but all the
nasty citizens.

[ScreamingMeemie]

72. Bingo. Holier than thou attitudes can meet my ignore list.

Imagine if Thomas Jefferson had thought thusly.

[cassiepriam]

77. America is a country of immigrants, seeking a better life.

Kind of ironic we are being hassled about doing the same!

Hi Mrs. Grumpy, stepping out from the lounge I see! :)

[marions ghost]

87. Right-- it's the self-satisfied attitude

I have nothing against those who leave the US because they can't take it anymore. Things are very bad here. But the expats so often have a smug and righteous attitude about it. Like they've died and gone to heaven and we poor downtrodden "Left Behind" are just plain outta luck. This attitude is present in the OP's defensive and belligerent post. Lofty attitudes don't get respect.

To the OP --Sincere Good luck wherever you think the grass is greener. Personally I think (yes I've lived overseas) that the grass may actually be a similar color of green everywhere. I'm tired of comparisons and oversimplifications. It's a global village. There is no real escape. So I think the quest is often futile--but I'm certainly not angry at anyone who thinks it's the answer to their problems. Go for it and don't have regrets. Just don't come back here and pick fights and make it worse for those of us who are working as hard as we can. Beat up on the Rethugs how about it? Tell THEM exactly how where you live is better. They are the ones who need to hear it.

[BooScout]

89. Oh Bullshit....

My attitude didn't even occur until I started reading posts here last night telling people thinking of leaving to get the hell out, calling them quitters and cowards. It isn't smugness you detect, it's rightous indignation at people who think it's their way or the highway and who sound exactly like the Freepers with their "don't like it then move to Iraq attitude"....my post was meant to point out the obvious. If you don't see it then take off the rose colored glasses.

Oh and btw, I didn't pick the fight here, others did. I simply spoke up against them....and don't assume that those that have moved overseas or are planning on it are giving up the fight. There are many politcal activist organizations overseas. There is life outside the USA ya know? :eyes:

[marions ghost]

92. yep it's the attitude

expressed in "Oh Bullshit..." type putdowns.

Don't you EXPECT people to see you --and others who brag that they are leaving the sinking ship--as insufferable? Do you NOT see the superior attitude that's often there when people feel they must make a Big Announcement about their Personal Escape from Hell, and wave a red flag to enflame those 'poor souls' who must remain to fight in the trenches? It's unrealistic to think otherwise.

Just do it. Go with the blessings of MANY here (numbering more than the critics here, but obviously you want overwhelming consensus). Why do you think you need anybody's approval anyway? Enlighten us with your reasons for leaving, give us encouragement from afar, tell us about life when you get there, but DON'T make it this dramatic thing (cue theme from "Exodus"). Do you need to feel pushed out of the nest or something?

[Mr_Spock]

102. That's a good summary...

Exactly how do these "I'm leaving" people expect the people left here to fight the "good fight" expect us to feel when they post these dramatic posts?

[BooScout]

103. I gave some of my reasons.....

Few chose to actually read them. I don't need anyone's approval thank you very much, but it would be nice to have people not jump to conclusions and condemn those who chose to leave or are considering it by calling a few nasty names of their own. And I don't need to be pushed out the nest because I have already flown. Neither was my OP bragging....it was merely an expression of being fed up with some narrowminded souls that chose to act just like their most hated enemy.......the dreaded Freepers.

Oh and FYI, Americans are not the only ones fighting in the trenches.......people all over the world are fed up and protesting, donating to various causes to end the insanity, etc. The fight does not belong to those on American soil alone. It's a world battle at this point.But then I guess that's too dramatic for you to understand isn't it? :eyes:

[Karenina]

107. WHOA, MG!!!

Project much? You and I seem to have come away with entirely different readings of the OP. Now what I read was a mini-rant about people who immediately jump on anyone who dares opine about relocating, calling them quiters (sic) and traitors, questioning their loyalty etc. ad nauseum. Boo is correct, it's quite unbecoming.

She is also correct that people relocate for myriad reasons, stated some of hers, THE PRIMARY ONE BEING HER MARRIAGE and vented about being faulted by the righteous crowd back home, the majority of whom have never undertaken such a life-altering step.

I read nothing that struck me as smug, bragging or reeking of a "lofty attitude." She adds that it was hard for her and she obviously uses DU to maintain contact. Her OP said nothing about where she lives being "better." It read more like, "LAY OFF with your vitriolic judgements and accusations!"

