FUN FIND and MEMORY

@georgeschire 

I have lived outside of the USA for more years than I can remember and there are many things about living overseas which are better than the US, such as the cost of healthcare, and if I were to share what I pay as a retiree for comprehensive healthcare, it would definitely be a shock to most of you.  I also like knowing that no matter what level of income a neighbor may have, he will get the same care as I, when he/she is in need.  The downside is German medicine is not the best, no matter what they tell the world, and their ranking in healthcare in the world is not even in the top ten - though the USA is not, either.  There is also a very close-minded approach to medicine, here, and if you question a doctor you will find they do not handle it well.  Younger doctors with whom I have communicated have shared their concerns about the stability of the system and whether or not it can survive in its current form - all of this without even considering the influx of 1.4 million persons who are unable to contribute to the system, but have full access, as well as monthly stipends. 

Germany is also a 'nanny' state and some of the rules are almost laughable, but they have to be followed.  Imagine not being able to give the finger to an errant driver, without receiving a summons from the local Police, and a fine.  This, in a country the US consulate will tell you has the highest rate of automobile accidents per capita of the entire EU.  This includes France and Italy, and anyone who has driven in either of those countries can get an idea of the driving 'expertise' of the German population.

There are pluses and minuses in every country, such as no fluoride in the water, over here, and clearly labeled food at the store (GMOs are not commonplace, here), but the defining one for me is we can freely choose to be what we want in the USA, whereas you must have the proper documents before you can have most jobs, in Germany.  I had a chuckle when I read on the USA Consulate website that you are expected to hold a door open for your boss and stand aside, if you reach it first, and nothing can be discussed in a meeting that was not listed on the agenda beforehand.  I thought it humorous, until I discovered the warnings had merit.  It turns out that folks are afraid of making a mistake, which is why it takes ages to get any company to make a decision, causing many salespeople to pull their hair out during a sales process.  When I walk into a shop, today, I no longer greet the shop owner with a 'Hello, how are you today,' after I learned this 'intimate' greeting was not welcome.  If you are seeking a friendly face in a German shop you will learn it is a crap-shoot and my partner and I sometimes make a one-euro bet before entering some establishments.

But, there are many positives, so I don't mean to portray this country in a mean way.  One just has to adapt to the culture.

The freedoms we have, as USA citizens, have an immeasurable value that can be best appreciated by spending time in other cultures, and it was the culture that prompted me to relocate to Europe.  My family emigrated to the USA in the early 17th Century ostensibly for the advantages it offered and I emigrated to Europe for the same reason.

As for cars, the only new car I bought (financed) for myself was a 1989 MBz 300E and when I realized I had lost nearly 14,000USD the moment I drove off the lot, I made the decision to never buy new, again.  Today, I still have the teal 1988 MBz 300TE I brought with me from the USA (rust-free California car) and it only gets about 300kms a year in driving time, so it is in very good condition.  After 23 years it has become part of my life.

@gdh 

Thank you for these interesting reflections on German and US cultures. I’m a Canadian who has travelled extensively and I have reached pretty much the same conclusions. All cultures have pluses and minuses. We adapt or move.

@david-green 

I agree, 'adapt or move' are the only intelligent options.

I had this discussion with a similarly disgruntled American today.

Ultimately I'm a 71 year old American who loves the experience of opportunity and extroverted friendliness (my husband and I have traveled to 43 states - 41 by car - and have had nothing but wonderful experiences, and we're an interracial gay couple).

As much as there is to be angry about here (at least for my half of the aisle), I'm glad we can be angry and express it. It might be better elsewhere, but I'd be a fish out of water there. Having traveled extensively to foreign places, I know this is true. American culture has imprinted me from the beginning.

I'd like to point out, that I'm neither a Democrat or Republican and never have been.  Both parties have their strong and weak ideals, some I can agree with and some I don't.  My only observation is that in the last decade, both parties have been divided and both changed in ways that our Forefathers would never have dreamed possible.  The values, morals, and just basic truths in the world have been forsaken for greed and power.  I personally believe that God and His word have been tossed to the winds.  I don't see this lack of walking in His way and words, being beneficial to any of us.  Evil more than ever has become dominant and accepted as okay and normal.  Judgement Day will not be fun.  *my personal opinion.  

