Why I like the US
Discussion
First of all, I am very clear about the disastrous state of the US at this moment ( at least in my view).
We can all discuss the era of Trump, Covid, the right vs the left, guns, the slightly grim future, diviseness, Fox News, liberal media, fake news, militias, Black Lives Matter, Police brutality, inequality, looting,climate issues. There are heartfelt opinions on these things and rightly so.
Yet, as a youngster growing up in Ireland without a penny, the sense of endless distance,the optimism ( now gone), the friendliness, the sense of personal freedom spoke to me. I only lived there briefly but normally spend lots of time there.
I am sad where it is now.
Yet, I have for decades driven into all sorts of little towns, sensational landscapes, and awakened up in th morning to a day when I might drive 700 miles to a different climate zone, to see unmatched horizons, to be really remote. I have driven my Jeep into nowhere where the horizon is endless, stopped there the only sound is the wind through the grassland.
Many thousands of miles have passed and my sense of the vastness and variety of the place are still there. Of course the big cities are different. Have had wonderful days in NY or San Francisco or a lot of other places. Love London for instance.
Not the same as waking up in the middle of nowhere on a frost morning and getting out of an endless highway , a friendly breakfast in a little cafe...
Still like it....for all of its faults.
We can all discuss the era of Trump, Covid, the right vs the left, guns, the slightly grim future, diviseness, Fox News, liberal media, fake news, militias, Black Lives Matter, Police brutality, inequality, looting,climate issues. There are heartfelt opinions on these things and rightly so.
Yet, as a youngster growing up in Ireland without a penny, the sense of endless distance,the optimism ( now gone), the friendliness, the sense of personal freedom spoke to me. I only lived there briefly but normally spend lots of time there.
I am sad where it is now.
Yet, I have for decades driven into all sorts of little towns, sensational landscapes, and awakened up in th morning to a day when I might drive 700 miles to a different climate zone, to see unmatched horizons, to be really remote. I have driven my Jeep into nowhere where the horizon is endless, stopped there the only sound is the wind through the grassland.
Many thousands of miles have passed and my sense of the vastness and variety of the place are still there. Of course the big cities are different. Have had wonderful days in NY or San Francisco or a lot of other places. Love London for instance.
Not the same as waking up in the middle of nowhere on a frost morning and getting out of an endless highway , a friendly breakfast in a little cafe...
Still like it....for all of its faults.
Cold said:
So basically you like it for its geography and weather?
\For the endless beauty and emptiness of the landscape the you can drive forever with nobody to bother you. People are generally friendly if you avoid all the political stiff. I have a Jeep there and can go to amazing wilderness. I got into a problem near Death Valley a couple of years ago and a guy pulled up in a truck in the middle of nowhere, jumped out and had all the tools to fix it.
I have done hundreds of thousands of miles there, have no need to become American or live there, but still find the vastness and beauty unforgettable. I travel in Europe as I always have and love the best of it, but I see so much anti-US stuff that it worries me. Very flawed place, but the good stuff is astonishing
RDMcG said:
For the endless beauty and emptiness of the landscape the you can drive forever with nobody to bother you. People are generally friendly if you avoid all the political stiff. I have a Jeep there and can go to amazing wilderness. I got into a problem near Death Valley a couple of years ago and a guy pulled up in a truck in the middle of nowhere, jumped out and had all the tools to fix it.
I have done hundreds of thousands of miles there, have no need to become American or live there, but still find the vastness and beauty unforgettable. I travel in Europe as I always have and love the best of it, but I see so much anti-US stuff that it worries me. Very flawed place, but the good stuff is astonishing
If you like this kind of stuff try taking the train from Lanzhou to Urumqi. It goes through deserts and mountains, it’s a 12 hour ride but just staring out of the window while the scenery goes past at 200km/h (it’s speed limited) is an amazing experience I have done hundreds of thousands of miles there, have no need to become American or live there, but still find the vastness and beauty unforgettable. I travel in Europe as I always have and love the best of it, but I see so much anti-US stuff that it worries me. Very flawed place, but the good stuff is astonishing
We’ve lived in Chicago for the past decade. It of course has its well publicized problems (where doesn’t?), but the reality is nowhere near as bad as it’s made out to be, and it really is a great city. So much opportunity, decent history, tons of good stuff going on and things to see and do all the time.