"Like they've died and gone to heaven and we poor downtrodden "Left Behind" are just plain outta luck."

This attitude is clearly YOURS and has NOTHING to do with Boo.

"Don't you EXPECT people to see you --and others who brag that they are leaving the sinking ship--as insufferable? Do you NOT see the superior attitude that's often there when people feel they must make a Big Announcement about their Personal Escape from Hell, and wave a red flag to enflame those 'poor souls' who must remain to fight in the trenches? It's unrealistic to think otherwise."

THE ABOVE IS COMPLETE PROJECTION, UTTER AND TOTAL BULLSHIT!!!

Boo's "big announcement" was "LAY OFF with your vitriolic judgements and accusations!" Nothing more, nothing less.

Man-o-man, dey sho be sum techy folk 'round hyeah...

[area51]

70. kick. (n/t)

[Name removed]

71. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Catherine Vincent]

73. Sorry.

I can't take your lecture too serious with a name like Boo. :evilgrin:

[omega minimo]

74. Tossers

Being a fan, I followed a Welsh band in the UK press (which is snarkily hilarious) and read how territorial different (tiny) countries and regions on that small island are. Anyone over the next hill or wearing the wrong color team shirt or accent or haircut or ____ and it's an automatic reaction; the stones come out to be tossed-- HARD.

Like DU sometimes.

One thing to remember about 'Merkins at home is how the past generation or two or three has watched in a hypnotized stupor as this steamroller approached, slowly slowly........... and still like to talk about "fighting." (Easier than talking about responsiiblity). :yoiks:

Kiss the Welsh mist for me, eh BooScout. Don't let the tossers getcha doon. :yourock:

[frankly_fedup2]

83. If it upsets you so much, don't post it on the board. If you do not

want criticism and/or support, keep it to yourself and you won't get either.

Personally, I would love to move to Canada for a while. However, my husband cannot make the money he makes here doing the same job. We have health, eye, dental, and a prescription card that does not cost us anything (only a co-pay) from his employer. He gets two weeks paid a year. Last year his Christmas bonus was $5000; however, after taxes, it was $2,600. He has a company truck and company gas to drive with.

Now I know some people are going to make statements regarding what I have posted. Not all will be good (if any).

It's just not human nature anymore to be happy for someone who has worked hard and reaps the benefits. I'm not bragging about his benefits; however, people will say I am. Others will say big fucking deal. Then possibly some will say "that's great."

It did not take me long to learn that people who would do nothing or say anything to a statement you make online, would suddenly get big-ass balls, and then can call you everything in the book while they sit at their safe little desk at home. There is no fear of getting the crap knocked out of them. They would never say some of the things I've seen here to your face, but online everyone, to some extent, is suddenly a know-it-all and does not have to show you any respect at all.

[libhill]

118. I'll be ding danged -

I've felt that way myself, for years. Even before I discovered D.U. I think it's ok to disagree online, as long as it is done civilly. But there is no excuse for personal attacks, hiding behind a key board. Well said -

[REP]

84. Here's Another View

Wales lost a lot of good people in the 19th century (and before, really - many Welsh Quakers came here rather than be burned alive in 1682) due to the absolutely horrific treatment by the English and the promise of America. Most of those people made enormous positive contributions to all that is good in America today. It's only fair that some excellent Americans go to Wales!

[sendero]

86. I don't blame anyone....

.... our problems are not an external enemy, our problems is ourselves. Too many Americans are just completely disconnected from anything approaching reality. How do you "fight" that?

If I didn't have ties that cannot be severed, I'd get the hell out of this place too. We are on the precipice of some really bad times, times that I did nothing to contribute to, in fact the opposite. There is nothing wrong with realizing you do not wish to sail any longer on a ship of fools and America has become a foolish country in it's dotage.

[Xenotime]

88. You have a right to your opinion...

no matter how wrong it might be.

[Karenina]

111. There is NOTHING "wrong"

with Boo venting about DUers wantonly bashing ex-pats. Reading comprehension is your friend.

