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Aquarian
B.V. Info-a-holic
Joined: Oct 25, 2003
Posts: 9621
Location: Miami, Florida 305!
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 Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:18 pm Post subject: Where do Republicans Go If Obama Wins? |
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Conservatives have no Canada. Which is to say, they have no mythical land of ideological soul mates to which they can flee to nurse their wounds and commiserate over lost elections and flunked initiatives. Part of the reason for this may be temperamental: Even staring into the maw of an Obama-friendly electoral map, Republicans' first instinct is not to threaten expatriation. (The McCain-Palin slogan, after all, is "country first.") They have no backup plan for when the country they live in becomes politically unrecognizable.
Maybe they need one.
They needn't bother too much with the details—not even Canada is the paradise liberals imagine, and the logistics of moving there are not so simple. And abandoning America might be anathema to any red-blooded Republican. But everyone needs a Plan B, even if they have no intention of carrying it out—just in case, say, Barack Obama appoints Michael Moore to the Supreme Court (the way President Gore did). With that in mind, let's consider a few candidates for the conservative's Canada.
Israel
Like Canada, Israel won't feel too foreign to homesick Americans; they'll have plenty of countrymen nearby. The close American ally is the fifth-most-popular home base for American expats in the world, according to slightly dated State Department estimates. (The Census Bureau is bad at tallying Americans abroad, but Republicans Abroad estimates that there are now 250,000 U.S. citizens in Israel, about half of whom are eligible to vote.)
Kory Bardash, the chairman of Republicans Abroad in Israel, argues that Americans in Israel, who are largely Jewish, are not nearly as stridently supportive of Obama as their domestic counterparts. Bardash describes American voters in Israel as "Joe Lieberman Democrats" who might have backed Bill Clinton but who don't connect with Obama's domestic message and are more persuaded by charges that he lacks experience in foreign affairs. (Hillary Clinton won a majority of the Israel vote in the Democrats Abroad primary.) Israel's political leanings are difficult to fact-check, but it's safe to say that U.S. Republicans seeking refuge in Israel won't have too much difficulty finding kindred spirits.
Overall, Israelis are described as ambivalent to George W. Bush, which feels welcoming compared with the global dislike of the president. A 2007 Pew Research Center poll found that Israel has one of the highest favorability ratings for the United States. And it has something for the many varieties of conservative species: a capitalist economy, strong aversion to Islamofacism, unbeatable biblical history, and a strong defense.
Poland
Poland was a stalwart member of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq for five and a half years, bringing its operations in the country to a close just last week only to increase its presence in Afghanistan. Like Israel, the country's citizens have a favorable opinion of the United States. The United States recently struck a deal with Poland to place anti-missile interceptors there. The country is highly literate and has an influential pro-business faction in its parliament.
If Israel is the destination for conservatives primarily concerned with the threat of Islamic terrorism, Poland is the logical choice for the anti-Communists chiefly concerned with new Cold War tremors. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Poland has been a poster child for a rebuilt democracy. Its GDP grew 6.5 percent in 2007, though the annual inflation rate was more than 4 percent. It's a religiously devout (and overwhelmingly Catholic) country, a NATO ally, and a likely strategic partner for years to come.
The Cayman Islands
Fleeing for the Cayman Islands is a bit of a retreat to the womb for despondent Americans; the three tiny Caribbean islands are a British territory still highly dependent on the crown. This is the destination for wealthy, free-market conservatives looking to wait out Democratic reign in Washington. Because there is no direct taxation, the islands are a hub for offshore banking and other financial services.
A few more Americans on the island wouldn't feel conspicuous: The permanent population is naturally diverse, including a 20 percent expatriate population. Rich Republicans who can afford the move won't feel far from home while waiting out the Obama administration.
Runners-up
My former colleague Michael Barone points out that for those who prioritize gun ownership rights, Switzerland is the place to be, while Singapore and Hong Kong have very market-friendly economies. (Like everyone I talked to, Barone emphasized that he didn't think conservatives would ever seriously consider leaving the United States.) Others suggested that Germany, under the leadership of Angela Merkel, might start looking more attractive to conservatives if the United States continues its leftward trend. And, of course, the one place conservatives could feel comfortable over the next four years is Alaska, home to their favorite governor. Unfortunately, it happens to be part of the United States.
There's an easy way to test these options in the field. Look in the mirror and repeat the following phrase: "Screw this! I'm moving to [insert country here]." If you like the sound of it, you just may like the reality of it. Or maybe just saying it will be enough.
