Hi Cara, Interesting narrative about the trip from New England down to the part of Mexico where you and your partner current reside. The sad part, is not the relocation , as people have traveled the earth throughout human history for various reasons and created new societies and civilizations in distant lands, but the reasons you state. I'd have to put the economic concern of affordability in home ownership first in this money-oriented, greed is good society in much of modern America, which, in my opinion started in the late 70's and took off in the early 80's with self-help books and lectures on "how to get rich in real estate or in purchasing foreclosures, or buying fixer-uppers and reselling them, etc." With it came massive rent increases in various parts of the nation, causing millions of Americans in relocating to affordable rural areas or to cheaper "cost of living" states. As for your political activities and concerns, our nation has been moving full speed ahead in the dark abyss of fascism (corporatism) and armed aggression against nations of the world who don't succumb to Uncle Sam's dictates and don't have the means to defend themselves against "the world's only super-bully!"
And yes, too many strip malls and big box stores saturate the land, from coast to coast, border to border, which, not surprisingly, our fellow citizens rather enjoy, because of product familiarity and name recognition. It is so different now, then it was in 1939, when the under-rated and prolific reader and writer from New York City, Henry Miller, took a three year road trip with a friend, starting in 1939, across the United States to see as much of America as they could, and meeting many people, some who became life-long friends. Miller wrote about the trip and all in "The Air-Conditioned Nightmare" one of my favorite Henry Miller books, a fascinating read, IMO.
Here in California, the newspapers have story after story about "affordable housing" (apartment rentals as well as home ownership) and list some of the reasons more folks are leaving the state then moving into it, plus the increasing "homeless population" and the incompetent politicians faux resolve in reducing it.
Maybe you both made a wise choice in expatriating yourselves, at least for the time being, or possibly permanently, but as long as you're comfortable, have pleasant surroundings and a decent roof over your head, food on the table, and more importantly, each other, what's not to like?
May you and your partner, both gifted writers we readers admire, blossom in the fullest and become healthier and happier in your new "Journey."
Thank you, Frank! In truth, we are extremely lucky to have been able to move to Mexico. Such a relocation takes resources many people don't have. I glanced out the kitchen window yesterday in time to see a brilliant yellow butterfly wiz past. It was a moment of delight and simple happiness. Also, I will be especially happy to be out of the country with another election cycle gearing up.
Hey Cara, the yellow butterfly might be a good omen. Yes, the election cycle? As Ralph Nader said it well during the 2000 election cycle: "they want you to vote for Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum, but NOT alternative parties to the (words to that effect) duopoly of Republicans and Democrats." As you know, Cara, they've become like Siamese Twins over the past 30 plus years. Imperial America can only threaten and sanction the world with their military might, with Joey Boy, our disingenuous POTUS in charge and , the war-mongers in the Pentagon, then military-industrial-surveillance complex, and the cabal of "international bankers" (behind the scenes, all in concert for their quest for world domination. Ain't gonna happen. The Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China won't make the same mistakes as Japan and Germany did in WW2.
More importantly, enjoy your lives south of the border. Time and Life are short, in the scheme of things, as you already know. Godspeed and may you both live happily ever after. Regards, Frank
Ah, Cara, your writing is always delightful even if it has opportunities for improvement. You are not political refugees. You are economic refugees.The US"s political system is nominally speaking a democracy but as we all know it is a oligarchy (or possibly worse, a plutocracy) but that's not what drove you and Patrick to Mexico. What drove you to Mexico was the US's economic system a relentless Darwinian capitalism (definition: if you're poor, it's your fault). It probably would have been better if you could have taken a little time heading souce of ze bordaire. I admit there's no hope heading south on I-95 through NY, NJ, and Maryland. But the route you took to the Devil's front porch shouldn't have been bad although there are sections of Mississippi that are really boring. Almost as bad as Wyoming. But it was your description of Monterrey that sparked my attention. I had a guy by the name of Ben Kershman working for me back in the early/mid 90s. He was always saying that our environmental regulations were an advantage. I was always saying Ben, you're crazier than a bed bug. Companies will simply go someplace that doesn't have those regulations. You make my point some thirty years later.
Finally, ...
If powerful men and women
could remain centered in the Tao,
all things would be in harmony.
The world would become a paradise.
All people would be at peace,
and the law would be written in their hearts.
Verily the Chinese are a wise race but when I read this all I could think of is this exchange between Philip II of Macedon and Sparta:
Losing patience, he sent the message:
If I invade Laconia, I shall turn you out.
The Spartan ephors again replied with a single word:
Hey, Jeff. Thanks for the comment. Insightful as always. Of course you are correct in your description of the economic system up north. But I wonder if you are splitting hairs, making a distinction between economic and political policies that doesn't exist. Political decisions and policies have economic impacts which are destroying the U.S. economy and the economic security of many of its citizens. So I stick with my assertion: I'm a political refugee which to my mind encompasses the economic realities.
Living here in Mexico has made me appreciate the environmental regulations up north. Without them the air, land, and water would be far more toxic than they are and the health of the citizenry even worse. NAFTA and the pursuit of globalization and neoliberalism were political decisions. It was not inevitable that American manufacturers would all move over seas. Other decisions could have been made to keep manufacturing in the U.S. Just because companies are always looking for ways to avoid regulation and maximize profit does mean that regulations are pointless. Far from it. I cannot sign on to your conclusions. Though I appreciate the point you make. Cheers, friend!