[northzax]

90. I could leave

and I may become an ex-pat again, but not for political reasons. If America is going down, then I'm going down with the ship, swinging. And I have 37 very good reasons to. That's how many ancestors of mine died fighting for the US in various wars, all but one before 1945. What do I say, in the afterlife? Sorry, Uncle Josiah, wintering at Valley Forge was a waste of time. Sorry, Uncle George, that you were brave enough to wade into the cornfield at Antietam, but I'm not strong enough to fight here? And uncle William and Uncle Corham, who died the same day. Sorry, Uncle David, that you died in some frozen forest in the Argonne. or Uncle Charles, that your bomber didn't make it home from Germany. Sorry uncle Jim, that you died in some godforsaken jungle. But I'm not willing to put up with a little annoyance to continue your fight.

yes, 37. in 225 years. And we've never been in a military family, none of them were career military, they simply signed up when they were needed. Several were too young to fight, and lied about their ages. Others were too old, and lied about that too. they left behind their family, their lives, everything, to answer the call, for their own reasons. And I'm not strong enough to deal with Freepers? come on.

Note that I said again I've lived as an ex-pat for a third of my life, and could have a job on three different continents just by asking for it. I choose to live here, and do my part in the long line of people who have fought for what they believed in. They were willing to die, I can put up with a little discomfort.

you've made your choice, for your own reasons, that's fine, but don't pretend that surrender is the honorable choice for everyone.

[Dora]

91. It's never easy to leave what we love.

I would never question the love you and other expatriates have for our country.

I think that many Americans on all sides are struggling the sad truth that our country left us long ago. It has always been a stormy relationship.

Hang in there.

:patriot:

[Libby2]

94. It's always refreshing

to get called a freep on DU.:eyes:

[Bridget Burke]

99. It's against DU rules to call someone a Freeper.....

I, for one, have explained that many folks have good reasons for leaving the USA--temporarily or personally. Not all the reasons are political, either.

There's far too much drama expended on this matter. Are people fleeing because the jackbooted Nazis are marching? Or are they cowards for not joining the underground? Neither, actually.

I'd consider leaving, too, if I had a hubby who would pay for it. But I wouldn't consider myself a martyr--I'd consider myself lucky.

[Seabiscuit]

119. BRAVO! That needed to be said, Boo -

The stark reality I keep waking up to every day for the last 5 years is that the land I still inhabit is NOT the country I grew up in, learned to identify with, and care about. And NOTHING I've done donating countless hours of my time to political campaigns, donating tens of thousands to candidates, has made any difference at all by now. And NOTHING out there gives me any serious reason to believe it's ever going to get any better again.

The country we knew is gone, folks. Get used to it. Leaving the new one for greener pastures is NOT a betrayal of the old one, because the old one simply is not coming back. It's ancient history.

Things will only continue to get worse.

So my wife and I are also drawing up contingency plans to leave and take our young son with us. I don't want my son growing up in a repressive, imperialistic, fascist theocracy any more than I'd want him growing up in Nazi Germany.

As for any yahoo out there that wants to call me or others like me a coward or a traitor, they'd better be ready to say it to my face while I'm rearranging theirs.

[FlaGranny]

100. I've suggested to my son several times that

he look into emigrating to Canada or somewhere. He's got a family - three sons. The oldest is 10. I wish he'd get them out of the country before they are served up in one of the wars Bush is starting. I don't want my grandsons to die to help oilmen and arms manufacturers become richer. My own urge is to place as much space between me and the greed in this country as possible. We are mostly retired now and couldn't afford it. I probably wouldn't have left my family anyway.

And yes, many people here are just as freeper-like as freepers - judgmental, rigid, and unyielding.

[porphyrian]

101. I'm a freeper.

I'm a troll. I'm a racist. I'm a coward. I'm a druggie. I'm a judge. I'm a moron. I'm a criminal. I'm deluded. I'm a failure. I'm an asshole.

I'm also a registered Democrat. I believe in real liberty, for everyone, not just those who think as I do. I'll fight for your right to post this, just as I'll fight for that same right for those you are complaining about. I'm tired of tolerating treason from our supposedly-elected government officials. I'm tired of watching while the Americans entreated with protecting our country kill and are killed for a lie. I'm tired of screaming my lungs out at those who refuse to wake up. I'm exhausted, physically, mentally and emotionally, and I'm ready to blame someone.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

104. Best of luck.

The idea that it is in some way immoral for an American to move to another country is a bizarre one.

[rucky]

105. And the Jews were freaking cowards for escaping the Nazis, too! n/t

[Spinoza]

112. Good point.

The expats, like the Jews trying to escape the Nazis, are fleeing attempted genocide and the Nuremburg Race Laws. Like the Jews in respect to Germany and occupied Europe--its leave the U.S. or perish.