Generally that’s how most of the USA is. Look past the overhyped negativity/“haha stupid Americans“ type stuff that the international media loves to bash the USA with and it’s a great place to live. So much variety and opportunity, but at the same time without it ever being completely foreign.
People say they couldn’t ever live here, blah blah, and that’s their choice (or more likely they’ve not had the opportunity). But generally such opinions are from a parochial position of ignorance, not experience, and their preconceived ideas and opinions of the reality of it are so far off the mark it’s pointless even trying to convince otherwise.
Will we stay here forever, who knows? We’re very fortunate in that we have plenty of options open to us on that front, but we’re also wise enough to know that the grass is very rarely greener. You just exchange one set of problems for another set. But for the foreseeable, it suits very well.
Generally that’s how most of the USA is. Look past the overhyped negativity/“haha stupid Americans“ type stuff that the international media loves to bash the USA with and it’s a great place to live. So much variety and opportunity, but at the same time without it ever being completely foreign.
People say they couldn’t ever live here, blah blah, and that’s their choice (or more likely they’ve not had the opportunity). But generally such opinions are from a parochial position of ignorance, not experience, and their preconceived ideas and opinions of the reality of it are so far off the mark it’s pointless even trying to convince otherwise.
Will we stay here forever, who knows? We’re very fortunate in that we have plenty of options open to us on that front, but we’re also wise enough to know that the grass is very rarely greener. You just exchange one set of problems for another set. But for the foreseeable, it suits very well.
I'll go the opposite view. I'm over in California working at the moment.
Whilst it's nice enough to be here for a few months nothing makes me happier than when it's time to return home to Scotland. I've no interest at all in moving here. None.
I think if I were (very) rich then I might possibly reconsider as the extra wealth would open up communites/activities/lifestyle events etc that an average Joe like me cannot access.
Whilst it's nice enough to be here for a few months nothing makes me happier than when it's time to return home to Scotland. I've no interest at all in moving here. None.
I think if I were (very) rich then I might possibly reconsider as the extra wealth would open up communites/activities/lifestyle events etc that an average Joe like me cannot access.
The US can be a great place. As long as you are the right colour (for the part they you are living in or visiting) and are wealthy and healthy.
For me a good judge of a country is not what it is like if you are in the top 10% but rather what is life like in the bottom 10%. In general I think European countries are far better than the US on that basis.
I spent more than a decade working for a US multinational and spent a fair amount of time there (probably up to 6 months in total as I usually went for a week every quarter). I certainly enjoyed my trips but never wanted to live there. Big problem is lack of holidays. People didn’t have much and didn’t feel they could take much of it (a good colleague at a similar level and age told me he has never been able to take more than one week off during his career - no wonder not many Americans travel outside North America).
For me a good judge of a country is not what it is like if you are in the top 10% but rather what is life like in the bottom 10%. In general I think European countries are far better than the US on that basis.
I spent more than a decade working for a US multinational and spent a fair amount of time there (probably up to 6 months in total as I usually went for a week every quarter). I certainly enjoyed my trips but never wanted to live there. Big problem is lack of holidays. People didn’t have much and didn’t feel they could take much of it (a good colleague at a similar level and age told me he has never been able to take more than one week off during his career - no wonder not many Americans travel outside North America).
Expat16 said:
I've lived in the US for over four years, in two different States and have visited half of the lower 48 during that time.
Most people are getting on with life. I rarely find anyone discussing politics openly.
People are friendly and I really enjoy living here.
During the lock down I found myself watching all the news channels and began to think WTF, and question if i wanted to carry on living here.
Once I stopped being obsessed by the news and getting out (after lockdown) I enjoyed it again.
