Comments on: The Expat Life and Views on US Politics http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/ Rants from the Tropics Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:18:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: cj http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-10243 cj Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:00:53 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-10243 It's 7 months later and ALL has "changed" in the US I'm afraid ...and I'm not alone. I've been looking at CR for several months and you have the best site and I thank you for your honesty. I lived in Florida around 25 years...I've seen 1 snake and he was more afraid of me, no alligators. There are lizards but they eat Palmetto bugs so they are welcomed in my home...ants yes but I kill them (absoulutely no regrets) on the whole my home is almost bug proof. I moved to North Carolina and find tiny little spider and webs all over in an out of the house; I take them down spray white vinegar in all corners and most stay away for a short while (week or more) BUT if you miss a section they come back within a day....CR critters sound horrible as do people crossing streets...dangerous! So I'd definetly need track shoes and keep my eye exams up to date. I was looking to retire to CR... I'm on disability but after reading here, which is by far the best site for info, I do not qualify. Would income from a sale of a home with the money in a bank count towards retiring in CR? Of course that would mean to permantely rent... So, CR isn't for me..what a shame! I think many Americans want to leave now and more will later. It’s 7 months later and ALL has “changed” in the US I’m afraid …and I’m not alone.

I’ve been looking at CR for several months and you have the best site and I thank you for your honesty.
I lived in Florida around 25 years…I’ve seen 1 snake and he was more afraid of me, no alligators.
There are lizards but they eat Palmetto bugs so they are welcomed in my home…ants yes but I kill them (absoulutely no regrets) on the whole my home is almost bug proof.
I moved to North Carolina and find tiny little spider and webs all over in an out of the house; I take them down spray white vinegar in all corners and most stay away for a short while (week or more) BUT if you miss a section they come back within a day….CR critters sound horrible as do people crossing streets…dangerous! So I’d definetly need track shoes and keep my eye exams up to date.

I was looking to retire to CR… I’m on disability but after reading here, which is by far the best site for info, I do not qualify.

Would income from a sale of a home with the money in a bank count towards retiring in CR? Of course that would mean to permantely rent…
So, CR isn’t for me..what a shame! I think many Americans want to leave now and more will later.

]]> By: Jerrelli http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-8914 Jerrelli Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:49:44 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-8914 Very insightful look at the 2008 race! Since Bush stole 2 elections already (Fl fiasco in 2000 and Ohio fiasco in 2004) I figure it likely he did not do this out of a lack of desire to hold the office...Given the Constitution allows for a President to "suspend" the elections if we are at war (yeah, it IS true, read it and weep) and since we will always be at war while he tries to start a new one someplace else almost weekly...chances are he will suspend the elections, remain in power, pull Bin Laden out of his hat as a diversion with a long drawn out "trial" and then never reinstate free elections...so much for freedom. Do I recall correctly? Did we not impeach Nixon for lying to the American people? I dearly love my country, am a staunch patriot, did 2 tours in Viet Nam, and all that, but I fear my government.40 years ago every country loved the USA now nobody does at all...Politics and Government are killing us... (read that U.S.) Very insightful look at the 2008 race! Since Bush stole 2 elections already (Fl fiasco in 2000 and Ohio fiasco in 2004) I figure it likely he did not do this out of a lack of desire to hold the office…Given the Constitution allows for a President to “suspend” the elections if we are at war (yeah, it IS true, read it and weep) and since we will always be at war while he tries to start a new one someplace else almost weekly…chances are he will suspend the elections, remain in power, pull Bin Laden out of his hat as a diversion with a long drawn out “trial” and then never reinstate free elections…so much for freedom. Do I recall correctly? Did we not impeach Nixon for lying to the American people? I dearly love my country, am a staunch patriot, did 2 tours in Viet Nam, and all that, but I fear my government.40 years ago every country loved the USA now nobody does at all…Politics and Government are killing us… (read that U.S.)

]]> By: Tim http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-8860 Tim Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:15:17 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-8860 I suggest you first go to www.therealcostarica.com and read carefully the section on "Working in Costa Rica" Use search to find it. Second, I suggest you go to http://blog.therealcostarica.com select the category "moving to Costa Rica" and read that very very carefully. I suggest you first go to http://www.therealcostarica.com and read carefully the section on “Working in Costa Rica” Use search to find it.

Second, I suggest you go to http://blog.therealcostarica.com select the category “moving to Costa Rica” and read that very very carefully.