Hi Cara, Interesting narrative about the trip from New England down to the part of Mexico where you and your partner current reside. The sad part, is not the relocation , as people have traveled the earth throughout human history for various reasons and created new societies and civilizations in distant lands, but the reasons you state. I'd have to put the economic concern of affordability in home ownership first in this money-oriented, greed is good society in much of modern America, which, in my opinion started in the late 70's and took off in the early 80's with self-help books and lectures on "how to get rich in real estate or in purchasing foreclosures, or buying fixer-uppers and reselling them, etc." With it came massive rent increases in various parts of the nation, causing millions of Americans in relocating to affordable rural areas or to cheaper "cost of living" states. As for your political activities and concerns, our nation has been moving full speed ahead in the dark abyss of fascism (corporatism) and armed aggression against nations of the world who don't succumb to Uncle Sam's dictates and don't have the means to defend themselves against "the world's only super-bully!"
And yes, too many strip malls and big box stores saturate the land, from coast to coast, border to border, which, not surprisingly, our fellow citizens rather enjoy, because of product familiarity and name recognition. It is so different now, then it was in 1939, when the under-rated and prolific reader and writer from New York City, Henry Miller, took a three year road trip with a friend, starting in 1939, across the United States to see as much of America as they could, and meeting many people, some who became life-long friends. Miller wrote about the trip and all in "The Air-Conditioned Nightmare" one of my favorite Henry Miller books, a fascinating read, IMO.
Here in California, the newspapers have story after story about "affordable housing" (apartment rentals as well as home ownership) and list some of the reasons more folks are leaving the state then moving into it, plus the increasing "homeless population" and the incompetent politicians faux resolve in reducing it.
Maybe you both made a wise choice in expatriating yourselves, at least for the time being, or possibly permanently, but as long as you're comfortable, have pleasant surroundings and a decent roof over your head, food on the table, and more importantly, each other, what's not to like?
May you and your partner, both gifted writers we readers admire, blossom in the fullest and become healthier and happier in your new "Journey."
Thank you, Frank! In truth, we are extremely lucky to have been able to move to Mexico. Such a relocation takes resources many people don't have. I glanced out the kitchen window yesterday in time to see a brilliant yellow butterfly wiz past. It was a moment of delight and simple happiness. Also, I will be especially happy to be out of the country with another election cycle gearing up.
Hey Cara, the yellow butterfly might be a good omen. Yes, the election cycle? As Ralph Nader said it well during the 2000 election cycle: "they want you to vote for Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum, but NOT alternative parties to the (words to that effect) duopoly of Republicans and Democrats." As you know, Cara, they've become like Siamese Twins over the past 30 plus years. Imperial America can only threaten and sanction the world with their military might, with Joey Boy, our disingenuous POTUS in charge and , the war-mongers in the Pentagon, then military-industrial-surveillance complex, and the cabal of "international bankers" (behind the scenes, all in concert for their quest for world domination. Ain't gonna happen. The Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China won't make the same mistakes as Japan and Germany did in WW2.
More importantly, enjoy your lives south of the border. Time and Life are short, in the scheme of things, as you already know. Godspeed and may you both live happily ever after. Regards, Frank
Ah, Cara, your writing is always delightful even if it has opportunities for improvement. You are not political refugees. You are economic refugees.The US"s political system is nominally speaking a democracy but as we all know it is a oligarchy (or possibly worse, a plutocracy) but that's not what drove you and Patrick to Mexico. What drove you to Mexico was the US's economic system a relentless Darwinian capitalism (definition: if you're poor, it's your fault). It probably would have been better if you could have taken a little time heading souce of ze bordaire. I admit there's no hope heading south on I-95 through NY, NJ, and Maryland. But the route you took to the Devil's front porch shouldn't have been bad although there are sections of Mississippi that are really boring. Almost as bad as Wyoming. But it was your description of Monterrey that sparked my attention. I had a guy by the name of Ben Kershman working for me back in the early/mid 90s. He was always saying that our environmental regulations were an advantage. I was always saying Ben, you're crazier than a bed bug. Companies will simply go someplace that doesn't have those regulations. You make my point some thirty years later.
Finally, ...
If powerful men and women
could remain centered in the Tao,
all things would be in harmony.
The world would become a paradise.
All people would be at peace,
and the law would be written in their hearts.
Verily the Chinese are a wise race but when I read this all I could think of is this exchange between Philip II of Macedon and Sparta:
Losing patience, he sent the message:
If I invade Laconia, I shall turn you out.
The Spartan ephors again replied with a single word:
If.
Hey, Jeff. Thanks for the comment. Insightful as always. Of course you are correct in your description of the economic system up north. But I wonder if you are splitting hairs, making a distinction between economic and political policies that doesn't exist. Political decisions and policies have economic impacts which are destroying the U.S. economy and the economic security of many of its citizens. So I stick with my assertion: I'm a political refugee which to my mind encompasses the economic realities.
Living here in Mexico has made me appreciate the environmental regulations up north. Without them the air, land, and water would be far more toxic than they are and the health of the citizenry even worse. NAFTA and the pursuit of globalization and neoliberalism were political decisions. It was not inevitable that American manufacturers would all move over seas. Other decisions could have been made to keep manufacturing in the U.S. Just because companies are always looking for ways to avoid regulation and maximize profit does mean that regulations are pointless. Far from it. I cannot sign on to your conclusions. Though I appreciate the point you make. Cheers, friend!