I count myself lucky, I was able to move here and get permeant residency fairly easy, not something I ever thought would happen.
Identical to my thoughts. Been here for 7 years now and love the place once I turn the news off.Most people are getting on with life. I rarely find anyone discussing politics openly.
People are friendly and I really enjoy living here.
During the lock down I found myself watching all the news channels and began to think WTF, and question if i wanted to carry on living here.
Once I stopped being obsessed by the news and getting out (after lockdown) I enjoyed it again.
I count myself lucky, I was able to move here and get permeant residency fairly easy, not something I ever thought would happen.
Edited by Expat16 on Monday 5th October 03:37
I have zero American friends that are like the ones characterized in the news. At least, they don’t show their MAGA hats to me openly anyway
Have been here in southern Florida for 8 years now, about to get citizenship. I friggin’ hate Miami but for parental reasons am stuck here for the moment. The general wisdom is that Miami isn’t actually the USA, it’s just an interim step between S. America and the US, but it’s not the culture that I reject, it’s the appalling clammy heat!
On my travels elsewhere over here I have seen many lovely places that I can imagine living in, and there are still so many states that I have not visited but that I hear good things about. It really is such a huge and varied country, in a sense there is somewhere for everybody.
But......it clearly helps to have money and health insurance. Coming from Europe where we take a basic level of medical care for granted, it doesn’t work like that here. I think that this is a crap place to be poor.
On my travels elsewhere over here I have seen many lovely places that I can imagine living in, and there are still so many states that I have not visited but that I hear good things about. It really is such a huge and varied country, in a sense there is somewhere for everybody.
But......it clearly helps to have money and health insurance. Coming from Europe where we take a basic level of medical care for granted, it doesn’t work like that here. I think that this is a crap place to be poor.
Great thread. I’ve worked with and for Americans for quite a few of the last 30 years and been there on business trips most years.
What I like about the place is the famous ‘can do’ spirit. Much as I love the UK, we are suspicious of ambition, and criticise the successful. As a kid I’d hear phrases like “pride comes before a fall” and “you’ve ideas above your station” - you don’t get those in the US! Plus, it’s got huge buildings, cars and food, great music, friendly people and stunning scenery.
I do think we are partly so critical of the US because it is English speaking, so we rather forget it is a foreign country. In practice, the culture is way more different to the UK than any of France, Spain or Italy eg look at attitudes to religion, healthcare or guns. Once you accept that it is different, you can appreciate it for the fascinating place it is.
What I like about the place is the famous ‘can do’ spirit. Much as I love the UK, we are suspicious of ambition, and criticise the successful. As a kid I’d hear phrases like “pride comes before a fall” and “you’ve ideas above your station” - you don’t get those in the US! Plus, it’s got huge buildings, cars and food, great music, friendly people and stunning scenery.
I do think we are partly so critical of the US because it is English speaking, so we rather forget it is a foreign country. In practice, the culture is way more different to the UK than any of France, Spain or Italy eg look at attitudes to religion, healthcare or guns. Once you accept that it is different, you can appreciate it for the fascinating place it is.
Love the USA.
I have American cousins. One of my sisters was born there.
I have cycled across the country three times. On a bike in random towns you see much of real America. I find Americans to be generous and friendly.
Some Brits seem to have trouble separating the people from the government.
A great country for driving as well.
I have American cousins. One of my sisters was born there.
I have cycled across the country three times. On a bike in random towns you see much of real America. I find Americans to be generous and friendly.
Some Brits seem to have trouble separating the people from the government.
A great country for driving as well.
I first visited the US as a 16 year old. Many moons ago. I was stunned by everything. It was so modern, so different, so amazing. The UK at the time seemed light years behind on so many levels.
I've subsequently only ever worked for US companies.
I'm surrounded by Americans & always have been through my working life.
There was a time I wanted to move & live permanently in the US
I've subsequently lived in the US on a couple of occasions, in Houston. I've done Florida a number of times; Hawaii; New Orleans; New York several times; New England in the fall; through the Carolinas; California (LA & San Francisco); New Mexican Rockies; lost track of the number of trips to Houston.