]]> By: Suyana http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-8855 Suyana Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:27:14 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-8855 Tim, You seem to have a bit of knowledge about which folks will do well moving down to Costa Rica. I'm curious to hear any suggestions you may have for us. My husband, one-year-old son and I may be moving to CR within a year or so. My husband is from Peru, moved to California with his entire family as a teenager. I was born and raised here. We're pretty unattached to the luxuries of city life and are looking to detach from all of the stress and materialism here in the states. We're both hard workers. But we feel we spend all of our time working and never get to "live". I work full-time as a Quality Analyst at a Hospital and he is a skilled Jeweler. We're not attached to our trades here. We've considered possibly opening a Peruvian Restaurant near the coast on the Caribbean side, or maybe opening a jewelry shop, also selling other art artifacts, clothing, etc. from all over Latin America. Still brainstorming here. Ideally we want for me to take care of my son at home or live above our business. Any suggestions for getting started? He of course is a native Spanish speaker, and I understand most Spanish, at least in context. I am actively learning. Thanks for any input. Tim, You seem to have a bit of knowledge about which folks will do well moving down to Costa Rica. I’m curious to hear any suggestions you may have for us. My husband, one-year-old son and I may be moving to CR within a year or so. My husband is from Peru, moved to California with his entire family as a teenager. I was born and raised here. We’re pretty unattached to the luxuries of city life and are looking to detach from all of the stress and materialism here in the states. We’re both hard workers. But we feel we spend all of our time working and never get to “live”. I work full-time as a Quality Analyst at a Hospital and he is a skilled Jeweler. We’re not attached to our trades here. We’ve considered possibly opening a Peruvian Restaurant near the coast on the Caribbean side, or maybe opening a jewelry shop, also selling other art artifacts, clothing, etc. from all over Latin America. Still brainstorming here. Ideally we want for me to take care of my son at home or live above our business. Any suggestions for getting started? He of course is a native Spanish speaker, and I understand most Spanish, at least in context. I am actively learning. Thanks for any input.

]]> By: Jon Graham http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-8814 Jon Graham Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:30:45 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-8814 Costa Rica is not the country it was 4 years ago when we moved to San Joaquin de Flores, Heredia. Prices for basic needs at the feria have gone up by leaps and bounds. Gas prices, like the rest of the world are climbing rapidly. My concern is that as the cost of living rejoins the marginally middle class to poverty, crime will continue to surge. We live in a nice neighborhood and have adjusted to having a community paid guard. That being said, we have not been robbed. I love so many things about Costa Rica from its friendly, good-looking people to charming customs, to an openness not usually seen in a 3rd world Catholic dominated country. Our local mini-super owner insists on shaking my hand daily and asking about my partner and our standard poodle. Maybe we are viewed as eccentic creatures, but we are welcomed. DO encourage people moving to learn basic conversational Spanish and then improve it. Your advice about renting first is excellent. We rented 6 months then bought and remodeled a house from top to bottom. Just finished the 2nd one in Rohrmoser and it was a challenge, but only small details remain. Keep up the good work and as a suggestion, update the feria prices as I bought french bread yesterday for 400 colones that I paid 250 colones for last year. Jon and Timo Montz-Graham Costa Rica is not the country it was 4 years ago when we moved to San Joaquin de Flores, Heredia. Prices for basic needs at the feria have gone up by leaps and bounds. Gas prices, like the rest of the world are climbing rapidly. My concern is that as the cost of living rejoins the marginally middle class to poverty, crime will continue to surge. We live in a nice neighborhood and have adjusted to having a community paid guard. That being said, we have not been robbed. I love so many things about Costa Rica from its friendly, good-looking people to charming customs, to an openness not usually seen in a 3rd world Catholic dominated country. Our local mini-super owner insists on shaking my hand daily and asking about my partner and our standard poodle. Maybe we are viewed as eccentic creatures, but we are welcomed. DO encourage people moving to learn basic conversational Spanish and then improve it. Your advice about renting first is excellent. We rented 6 months then bought and remodeled a house from top to bottom. Just finished the 2nd one in Rohrmoser and it was a challenge, but only small details remain. Keep up the good work and as a suggestion, update the feria prices as I bought french bread yesterday for 400 colones that I paid 250 colones for last year.
Jon and Timo Montz-Graham

]]> By: Tim http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-8707 Tim Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:58:10 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-8707 Well you and I agree on 5 of 7! Not bad. Still, Obama lost my vote when he said he would all but disband the military. That is the comment of someone totally out of touch with the reality in today's world. Maybe 30-40 years ago, I could have voted for a trainee... back when the world was much different. Back when I was an optimist and thought the President could do anything. Sadly, all has changed. I am way too old to believe that and too old to vote for a person whose naïveté could cause the country to be weakened irreparably. I also learned long ago not to vote for anyone either too far left or too far right, and they just don't get further left than Obama. Hell, he makes Ted Kennedy look like Ghengis Khan! However, as aid, we agree on 5 of 7 and you seem to at least have thought about your vote which places you miles ahead of the masses. Obama well may win. The mass media will see to that with lies and sound bites. The nitwits in Hollywood will use their star status and deep analytical minds to influence the hoi polloi :) Thanks for your comment. Well you and I agree on 5 of 7! Not bad.

Still, Obama lost my vote when he said he would all but disband the military. That is the comment of someone totally out of touch with the reality in today’s world. Maybe 30-40 years ago, I could have voted for a trainee… back when the world was much different. Back when I was an optimist and thought the President could do anything. Sadly, all has changed. I am way too old to believe that and too old to vote for a person whose naïveté could cause the country to be weakened irreparably. I also learned long ago not to vote for anyone either too far left or too far right, and they just don’t get further left than Obama. Hell, he makes Ted Kennedy look like Ghengis Khan!

