Comments for Sovereign Man: Offshore Business, Global Opportunities, Freedom and Expat News http://www.sovereignman.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:30:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Young people: get ready to grab your ankles by Anonymous http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/young-people-get-ready-to-grab-your-ankles/comment-page-1/#comment-18077 Anonymous Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:30:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=3474#comment-18077 I was just in Chile for 10 days.  Our group attended a conference on sustainable urban development in Santiago for 5 days and then we spent a couple of days each at Santa Cruz in wine country and at Valparaiso on the Pacific coast.  One other day we spent hanging-out on the beach at Pichilemu too.  While not as hot as the Chinese economy, the Chilean economy is doing right well, and both Santiago and Valparaiso are modern, growing cities, and from what I hear the economy in Brazil is doing well too.  So, if you become fluent in Spanish (Chile) or in Portuguese (Brazil), you might not do too bad in either country if you have a college degree or you have experience as a winemaker, along with a few other fields too.  Here at home in the US, even though I did pretty well for quite a few years as an 18-wheel truck driver, after 33 years my eyesight started going bad and now I am working my way up from the bottom again in the field of urban transportation planning after finishing my BA degree, finally 36 years after I first started college.  While I never earned more than 40% of what my auto executive father with his high-end engineering degree earned, I still managed to live middle class as a trucker (Lorry driver to you Brits) too.  And, truck driving school doesn't cost anywhere near what college does these days either, and there are worse things that you could do with your time than be earning $50-60K US with full benefits driving a semi around the US too.   I was just in Chile for 10 days.  Our group attended a conference on sustainable urban development in Santiago for 5 days and then we spent a couple of days each at Santa Cruz in wine country and at Valparaiso on the Pacific coast.  One other day we spent hanging-out on the beach at Pichilemu too.  While not as hot as the Chinese economy, the Chilean economy is doing right well, and both Santiago and Valparaiso are modern, growing cities, and from what I hear the economy in Brazil is doing well too.  So, if you become fluent in Spanish (Chile) or in Portuguese (Brazil), you might not do too bad in either country if you have a college degree or you have experience as a winemaker, along with a few other fields too. 

Here at home in the US, even though I did pretty well for quite a few years as an 18-wheel truck driver, after 33 years my eyesight started going bad and now I am working my way up from the bottom again in the field of urban transportation planning after finishing my BA degree, finally 36 years after I first started college.  While I never earned more than 40% of what my auto executive father with his high-end engineering degree earned, I still managed to live middle class as a trucker (Lorry driver to you Brits) too.  And, truck driving school doesn’t cost anywhere near what college does these days either, and there are worse things that you could do with your time than be earning $50-60K US with full benefits driving a semi around the US too.  

]]> Comment on Google changes its privacy policy: Another reminder to use offshore email by Jones Tom http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/google-changes-its-privacy-policy-another-reminder-to-use-offshore-email/comment-page-1/#comment-18076 Jones Tom Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:09:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5992#comment-18076 Why is neomailbox a no go? And do you have alternatives? I get the feeling you know a lot about this stuff, and I'd like to chat w/you if possible... if only to exchange a few emails. Do you have an email address or some way to get a hold of you, please? I'm mostly interested in anonymous domain hosting -- avoiding namecheap/godaddy. Email is important too, as I want to get off Gmail ASAP. Thanks! Why is neomailbox a no go? And do you have alternatives?
I get the feeling you know a lot about this stuff, and I’d like to chat w/you if possible… if only to exchange a few emails. Do you have an email address or some way to get a hold of you, please? I’m mostly interested in anonymous domain hosting — avoiding namecheap/godaddy. Email is important too, as I want to get off Gmail ASAP.

Thanks!

]]> Comment on US Department of Labor now reduced to Soviet Propaganda Ministry by David Aguirre http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/fraud-alert-us-department-of-labor-now-reduced-to-soviet-propaganda-ministry/comment-page-1/#comment-18075 David Aguirre Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:24:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=6033#comment-18075 Hello Simon. I saw the Facebook share button until I clicked on the 'Add new comment' link. And I clicked on it because I was going to suggest that you make more visible the means of sharing your content. This article is so extremely important for people to read that immediately after I read it in my inbox, I came to your website to see if there was a way to share it on FB. And like I said above, I was not readily available. Just a small suggestion. Great article, by the way. 'Have you hit your breaking point yet?' Hello Simon. I saw the Facebook share button until I clicked on the ‘Add new comment’ link. And I clicked on it because I was going to suggest that you make more visible the means of sharing your content.