[kineneb]

116. perspective here

Not everyone has the health or wealth to protest or "fight the good fight". We are an example: Hubby is on dialysis and is not well. (When the docs tell you to gain weight, you are Not Well.) There is no way we can seriously focus on much more than his medical treatment. Also we are living on his $14K disability income, which limits our movement and even diet. More power to those with the ability and energy to fight against the nasty BushCo.

I would like to move out, but our situation now prohibits that. So we did the next best thing and retreated to the countryside, where we can at least be left alone.

[BooScout]

121. Another perspective here.....

Before we left the States, my husband had a ruptured spleen. He still has ongoing health problems stemming from that. At the time of it's rupture I was 2 weeks from my job ending.........during it all we went on COBRA and stayed an extra 2 months in the States until he was well enough to travel.....and then we moved back to the UK, his native country where the healthcare is free and we did not have to worry about the COBRA running out and us depleting our savings if I didn't find another job, since our health care was provided thru my work (my husband being self-employed).

For some of the same reasons you and others may have to stay (health and wealth....we are a long way from wealth btw)....we moved to the UK. Ours is a dual nationality marriage....economically it made more sense for us to move here. My point of this entire thread was I was sick of some people judging others for leaving when they do not have the first clue about the myraid of reasons for anyone's decision to leave. It's never as simple as "we hate Bush".....life is not that easy.

BTW, I never intended to go into so much personal detail on this post about some of our reasons for leaving but it seems that some people here on DU love to condemn others with facts just not in evidence. They prefer to call names first and not give it a second thought that they are just plain wrong in their jumping to conclusions.

*edited for clarity*

[kineneb]

125. decisions

I think you made the correct decision given your situation. The old line about "not condemning another person until you walk a mile in their shoes" still applies. Good luck in your new home. If we had the same option, we would have done the same. Good health must come first.

[libhill]

117. Well -

I don't blame you a bit. It does take courage to uproot yourself like that. I have been seriously considering moving at least to Canada, but my financial situation won't allow it. And I can't convince my wife that this country is going to the fucking birds. And I live in Texas, reddest of red fucking states, surrounded by fucking working class idiots who don't have sense enough to know that they've been had by Bush and the goddamn Repukes. I'd trade places with you in a heartbeat, and name calling be damned. They can call me a coward or what ever else, I'd enjoy the health care and the freer society, and they can stay here and take it up the ass paying $3.00 a gallon for gas, while Big Oil C.E.O.s get billion dollar retirement packages, and watching the Iraq war deteriorate into an even worse quagmire while the ass hat rethugs try to get another idiotic war going in Iran. We'll see who's name calling then when their sons and daughters and loved ones are drafted to go fight, while Duffy and Buffy Repuke all get their little college deferments.

[JI7]

122. i say the same thing to Freepers

sorry, but i don't have much respect for people who leave based on giving up.

i understand those who do for jobs or other things.

not everyone is able to just leave. those who are least able to are the ones hurting the most.

[Clark2008]

124. It's OK, Boo.

There are a few here who don't seem to grasp the tolerance of which they spout.

For example, there are many who think I - and other people of faith on this board - are "stupid," never even considering their lack of tolerance makes them sound like the fundies they allegedly despise.

Sometimes the hypocrisy around here is thicker than pea soup.

[TankLV]

127. What the HELL are you talking about? I have never seen such posts

claiming to state what you do.

Care to give those of us who haven't been exposed some direct links or examples?

[Yollam]

128. I live overseas and don't resent that attitude.

The resentment towards those who abandon the fight and seek greener pastures elsewhere is understandable. But my kids' well-being comes first, so we left, and we don't miss the states a bit (except for the primo junk food ;))

I salute the people who keep up the good fight in the states, and can only say in my defense that my family has two home countries, and we picked the better of the two.

If you don't announce your expat status here, nobody will hassle you about it. So why do you keep announcing it if you don't like being attacked about it? Your post is defensive and sad. Clearly you do feel bad for moving and that's your issue.

I personally don't feel bad for leaving, because I do what's best for my kids' chances for long-term survival and success. PERIOD.

[jukes]

129. not all, brotherman

i've endured abuse for defending those that choose to leave.

our country has forsaken us.