Have your own suggestion of where to move? Send it here.
Slate V: What if Obama loses? Canada beckons.
http://www.slate.com/id/2202070/ |
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_________________
I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend? ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985 |
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evutch
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Sep 24, 2006
Posts: 2680
Location: the lions den, reptiles lair, and satans playground-DC
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| Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 2:26 pm Post subject: |
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Gordon Liddy LOVES Belize!
i've heard him really play up how wonderful it is to live there..
and have a few friends who swear by it..
so, i visited..
i don't see it.
the poverty level is WAY beyond what most americans could be comfortable with..
the is no solialistic structure, or real programs to help the poor.
no housing programs, no job programs, no health programs..
the por are despirately dependant on what meager underpaid work they can get.
sweatshops abound..
the banks only pander to those that have money..giving very nice percs and beneficial preferencial treatment to any one meeting a minumum deposit, including higher rates, and special passports, and a new name.
this includes special treatment by police and courts..with small bribes and fees.
the whole country runs on bribes.
one can get anything for very little.
best food, best housing, and all very affordable..
mind you, this is in a country that is one machete removed from haiti..
however, the countryside is some of the most beautiful in the world..and the gated communities are very well protected.
so repubs..
put BELIZE on your list.. |
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screamzero
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Feb 08, 2008
Posts: 2121
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| Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:26 pm Post subject: Re: Where do Republicans Go If Obama Wins? |
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| Aquarian wrote: |
Conservatives have no Canada. Which is to say, they have no mythical land of ideological soul mates to which they can flee to nurse their wounds and commiserate over lost elections and flunked initiatives. Part of the reason for this may be temperamental: Even staring into the maw of an Obama-friendly electoral map, Republicans' first instinct is not to threaten expatriation. (The McCain-Palin slogan, after all, is "country first.") They have no backup plan for when the country they live in becomes politically unrecognizable.
Maybe they need one.
They needn't bother too much with the details—not even Canada is the paradise liberals imagine, and the logistics of moving there are not so simple. And abandoning America might be anathema to any red-blooded Republican. But everyone needs a Plan B, even if they have no intention of carrying it out—just in case, say, Barack Obama appoints Michael Moore to the Supreme Court (the way President Gore did). With that in mind, let's consider a few candidates for the conservative's Canada.
Israel
Like Canada, Israel won't feel too foreign to homesick Americans; they'll have plenty of countrymen nearby. The close American ally is the fifth-most-popular home base for American expats in the world, according to slightly dated State Department estimates. (The Census Bureau is bad at tallying Americans abroad, but Republicans Abroad estimates that there are now 250,000 U.S. citizens in Israel, about half of whom are eligible to vote.)
Kory Bardash, the chairman of Republicans Abroad in Israel, argues that Americans in Israel, who are largely Jewish, are not nearly as stridently supportive of Obama as their domestic counterparts. Bardash describes American voters in Israel as "Joe Lieberman Democrats" who might have backed Bill Clinton but who don't connect with Obama's domestic message and are more persuaded by charges that he lacks experience in foreign affairs. (Hillary Clinton won a majority of the Israel vote in the Democrats Abroad primary.) Israel's political leanings are difficult to fact-check, but it's safe to say that U.S. Republicans seeking refuge in Israel won't have too much difficulty finding kindred spirits.
Overall, Israelis are described as ambivalent to George W. Bush, which feels welcoming compared with the global dislike of the president. A 2007 Pew Research Center poll found that Israel has one of the highest favorability ratings for the United States. And it has something for the many varieties of conservative species: a capitalist economy, strong aversion to Islamofacism, unbeatable biblical history, and a strong defense.
Poland
Poland was a stalwart member of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq for five and a half years, bringing its operations in the country to a close just last week only to increase its presence in Afghanistan. Like Israel, the country's citizens have a favorable opinion of the United States. The United States recently struck a deal with Poland to place anti-missile interceptors there. The country is highly literate and has an influential pro-business faction in its parliament.
If Israel is the destination for conservatives primarily concerned with the threat of Islamic terrorism, Poland is the logical choice for the anti-Communists chiefly concerned with new Cold War tremors. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Poland has been a poster child for a rebuilt democracy. Its GDP grew 6.5 percent in 2007, though the annual inflation rate was more than 4 percent. It's a religiously devout (and overwhelmingly Catholic) country, a NATO ally, and a likely strategic partner for years to come.
