I'm an American who moved to Canada --here's why I'll never move back
We all have that person in our family: the gregarious relative who slaps you on the back, laughs too loudly, and somehow takes up all the space in whatever room (s)he happens to inhabit. In the world order, that relation is the United States. I live in Canada, the soft-spoken, more respectful, more tactful cousin, with whom you have a surprisingly great conversation and can't wait to see again.
Before anyone assumes that I fled the US due to the recent political strife, I've been gone for a decade. I left for love in 2008, right as the world was falling off a precipice due to the financial crisis. Initially, the plan was to stay for a year or two, but the longer I stayed, the deeper my roots here grew, and the more the US feels like a place to which I can never return.
Here are some of the things that keep me tied to the Great White North.
The politics are quieter.
I can engage in political discussion with people holding opposing viewpoints without it turning into a character assassination of ourselves or politicians (for the most part). The pre-election campaign cycles are much shorter, and there are five active political parties. Politics are still politics, but most of the time, it's not incredibly sensational.
Their borders seem more open to me.
The world is faced with a migrant crisis, and Canada is committed to opening that golden door so the huddled masses come to breathe free. Rather than just providing charity for refugees and immigrants, Canada's goal is to solve labor shortages and wants to bolster the population to power the economy for years to come. As an immigrant, being given the chance to have a positive economic impact and contribute to a thriving society is much appreciated.
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/voices/im-an-american-who-moved-to-canada-heres-why-ill-never-move-back/ar-BBNeUNm?li=BBnb7Kz
populistdriven
(5,644 posts)are you living in city or woods?
wasupaloopa
(4,516 posts)I intend to stay here and try to make this country better. Leaving isnt in the cards.
In 1966 I was drafted and my brothers friends tried to persuade me to move to Canada. I said I would rather live here and do my two years than leave the country I love. I was sent to Vietnam.
I would do the same today. I like my little part of CA.
7962
(11,841 posts)Uncle Joe
(58,264 posts)Thanks for the thread Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(107,693 posts)Uncle Joe
(58,264 posts)Thank you again.
peacebuzzard
(5,144 posts)Perhaps a close 2nd after NYC.
Response to Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin (Original post)
Post removed
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(107,693 posts)SCantiGOP
(13,862 posts)How do you even know if the OP is white?
Lets keep it civil.
Haggis for Breakfast
(6,831 posts)We all have the right to an opinion here. You may not agree, or you may agree to disagree. But please let's not sling accusations around at each other. Not here, please. It's the one place where we are all in a safe space to exchange ideas without heavy-handed criticisms.
I have one of those new-fangled Washington "enhanced" drivers licenses that allows me to cross the border without a strip or cavity search. We are one of those states whose DLs will not be accepted by TSA as ID validation next year. So, the passport will have to suffice.
One thing I notice is that whenever I go North, the Border folks are smiling and friendly. When I return to my country, I get tactical black SWAT-wearing military-type uniforms - with sidearms - and no smiles. They treat me like I've just been hobnobbing with the enemy and I hate it.
It never used to be like that.
SCantiGOP
(13,862 posts)And it was quite hostile
Haggis for Breakfast
(6,831 posts)Thankfully, I missed that post.
Sorry, SCantiGOP.
Where in SC ? I was stationed in Charleston decades ago. It was so beautiful. I remember "canopy" roads in Summerville. Hope they're still there.
SCantiGOP
(13,862 posts)But Charleston is everyones second home. I get there 8-10 times a year.
Amazing how resilient sub-tropical climates are - the trees and Spanish Moss were back within a year or two after Hugo and its 140 mph winds blew through almost 30 years ago. Unfortunately the city is not resilient to climate change, and I can tell the difference in thunderstorm flooding there now.
Come back and visit sometime, but dont venture into the interior within your MAGA hat.
Capperdan
(492 posts)I'm itching to cross the border soon as a retirement warmup. Just want to see the place, and I get tired of hot weather. I am rooted in California, but Canada is my next big trip. Looking forward to meeting some folks from there.
Fiendish Thingy
(15,544 posts)And for the last two summers, smoky. Despite this, it's beautiful, and well worth a visit.
I wouldn't move back to the US for a million bucks.
I hope for the best for the US, but fear the worst (and felt that way in 2012 when we moved, and at present, my prediction was correct).
zentrum
(9,865 posts).....that did not rebel against England are doing better today and are more like "civilizations".
And although they did treat indigenous people like hell, they never had institutionalized slavery or a civil war to protect it. This, among other things, makes a huge difference over the passage of centuries.
The Constitution itself was designed to protect rich, landed white males from both The Monarchy and from the power of the populace. Which laid the ground work for corporations having the power they do today.
I think what we are today is who we have been becoming for a long time. It's just now showing itself floridly.
SammyWinstonJack
(44,129 posts)warmfeet
(3,321 posts)a bit more like Canada.
I love Canada.
I will stay here and try to bring some of the best of Canada to the USA.
I will also try to eliminate the worst of what we have here.
Much work ahead.
7962
(11,841 posts)YOHABLO
(7,358 posts)7962
(11,841 posts)too many of us out here who wont put up with it too. The American population swings with the vote. And in Nov, we'll see it happen again. And I'm not leaving my country. Well, I'll leave for a visit, but not permanently
Sneederbunk
(14,275 posts)YOHABLO
(7,358 posts)But how can I leave my family? What kind of job could I possibly find in Canada at 63? Don't you have to have employment to apply for residency in Canada? I suppose I'll have to stay with the RESISTANCE here in the U.S. I don't think "things'' are going to get any better here; with an extreme RIGHT that is hell bent on destroying our Democracy and literally tearing the Constitution apart. Although we may take control of the House and perhaps the Senate, the Radical Right and the Fascist Christians will still be here with their vile influence. This neo Fascism is spreading like a malignant cancer. Beware Canada.
riverbendviewgal
(4,252 posts)Same as Republicans. Ontario just voted in mini trump doug ford. So far trudeau is holding the federal reins. Harper tried to ruin our country. He still wants to.
qazplm135
(7,447 posts)a more civilized country instead?
rurallib
(62,373 posts)loved it.
I would move there in a second but Mrs. Lib said no.
Great people. Easy going and very kind.
joanbarnes
(1,721 posts)area51
(11,893 posts)"Contrary to popular rhetoric, healthcare in Canada is not free; it's funded through a combination of personal and corporate taxation. But as long as you have your health card, you don't have to pay for the most basic services, including doctor visits, ultrasounds, and hospital stays. (Well, unless you want a private room. That will cost extra.)"
Response to Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin (Original post)
geralmar This message was self-deleted by its author.
Novembrist
(35 posts)But I'll be damned before I leave my home because of Orange Cretin and his brood.