However, as aid, we agree on 5 of 7 and you seem to at least have thought about your vote which places you miles ahead of the masses.

Obama well may win. The mass media will see to that with lies and sound bites. The nitwits in Hollywood will use their star status and deep analytical minds to influence the hoi polloi :)

Thanks for your comment.

]]> By: Robert http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-8705 Robert Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:08:46 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-8705 As you stated, each of us has our own agenda when it comes to politics and electing a politician. Mine is the Environment. After enduring the insanity of the last Bush and his adamant denial that Global Warming exists I have no faith in the Republican party. My vote will go to Obama. I'm not a straight party voter. I think I fall firmly in the crack between parties. Some of the issues that both parties hang their hats on are not important to me. I refuse to believe one party is more loved by God than the other. I refuse to let my Preacher tell me who to vote for. I know I do not think like the majority. I believe in the death penalty, I believe abortion should be legal, I believe in stem cell research, I could care less if people of the same sex are married, everyone should be allowed to carry guns. Welfare should have a time limit and be an aid only, not a lifestyle, people should be taxed based on what they use. (Why should I pay taxes for a road I never use?) My brother and I voted Libertarian one year, during the news we saw there were 2 votes for the Libertarian candidate. We made a difference. LOL. I loved Costa Rica when I was there in 1998. It was my favorite place to be. If I could work there I would move there for good. Just know I am envious of you. I enjoy your blog and your writing style. Keep it coming. As you stated, each of us has our own agenda when it comes to politics and electing a politician. Mine is the Environment. After enduring the insanity of the last Bush and his adamant denial that Global Warming exists I have no faith in the Republican party. My vote will go to Obama.

I’m not a straight party voter. I think I fall firmly in the crack between parties. Some of the issues that both parties hang their hats on are not important to me.

I refuse to believe one party is more loved by God than the other. I refuse to let my Preacher tell me who to vote for.

I know I do not think like the majority. I believe in the death penalty, I believe abortion should be legal, I believe in stem cell research, I could care less if people of the same sex are married, everyone should be allowed to carry guns. Welfare should have a time limit and be an aid only, not a lifestyle, people should be taxed based on what they use. (Why should I pay taxes for a road I never use?)

My brother and I voted Libertarian one year, during the news we saw there were 2 votes for the Libertarian candidate. We made a difference. LOL.

I loved Costa Rica when I was there in 1998. It was my favorite place to be. If I could work there I would move there for good. Just know I am envious of you.

I enjoy your blog and your writing style. Keep it coming.

]]> By: Tim http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-8367 Tim Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:34:14 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-8367 Just think with your big head and not the little one. You are traveling a very dangerous road. You are a target under the best conditions and most assuredly if you met via the Internet. Laws here are ALWAYS against the man or the visitor, especially where women are concerned. Use EXTREME caution. Meet only in public. NEVER ask her to live with you... oh hell, you won't pay any attention anyway... Good luck. Just think with your big head and not the little one. You are traveling a very dangerous road. You are a target under the best conditions and most assuredly if you met via the Internet. Laws here are ALWAYS against the man or the visitor, especially where women are concerned.

Use EXTREME caution. Meet only in public. NEVER ask her to live with you… oh hell, you won’t pay any attention anyway… Good luck.

]]> By: Leo in Las Vegas http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-8329 Leo in Las Vegas Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:38:31 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-8329 I am visiting Costa Rica for the first time in about 2 weeks to meet my girlfriend whom I met on an internet site and we have been commmunicating via snailmail and telephone since about mid December. I am 56 semi retired mortgage banker after 24 yrs with Bank of America. Every Tico/Tica I have met in Las Vegas have been extremely friendly genuine people. Any suggestions when I come to visit. By the way your posting on the politics was dead on. As I have gotten older I have become a Liberterian . Give less government! I wanting to retire to CR for my new girlfriend and a slower pace of life where there are still family values . I am visiting Costa Rica for the first time in about 2 weeks to meet my girlfriend whom I met on an internet site and we have been commmunicating via snailmail and telephone since about mid December. I am 56 semi retired mortgage banker after 24 yrs with Bank of America. Every Tico/Tica I have met in Las Vegas have been extremely friendly genuine people. Any suggestions when I come to visit. By the way your posting on the politics was dead on. As I have gotten older I have become a Liberterian . Give less government! I wanting to retire to CR for my new girlfriend and a slower pace of life where there are still family values .

]]> By: Jack http://www.hisfault.com/2008/03/25/the-expat-life-and-views-on-us-politics/comment-page-1/#comment-8296 Jack Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:44:31 +0000 http://www.hisfault.com/?p=222#comment-8296 Tim, Your piece is a good as it gets. Insightful, concise, perfect! You NAILED it! Thank you, thank you I trust you won't mind if I send the link to my friends. Tim,

Your piece is a good as it gets. Insightful, concise, perfect! You NAILED it!

Thank you, thank you

I trust you won’t mind if I send the link to my friends.

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