This article is so extremely important for people to read that immediately after I read it in my inbox, I came to your website to see if there was a way to share it on FB. And like I said above, I was not readily available. Just a small suggestion.

Great article, by the way. ‘Have you hit your breaking point yet?’

]]> Comment on US housing still weak. In other news, the sky is blue by Matthew Clapper http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/us-housing-still-weak-in-other-news-the-sky-is-blue/comment-page-1/#comment-18071 Matthew Clapper Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:59:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5986#comment-18071 TSA imputes the actions of one stupid nigerian teenager to the entire human population, defying 800 years of western jurisprudence, 3000 years of human understanding (as independent rational thinkers), not to mention the US Constitution.  Clearly they do, in fact, treat us all like terrorists.    If you mother was blown up on an airplane, it would most likely be a result of pilot error - the #1 cause of airplane fatalities.  Statistically, you will live thousands of lives and die thousands of deaths before ever meeting a bona fide terrorist.  We're fed up with TSA oppression to fuel your irrational terrorist hysterias.    Get a hobby.  Or a pet goat.  Or get a flashlight and fret over the boogeyman in your closet.  Just leave the rest of us alone.  TSA imputes the actions of one stupid nigerian teenager to the entire human population, defying 800 years of western jurisprudence, 3000 years of human understanding (as independent rational thinkers), not to mention the US Constitution.  Clearly they do, in fact, treat us all like terrorists. 
 
If you mother was blown up on an airplane, it would most likely be a result of pilot error – the #1 cause of airplane fatalities.  Statistically, you will live thousands of lives and die thousands of deaths before ever meeting a bona fide terrorist.  We’re fed up with TSA oppression to fuel your irrational terrorist hysterias. 
 
Get a hobby.  Or a pet goat.  Or get a flashlight and fret over the boogeyman in your closet.  Just leave the rest of us alone. 

]]> Comment on Google changes its privacy policy: Another reminder to use offshore email by michael lockyear http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/google-changes-its-privacy-policy-another-reminder-to-use-offshore-email/comment-page-1/#comment-18069 michael lockyear Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:59:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5992#comment-18069 How many of these offer SSL?  Without SSL your communications are easily intercepted.  Logs?  If your emails are so secretive that logs are a problem you should not use email! A provider that does no logging /monitoring will be overrun with spammers! As for multi-flagged operations...this may be great for the operators but does not mean enhanced security for the users.  (It probably means that the servers are not in the physical control of the operators...) You could of course run your own email server in the basement... whether or not that increases your security or decreases would depend on your expertise.    How many of these offer SSL?  Without SSL your communications are easily intercepted. 

Logs?  If your emails are so secretive that logs are a problem you should not use email! A provider that does no logging /monitoring will be overrun with spammers!

As for multi-flagged operations…this may be great for the operators but does not mean enhanced security for the users.  (It probably means that the servers are not in the physical control of the operators…)

You could of course run your own email server in the basement… whether or not that increases your security or decreases would depend on your expertise. 
 

]]> Comment on A sustainable community in Panama by Christopher Graham Hurrell http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/a-sustainable-community-in-panama/comment-page-1/#comment-18062 Christopher Graham Hurrell Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:31:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=1217#comment-18062 please get in touch with me: chris AT majesticweb DOT org  I would like to discuss the possibility of a sustainable community in Panama. Chris please get in touch with me: chris AT majesticweb DOT org 

I would like to discuss the possibility of a sustainable community in Panama. Chris