The Cayman Islands
Fleeing for the Cayman Islands is a bit of a retreat to the womb for despondent Americans; the three tiny Caribbean islands are a British territory still highly dependent on the crown. This is the destination for wealthy, free-market conservatives looking to wait out Democratic reign in Washington. Because there is no direct taxation, the islands are a hub for offshore banking and other financial services.
A few more Americans on the island wouldn't feel conspicuous: The permanent population is naturally diverse, including a 20 percent expatriate population. Rich Republicans who can afford the move won't feel far from home while waiting out the Obama administration.
Runners-up
My former colleague Michael Barone points out that for those who prioritize gun ownership rights, Switzerland is the place to be, while Singapore and Hong Kong have very market-friendly economies. (Like everyone I talked to, Barone emphasized that he didn't think conservatives would ever seriously consider leaving the United States.) Others suggested that Germany, under the leadership of Angela Merkel, might start looking more attractive to conservatives if the United States continues its leftward trend. And, of course, the one place conservatives could feel comfortable over the next four years is Alaska, home to their favorite governor. Unfortunately, it happens to be part of the United States.
There's an easy way to test these options in the field. Look in the mirror and repeat the following phrase: "Screw this! I'm moving to [insert country here]." If you like the sound of it, you just may like the reality of it. Or maybe just saying it will be enough.
Have your own suggestion of where to move? Send it here.
Slate V: What if Obama loses? Canada beckons.
http://www.slate.com/id/2202070/ |
You got it made man, you live right here in your own Shangrila...all the room to bitch and no hatchet. Hey Evutch, you really like it here huh? that's why your still here ain't it...both of ya; huh?...and if (God knows its a big joke to some here) the Mavericks get it, you don't even have to split. This place is Socialistic enough for you two peas in a pod; just tickled pink w/ more room ta bitch than you can throw a stick at...gee you guys are s-o-o-o lucky. Ya got it made in the shade with a rusty spade. |
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Personanongrata
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Posts: 1821
Location: NAU
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| Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject: |
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How dare Americans speak out about American problems? 
If they aren't willing to turn a blind eye to the corruption and deterioration of their own country, then they ought to just go back to Russia/Germany/China ect. ect. ect.
Really, the nerve of people, expressing themselves according to their Constitutional Right...
Showing concern for their own country! Hmph, the NERVE of these people!
Don't they know that GOOD AMERICANS SHOULD REMAIN SILENT?
They should be grateful that the real Germericans even let them speak at all!  |
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_________________
__________________________________________
"The obstacle is the path." -- Zen Proverb.
"**ck it, we'll do it live." -- Bill O'Reilly.
"...................................." -- Harpo Marx. |
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BloodStone
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: 1839
Location: Poconos, USSA
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| Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:41 pm Post subject: |
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Unlike most liberals, we don't cut ,and run.
I still doubt Obama will take this election. I think you have all been lulled into thinking this thing is the bag for Obama.It isn't over yet. I think the McCain supporters will come out in force during the election.
I also think the media has been telling you Obama is ahead in the polls, When it is much closer than anyone really want's to tell you.
I will continue to live in the greatest country in the woirld. I will never run like the libs. We are here to stay. Sorry to burst you're imaginary bubble.
BloodStone... |
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If it were raining hookers, I'd get hit by a fag. |
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Aquarian
B.V. Info-a-holic
Joined: Oct 25, 2003
Posts: 9621
Location: Miami, Florida 305!
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| Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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| Of course, this article was only in good fun, because I thought it was ridiculous that some liberals actually left the US after Bush was consequently elected (or was he?) in the 2004 election. Now, more than ever, Progressives are needed to combat any form of tyranny that comes our way; whether it be McWar's militarization or Obama's pro-war rants concerning Pakistan and Afghanistan. |
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_________________
I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend? ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985 |
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hansdew
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Jan 02, 2008
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:16 am Post subject: |
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| BloodStone wrote: |
| Unlike most liberals, we don't cut ,and run. |
TRANSLATION: Unlike the wimpy libs, we live by tough sounding cliches a la "don't cut and run" or "with us or against us" as compared to sissy cliches like "give peace a chance."
