Jim Bentein
Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM
Post #4 of 11
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Rather Mexico than U.S.-Canada during a Depression
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Hola:
You wouldn't be finding the most liberal Canadians in Ajijic, would you? Most have gone non-resident for tax purposes (still Canadian citizens but don't pay taxes any longer in Canada, something Americans can't do). They leave and forget how they were able to amass enough money to begin with to retire (usually early) to Mexico. That's what we did (my wife and I did) and I will never forget how lucky we were to be born Canadians.Yes, it is socialistic, in some ways. No, that's not necessarily all bad. For instance, do they (and do you) prefer seeing beggers on the streets here, handicapped
people without any government programs to turn to and other general misery because there is no social safety net? I never begrudged paying taxes if they went to help those legitimately in need. However, this kinder society approach has been perhaps a little overdone in Canada, with our social welfare system often too generous and our hand outs to native people far beyond what they should be. Taxes are generally too high for this reason (although in Alberta, the oil-rich province I'm from, they're lower than taxes in many U.S. states). Our socialized health care system also is much criticised by Canada expats. Yes, it's much too bureaucratic. But it is clearly better than the alternative of no health care, which many poor people here in Mexico and the U.S. have to cope with. In fact, imagine your retirement years without having to worry about paying for private health care (were you still living in the U.S.)? Inefficiencies aside, that's the happy prospect all Canadians can look forward to. It's interesting that Canada's economy is now outperforming that of the U.S. and will (in my opinion) right through the upcoming second dip in the recession (and possibly a new Depressin, in my opinion). If unbridled U.S.-style, free enterprise is so wonderful, why is the U.S. economic model in such disarray now? I'd argue some government presence (and regulation) is preferable to letting the crooks on Wall Street run everything. Finally, do Canadians have a chip on their shoulders re. Americans?The answer, clearly is no. We have a strong love-hate relationship with them. How could we approach Americans any other way, given the influence you have had on us? But,like the Mexicans, we seek respect for our country and its institutions. We are your most important trading partner and, in many ways, your best friend. Too often we don't
find that among Americans - many of whom believe the sun rises and sets in Washington, D.C. and Wall Street. It has been setting more lately than rising and for that you must look to yourselves for the answers.
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