]]> Comment on Is the Iraqi dinar for real? Find out for yourself… by Joe Johnson http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/is-the-iraqi-dinar-for-real-find-out-for-yourself/comment-page-1/#comment-18061 Joe Johnson Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:50:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=6019#comment-18061 The dinar is an interesting issue that I've studied a bit, but still find somewhat elusive. There are those who say it'll be like Kuwait, when they revalued. But Kuwait was different. Most of the sites are full of hype, some of them claiming it'll revalue at astounding rates, pegged to the pound and other exciting and yet unrealistic sensationalism. There are a few who say it could revalue at parity with the US$. But, as Simon says (no pun intended), there are concerns here. One, is it true? Can't answer that one. Two, will they devalue first? There is much talk of removing three zeroes. And, there is even more discussion about what that would mean (the CBI website has some info on this, but it's hard to grasp). Another consideration is cost. If someone offers you 3m dinars for $4k, tell them you have a bridge to sell them for their dinars. It's too much. The exchange rate is around $1170/million dinars. I've picked up a few and sometimes sell them for a little more in smaller quantities, but you can find resources as well. I think eBay would even be better than the quote Mark received. Finally, it's a foreign exchange transaction. There are always risks inherent in such actions. And there are potential gains. There are some interesting developments in Iraq that could result in a stronger economy. But it's an unstable area, so who knows? The dollar is being systematically destroyed by fiscal policy.  Whether it's Mongolian tugriks, Iraqi dinars, euros, yen or dollars, whatever you have is a position. I've chosen to take a small position in dinars. I sell some every now and then, taking a small profit. And, if nothing else happens, I expect that I'll likely be able to cash them in any time and lose nothing. Having said that, I have a whole lot more confidence in my shiny stuff. The dinar is an interesting issue that I’ve studied a bit, but still find somewhat elusive. There are those who say it’ll be like Kuwait, when they revalued. But Kuwait was different.
Most of the sites are full of hype, some of them claiming it’ll revalue at astounding rates, pegged to the pound and other exciting and yet unrealistic sensationalism.
There are a few who say it could revalue at parity with the US$. But, as Simon says (no pun intended), there are concerns here. One, is it true? Can’t answer that one. Two, will they devalue first? There is much talk of removing three zeroes. And, there is even more discussion about what that would mean (the CBI website has some info on this, but it’s hard to grasp).
Another consideration is cost. If someone offers you 3m dinars for $4k, tell them you have a bridge to sell them for their dinars. It’s too much. The exchange rate is around $1170/million dinars. I’ve picked up a few and sometimes sell them for a little more in smaller quantities, but you can find resources as well. I think eBay would even be better than the quote Mark received.
Finally, it’s a foreign exchange transaction. There are always risks inherent in such actions. And there are potential gains. There are some interesting developments in Iraq that could result in a stronger economy. But it’s an unstable area, so who knows? The dollar is being systematically destroyed by fiscal policy. 
Whether it’s Mongolian tugriks, Iraqi dinars, euros, yen or dollars, whatever you have is a position. I’ve chosen to take a small position in dinars. I sell some every now and then, taking a small profit. And, if nothing else happens, I expect that I’ll likely be able to cash them in any time and lose nothing.
Having said that, I have a whole lot more confidence in my shiny stuff.

]]> Comment on Is the Iraqi dinar for real? Find out for yourself… by Joe Johnson http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/is-the-iraqi-dinar-for-real-find-out-for-yourself/comment-page-1/#comment-18060 Joe Johnson Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:50:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=6019#comment-18060 The dinar is an interesting issue that I've studied a bit, but still find somewhat elusive. There are those who say it'll be like Kuwait, when they revalued. But Kuwait was different. Most of the sites are full of hype, some of them claiming it'll revalue at astounding rates, pegged to the pound and other exciting and yet unrealistic sensationalism. There are a few who say it could revalue at parity with the US$. But, as Simon says (no pun intended), there are concerns here. One, is it true? Can't answer that one. Two, will they devalue first? There is much talk of removing three zeroes. And, there is even more discussion about what that would mean (the CBI website has some info on this, but it's hard to grasp). Another consideration is cost. If someone offers you 3m dinars for $4k, tell them you have a bridge to sell them for their dinars. It's too much. The exchange rate is around $1170/million dinars. I've picked up a few and sometimes sell them for a little more in smaller quantities, but you can find resources as well. I think eBay would even be better than the quote Mark received. Finally, it's a foreign exchange transaction. There are always risks inherent in such actions. And there are potential gains. There are some interesting developments in Iraq that could result in a stronger economy. But it's an unstable area, so who knows? The dollar is being systematically destroyed by fiscal policy.  Whether it's Mongolian tugriks, Iraqi dinars, euros, yen or dollars, whatever you have is a position. I've chosen to take a small position in dinars. I sell some every now and then, taking a small profit. And, if nothing else happens, I expect that I'll likely be able to cash them in any time and lose nothing. Having said that, I have a whole lot more confidence in my shiny stuff. The dinar is an interesting issue that I’ve studied a bit, but still find somewhat elusive. There are those who say it’ll be like Kuwait, when they revalued. But Kuwait was different.
Most of the sites are full of hype, some of them claiming it’ll revalue at astounding rates, pegged to the pound and other exciting and yet unrealistic sensationalism.
There are a few who say it could revalue at parity with the US$. But, as Simon says (no pun intended), there are concerns here. One, is it true? Can’t answer that one. Two, will they devalue first? There is much talk of removing three zeroes. And, there is even more discussion about what that would mean (the CBI website has some info on this, but it’s hard to grasp).
Another consideration is cost. If someone offers you 3m dinars for $4k, tell them you have a bridge to sell them for their dinars. It’s too much. The exchange rate is around $1170/million dinars. I’ve picked up a few and sometimes sell them for a little more in smaller quantities, but you can find resources as well. I think eBay would even be better than the quote Mark received.
Finally, it’s a foreign exchange transaction. There are always risks inherent in such actions. And there are potential gains. There are some interesting developments in Iraq that could result in a stronger economy. But it’s an unstable area, so who knows? The dollar is being systematically destroyed by fiscal policy. 
Whether it’s Mongolian tugriks, Iraqi dinars, euros, yen or dollars, whatever you have is a position. I’ve chosen to take a small position in dinars. I sell some every now and then, taking a small profit. And, if nothing else happens, I expect that I’ll likely be able to cash them in any time and lose nothing.
Having said that, I have a whole lot more confidence in my shiny stuff.

]]> Comment on Google changes its privacy policy: Another reminder to use offshore email by b1313536 http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/google-changes-its-privacy-policy-another-reminder-to-use-offshore-email/comment-page-1/#comment-18059 b1313536 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:17:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5992#comment-18059 Well that was fun while it lasted, but looks like neomailbox is a no go. Let's see if runbox keeps any logs. Logs We maintain logs of your email traffic for 7 days for performance analysis and abuse prevention. Your IP address is anonymized before any information is saved to the logs. Anonymous surfing logs are deleted every 10 minutes. Limitations The abuse of our mail servers or of the service for the purpose of sending unsolicited junk mail, or for any fraudulent or criminal activity, will invalidate all privacy guarantees for the account(s) concerned. Well that was fun while it lasted, but looks like neomailbox is a no go. Let’s see if runbox keeps any logs.

Logs

We maintain logs of your email traffic for 7 days for performance
analysis and abuse prevention. Your IP address is anonymized before any
information is saved to the logs. Anonymous surfing logs are deleted
every 10 minutes.

Limitations

The abuse of our mail servers or of the service for the purpose of
sending unsolicited junk mail, or for any fraudulent or criminal
activity, will invalidate all privacy guarantees for the account(s)
concerned.

]]> Comment on Why you need an offshore email account by Anonymous http://www.sovereignman.com/personal-privacy/why-you-want-an-offshore-email-account/comment-page-1/#comment-18057 Anonymous Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:24:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=715#comment-18057 There is very little that Uncle Sam can't decypher.  Believe me.  I know. There is very little that Uncle Sam can’t decypher.  Believe me.  I know.

]]> Comment on Why you need an offshore email account by Anonymous http://www.sovereignman.com/personal-privacy/why-you-want-an-offshore-email-account/comment-page-1/#comment-18056 Anonymous Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:24:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=715#comment-18056 There is very little that Uncle Sam can't decypher.  Believe me.  I know. There is very little that Uncle Sam can’t decypher.  Believe me.  I know.

]]> Comment on Google changes its privacy policy: Another reminder to use offshore email by Guest http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/google-changes-its-privacy-policy-another-reminder-to-use-offshore-email/comment-page-1/#comment-18053 Guest Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:53:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5992#comment-18053 Screw Google, and the horse they rode in on. Use Startpage -- https://startpage.com/ -- for searching, and ixquick to access results via proxy. Their policy is: "When you search with Startpage, we remove all identifying information from your query and submit it anonymously to Google ourselves. We get the results and return them to you in total privacy. "Your IP address is never recorded, your visit is not logged, and no tracking cookies are placed on your browser. When it comes to protecting your privacy, Startpage runs the tightest ship on the Internet. Our outstanding privacy policy and thoughtful engineering give you great search results in total anonymity." Screw Google, and the horse they rode in on. Use Startpage — https://startpage.com/ — for searching, and ixquick to access results via proxy.

Their policy is:

“When you search with Startpage, we remove all identifying information
from your query and submit it anonymously to Google ourselves. We get
the results and return them to you in total privacy.

“Your IP
address is never recorded, your visit is not logged, and no tracking
cookies are placed on your browser. When it comes to protecting your
privacy, Startpage runs the tightest ship on the Internet. Our
outstanding privacy policy and thoughtful engineering give you great
search results in total anonymity.”

]]> Comment on Google changes its privacy policy: Another reminder to use offshore email by Paul http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/google-changes-its-privacy-policy-another-reminder-to-use-offshore-email/comment-page-1/#comment-18052 Paul Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:48:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5992#comment-18052 Is a Switzerland-based company really a good idea considering the bank account information handover? Should an offshore email account be paid for from an offshore bank account? Is a Switzerland-based company really a good idea considering the bank account information handover? Should an offshore email account be paid for from an offshore bank account?

]]> Comment on Google changes its privacy policy: Another reminder to use offshore email by Atlas1 http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/google-changes-its-privacy-policy-another-reminder-to-use-offshore-email/comment-page-1/#comment-18051 Atlas1 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:38:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5992#comment-18051 I have been a SwissMail user for over a year and have been perfectly pleased with their service. I am also now a customer of one of the new kids on the privacy block, JumpMail. I cannot speak highly enough about JumpMail from JumpShipServices.co JumpMail was designed from the ground up to be a multi-flagged service. Their domain is registered in one jurisdiction, their website is hosted in another, their servers are located in another, and their security certificates are issued in another. These guys are the real deal. I have no ties to either of these companies other than being a very satisfied customer of both. I maintain two distinct email address from these providers, one for email newsletter sign-ups and memberships, and the other for personal correspondence. One of the single best things you can do for your personal privacy is to move your email offshore, and for as cheap as these services are, there's no reason in the world not to do it. I think for my two different accounts I pay about $200/yr for everything. Make the jump! -Jason I have been a SwissMail user for over a year and have been perfectly pleased with their service. I am also now a customer of one of the new kids on the privacy block, JumpMail. I cannot speak highly enough about JumpMail from JumpShipServices.co

JumpMail was designed from the ground up to be a multi-flagged service. Their domain is registered in one jurisdiction, their website is hosted in another, their servers are located in another, and their security certificates are issued in another.

These guys are the real deal.

I have no ties to either of these companies other than being a very satisfied customer of both. I maintain two distinct email address from these providers, one for email newsletter sign-ups and memberships, and the other for personal correspondence.

One of the single best things you can do for your personal privacy is to move your email offshore, and for as cheap as these services are, there’s no reason in the world not to do it. I think for my two different accounts I pay about $200/yr for everything.

Make the jump!

-Jason

]]> Comment on Google changes its privacy policy: Another reminder to use offshore email by Steven http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/google-changes-its-privacy-policy-another-reminder-to-use-offshore-email/comment-page-1/#comment-18050 Steven Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:28:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5992#comment-18050 Another option for those who love the easy to use but notoriously insecure, Dropbox, service is.... http://wuala.com/ It's almost as easy for mac users.  It just doesn't run "always" you have to start their program before your dropbox appears in your files. There are some others I haven't used that also offer more secure cloud storage. Another option for those who love the easy to use but notoriously insecure, Dropbox, service is…. http://wuala.com/

It’s almost as easy for mac users.  It just doesn’t run “always” you have to start their program before your dropbox appears in your files.

There are some others I haven’t used that also offer more secure cloud storage.