| BloodStone wrote: |
| I still doubt Obama will take this election. I think you have all been lulled into thinking this thing is the bag for Obama.It isn't over yet. I think the McCain supporters will come out in force during the election. |
TRANSLATION: McCain et al may still very well steal this election. Our propaganda machine has been working overtime to obscure the fact that Obama has a clear lead. We are manipulating your perception, causing you to believe it is a close race, so that when we steal the election via Diebold etc, it will be less obvious.
| BloodStone wrote: |
| I also think the media has been telling you Obama is ahead in the polls, When it is much closer than anyone really want's to tell you. |
TRANSLATION: Watch me work double time to obscure Obama's clear lead so that we can more efficiently steal the election. The more people that believe it is a close race = the less people that will suspect treachery.
| BloodStone wrote: |
| I will continue to live in the greatest country in the woirld. I will never run like the libs. We are here to stay. Sorry to burst you're imaginary bubble. |
TRANSLATION:I will continue to claim that we are the greatest even as we fall behind. Because what I believe is more important than the facts. The facts are that our great nation is clearly on the decline. Furthermore, there is an increasing number of 1st world countries that have higher standards of living than the USA, BUT WE ARE STILL THE GREATEST and you are either with us or against us because we will never cut and run.
| BloodStone wrote: |
| BloodStone... |
TRANSLATION: I rock! |
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BloodStone
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: 1839
Location: Poconos, USSA
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| Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:02 am Post subject: |
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You are pathetic....
You really seem to have some fetish with me,you follow me all over the board,and have nothing to add.
Let me know when you get over yourself.
Truth hurts ya don't it. You know he isn't going to win,thats why you keep attacking me. How about maybe posting something of substance on these boards. You have been here a long time,and all I see you do is add you're dumb ass, uneducated,uninformed opinion.
Go back to school troll,learn some new tricks. I'm not falling for you're **it..
BloodStone...I rock ! |
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If it were raining hookers, I'd get hit by a fag. |
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hansdew
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Jan 02, 2008
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:57 am Post subject: |
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Bloodstone: All serious. All the time.
I'm terribly sorry my attempt at humor failed with you.
Lighten up pal. |
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_________________
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross. -- Sinclair Lewis, 1935
...with a $150,000 wardrobe underneath the flag. |
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BloodStone
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: 1839
Location: Poconos, USSA
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| Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 3:11 am Post subject: |
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Dewey Hands wrote :
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| I'm terribly sorry my attempt at humor failed with you. |
TRANSLATION= I'm actually retarded, and have no sense of humor. So I attempted it now look very stupid. 
BloodStone... I still Rock ! |
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_________________
If it were raining hookers, I'd get hit by a fag. |
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hansdew
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Jan 02, 2008
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 3:44 am Post subject: |
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| BloodStone wrote: |
Dewey Hands wrote :
| Quote: |
| I'm terribly sorry my attempt at humor failed with you. |
TRANSLATION= I'm actually retarded, and have no sense of humor. So I attempted it now look very stupid.
BloodStone... I still Rock ! |
I don't think Sarah Palin would approve of your use of 'retarded' as a derogatory insult. |
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_________________
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross. -- Sinclair Lewis, 1935
...with a $150,000 wardrobe underneath the flag. |
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BloodStone
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: 1839
Location: Poconos, USSA
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| Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 3:52 am Post subject: |
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For you, I'm sure she'll make an exception.
BloodStone... |
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_________________
If it were raining hookers, I'd get hit by a fag. |
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Aquarian
B.V. Info-a-holic
Joined: Oct 25, 2003
Posts: 9621
Location: Miami, Florida 305!
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| Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:31 am Post subject: |
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| BloodStone wrote: |
For you, I'm sure she'll make an exception.
BloodStone... |
Which would be perfectly fitting for her character. |
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_________________
I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend? ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985 |
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BloodStone
B.V. Info Seeker
Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: 1839
Location: Poconos, USSA
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| Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:23 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Which would be perfectly fitting for her character. |
Yeah cause we all know Obama,and Bidens character is soooo steller.
Not to mention yours....Why is it you libs can never fight for yourself? Always need someone else to come fight their battles.
BloodStone... |
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_________________
If it were raining hookers, I'd get hit by a fag. |
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Aquarian
B.V. Info-a-holic
Joined: Oct 25, 2003
Posts: 9621
Location: Miami, Florida 305!
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| Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:04 am Post subject: |
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You forgot "Bloodstone..I STILL ROCK!"
Self-aggrandizing faux non- partisan hack.
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_________________
I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend? ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985 |
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