I like the US. There's an ease of life you don't seem to find many places. It's a place I found you can settle into very easily. Yes there is a variety of scenery, and you can find or do just about anything. If I got asked to go back to Houston for a year or so, no problem.
But I don't want to live there permanently anymore like I did.
I've subsequently only ever worked for US companies.
I'm surrounded by Americans & always have been through my working life.
There was a time I wanted to move & live permanently in the US
I've subsequently lived in the US on a couple of occasions, in Houston. I've done Florida a number of times; Hawaii; New Orleans; New York several times; New England in the fall; through the Carolinas; California (LA & San Francisco); New Mexican Rockies; lost track of the number of trips to Houston.
I like the US. There's an ease of life you don't seem to find many places. It's a place I found you can settle into very easily. Yes there is a variety of scenery, and you can find or do just about anything. If I got asked to go back to Houston for a year or so, no problem.
But I don't want to live there permanently anymore like I did.
Esceptico said:
The US can be a great place. As long as you are the right colour (for the part they you are living in or visiting) and are wealthy and healthy.
For me a good judge of a country is not what it is like if you are in the top 10% but rather what is life like in the bottom 10%. In general I think European countries are far better than the US on that basis.
I spent more than a decade working for a US multinational and spent a fair amount of time there (probably up to 6 months in total as I usually went for a week every quarter). I certainly enjoyed my trips but never wanted to live there. Big problem is lack of holidays. People didn’t have much and didn’t feel they could take much of it (a good colleague at a similar level and age told me he has never been able to take more than one week off during his career - no wonder not many Americans travel outside North America).
It’s no secret that the much more socialist leaning countries in Europe are better/easier places to be if you’re poor. But that’s not exactly without it’s rather obvious problems either, a disproportionately heavy tax burden being one of the many.For me a good judge of a country is not what it is like if you are in the top 10% but rather what is life like in the bottom 10%. In general I think European countries are far better than the US on that basis.
I spent more than a decade working for a US multinational and spent a fair amount of time there (probably up to 6 months in total as I usually went for a week every quarter). I certainly enjoyed my trips but never wanted to live there. Big problem is lack of holidays. People didn’t have much and didn’t feel they could take much of it (a good colleague at a similar level and age told me he has never been able to take more than one week off during his career - no wonder not many Americans travel outside North America).
Regards the lack of leave thing, that’s pretty much a thing of the past too. Most organisations offer leave schedules that are easily comparable to what you would get in the UK and taking a couple of weeks off isn’t a big deal. For example, I get a good amount more leave than I did working for similar organizations in the UK, and weeks long trips abroad are again no problem. The 10 days statutory minimum leave thing that gets banded about is a thing of the past, and then was only really applicable to the lowest of the low positions with organizations of similar stature. Most will offer 15-30 days, on top of the 10 days statutory minimum, which is comfortably in line with most other places these days. And coupled with a traditionally much more relaxed attitude towards Friday’s, days leading up to national holidays, and remote working policies, it actually works out pretty favorably.
dvs_dave said:
It’s no secret that the much more socialist leaning countries in Europe are better/easier places to be if you’re poor. But that’s not exactly without it’s rather obvious problems either, a disproportionately heavy tax burden being one of the many....
If you're poor, you don't have a heavy tax burden....I caught Grayson Perry's road trip series on America. Thought it was very good - he was provocative towards both ends of the political spectrum. Was interesting to see how they reacted.
Edited to add, lived in New York for a while pre 9/11. Apartment in Battery Park with the Twin Towers right behind and a view of the Statue of Liberty. Loved the place.
Have been fortunate to visit a few states - Florida, Colorado, California, Arizona etc. Some great places in all of them.
No desire to live there with any sort of permanence, but very much like it and the people.
Edited by Murph7355 on Monday 5th October 09:17
Gassing Station | News, Politics & Economics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff