I'm losing respect and affection for this country

[fujiyama]

Ever since the election I've felt this way, and it's been getting worse and worse. This is really unfortunate, because while I always understood that this country had its faults, I figured that there was more good than bad. Inspite of its (oftentimes bloody) history, I felt this nation was trying to do what was right (well not Bush, but the people). I always felt the '00 election was fraudulent, but after I saw that a majority (yes, I felt he actually won as difficult as the thought is to comprehend) liked what was going on and wanted more, I lost any respect I had.

I know Bush's numbers are supposedly dropping but we also deluded ourselves here on DU that he'd lose big.

From whatever I've seen regarding the labor market, it doesn't seem all that impressive either. So I really don't know what my main motivation staying here would be other than making money (enough to just make ends meet that too - I'm not lookin for too much), which doesn't seem all that likely anyways.

Now as I am about to finish college, I really think I need to leave for a few years. Maybe I'll come back, grateful for something here (what I don't know)...or maybe not...

[izzie]

1. Travel may help. and it is good to see many sides of life.

Even if I do not like what this group in DC are doing and do not like all our history, like with the Indians, I still and always like much of my country. One thing we can plan on is things will always change,.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. after the election I turned and told my husband

I cannot live here anymore.. I want to move

His answer, I am not ready to give up on this coutry

Fine we stay, we fight... so we are...

[solinvictus]

3. I feel completely alienated...

the Bush Economic Miracle ain't happening, the country's as politically and socially divided, and there's no end in sight. My stepdad, who was in the Viet Nam war, said it's worse than the 1960's because all these veterans are coming home to a dead economy without a hope of a life sustaining job. He made the observation that in the 1960's, one could readily find work that would buy you a new car and a home. Now, such things are unthinkable unless you're willing to string yourself out in debt, only to have bankruptcy laws re-written against you.

[JohnnyRingo]

4. Political power swings like a pendulum

Once the momentum builds to the left, it may swing well past center.

Like you, I also encountered a lot more family and friends that approved of the current admin than I cared to believe.

I don't know how so many people can use the "9/11" excuse to advocate this "New America".

I say stay and ride it out...it will change.
Meanwhile, here's an "International salary calculator" to play with to entertain the alternative:

http://www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/intsalcalc.html

[huellewig]

5. If you can go then go..

Living in different culture (even for a month) can completely change your outlook on life. I did it and suggest that if you can you should go for it. Just avoid going to the food court at the local mall right after you get back. That fucked me over. Bigtime!

Oh shit: My keyboard is speckled in blood. I sliced my finger installing a new sound card for mom last night. The healing has broke. Lots o' blood.