As an historian, the truth is that we were lulled by the long period from FDR (eventually) to LBJ (initially) to think rancor was not part of our political history. Arguably this detente extended until the Reagan administration and beyond.

Far from the truth: the then elites who were Presidents thought Andrew Jackson would destroy our democracy, and pre-Lincoln Buchanan and post-Lincoln Johnson were similarly despised pre- and post- Civil War. Even the late 1890s and early 1900s were full of political animosity. After all, McKinley was assassinated.

So nothing new, but definitely worse than usual these days. We will move on...

Posted by: @ed-glorius

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As an historian, the truth is that we were lulled by the long period from FDR (eventually) to LBJ (initially) to think rancor was not part of our political history. Arguably this detente extended until the Reagan administration and beyond.

Far from the truth: the then elites who were Presidents thought Andrew Jackson would destroy our democracy, and pre-Lincoln Buchanan and post-Lincoln Johnson were similarly despised pre- and post- Civil War. Even the late 1890s and early 1900s were full of political animosity. After all, McKinley was assassinated.

So nothing new, but definitely worse than usual these days. We will move on...

Only if we survive the next three years.  Right now, it's a very small window of hope.  Then in the next election we need an INDEPENDENT to take the helm and bring back truth, values, morality, strong Biblical beliefs, and most of all common sense.  Our forefathers founded the country on "In God We Trust", we need to return to that ideal.  

There is no 'leader' in the free world I would wish the young among us to emulate, perhaps with the exception of Ms Giorgia Meloni, in Italy. Other than her, not one.  There is no less corruption and lunacy in the UK, or here in Germany, and don't get me started on the mini-Napoleon in France.  Nor would I commend any of the elected officials occupying positions of control in any country.  But, we are the ones who put them there, and our only options - in the words of David Green - are adapt or move.  If I were back in the USA, I would focus on the people who are bankrupting the country for several future generations - senators and congressmen/women.  I forget the name of the indigenous leader of a people in the USA who once shared that it was the responsibility of a chief to think ahead seven generations, when making any decision for his tribe.  We have never had this attitude among our leaders in the USA, or any Western European country and until we do it is highly likely we will continue to be in debt and discontent in the future. 

I would like to add a thought, for those opposed to ICE activities: I would not be allowed to live in Europe, without meeting several requirements.  If I was here illegally I would be packed on a plane faster than I could say 'Trump.'  I might also add we had a large surplus in Germany, a few short years ago, which has been wiped out entirely and all of our costs have gone up, to support the influx of those 1,4 million persons, mostly of military age, who contribute nothing, but feed at the community trough.  A friend of ours is part of the group interviewing these new arrivals to see what benefit they might provide for their new country and he shared with us the not-so-surprising reality that less than 1% have any useful skills.  In the meantime, we give them money, food, medical care and free transportation.  I just received a notice that my health insurance is going up substantially, and the message accompanying this notice let me know the reason why: too many new people and not enough people paying into the system.  It's simple math.

So, I will add another option to David's suggestion: when there is nothing you can do about a situation, buy another desired model for your collection.  That always warms the cockles of my heart... 

Whew, I'm not touching none of this political stuff. It detracts from the fun. It's best to put that aside as it's part of the division at best. There never has been, nor ever will be a politician everyone likes. That's the way its always been. But we all make it through by the grace of God. Be thankful that we do. Ultimately, He has control, and that's where my trust lies. Amen.

 Well, back to the cars and money. I guess I'm not in line with everyone. Turned 85 the 30th of December and in my lifetime, I have never owned a new car. Always bought secondhand cars never had a car payment. A few years ago, sold my truck and now drive my sons' beater car since moving in with him back in 2012 for health issues. Still no payment. Just pay him for the insurance for my part.

Posted by: @mopar-mr

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 Well, back to the cars and money. I guess I'm not in line with everyone. Turned 85 the 30th of December and in my lifetime, I have never owned a new car. Always bought secondhand cars never had a car payment. A few years ago, sold my truck and now drive my sons' beater car since moving in with him back in 2012 for health issues. Still no payment. Just pay him for the insurance for my part.

And I think you're a happy man at 85 Hollis.  Keep enjoying life!  

@georgeschire Good for you Hollis and thanks so much for all that you contribute!