]]> Comment on Google changes its privacy policy: Another reminder to use offshore email by Mike Key http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/google-changes-its-privacy-policy-another-reminder-to-use-offshore-email/comment-page-1/#comment-18049 Mike Key Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:23:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5992#comment-18049 Any recommendations for professionals who also need VPS hosting that is not located in the United States? Any recommendations for professionals who also need VPS hosting that is not located in the United States?

]]> Comment on The 7 expat categories by Bill http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/the-7-expat-categories/comment-page-1/#comment-18048 Bill Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:42:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=451#comment-18048 I,m somewhere between Retiree and Prepper I,m somewhere between Retiree and Prepper

]]> Comment on Storing gold in Austria by JLouisBiz http://www.sovereignman.com/finance/storing-gold-in-austria/comment-page-1/#comment-18047 JLouisBiz Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:43:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=314#comment-18047 That is true, I agree with the keeping the gold close to the hands of relatives. Only that must be really secret place, and not buried in the garden or on the land where someone with a metal detector may find it. That is true, I agree with the keeping the gold close to the hands of relatives. Only that must be really secret place, and not buried in the garden or on the land where someone with a metal detector may find it.

]]> Comment on Storing gold in Austria by JLouisBiz http://www.sovereignman.com/finance/storing-gold-in-austria/comment-page-1/#comment-18046 JLouisBiz Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:41:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=314#comment-18046 That is an excellent article. Austria is perfect for anonymous gold buying. One may buy up to €15,000 or about $19,000 per purchase gold without questions and without ID asked. We assist our clients purchase gold anonymously in Austria.  That is an excellent article. Austria is perfect for anonymous gold buying. One may buy up to €15,000 or about $19,000 per purchase gold without questions and without ID asked. We assist our clients purchase gold anonymously in Austria. 

]]> Comment on US government more threatening than Hitler to this Swiss Bank by steve ward http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/us-government-more-threatening-than-hitler-to-this-swiss-bank/comment-page-1/#comment-18042 steve ward Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:21:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5983#comment-18042 I'm so glad my boiling point was awhile back I dont know what the usa government thinks it doing but it sounds more and more like a bully and a bunch of Nazi's.  I'm afraid that where going to have another civil war, I wonder if this is tied to the fact that both political parties are getting desperate because they are loosing power? I’m so glad my boiling point was awhile back I dont know what the usa government thinks it doing but it sounds more and more like a bully and a bunch of Nazi’s. 

I’m afraid that where going to have another civil war, I wonder if this is tied to the fact that both political parties are getting desperate because they are loosing power?

]]> Comment on Kazakhstan adds to its gold reserves. Very nice! by Hiday_happy http://www.sovereignman.com/finance/kazakhstan-adds-to-its-gold-reserves-very-nice/comment-page-1/#comment-18041 Hiday_happy Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:51:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5979#comment-18041  ohh..im remeber the past cz i will never meet my friend again...  ohh..im remeber the past cz i will never meet my friend again…

]]> Comment on The 7 expat categories by Bill http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/the-7-expat-categories/comment-page-1/#comment-18040 Bill Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=451#comment-18040 I'm a Prepper, hanging on my retirement income, which is not as rich as I would like, made a few mistakes in life. I’m a Prepper, hanging on my retirement income, which is not as rich as I would like, made a few mistakes in life.

]]> Comment on US government more threatening than Hitler to this Swiss Bank by StuckInUK4Now http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/us-government-more-threatening-than-hitler-to-this-swiss-bank/comment-page-1/#comment-18039 StuckInUK4Now Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:33:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5983#comment-18039 If you've read Neil Strauss's 'Emergency', you'll remember that he found the banks (who rejected him as a US citizen) were happy to do business once he had a St Kitts passport to show them. However, you can't get over the fact that any legal passport will show your birthplace - and if that's in the USA, don't make any long-term plans for the account once Big Brother figures out that people are using second citizenship passports to open accounts. You can't change your place of birth - but if you have yet to have kids, consider doing them the favour of having them born someplace else... If you’ve read Neil Strauss’s ‘Emergency’, you’ll remember that he found the banks (who rejected him as a US citizen) were happy to do business once he had a St Kitts passport to show them.

However, you can’t get over the fact that any legal passport will show your birthplace – and if that’s in the USA, don’t make any long-term plans for the account once Big Brother figures out that people are using second citizenship passports to open accounts.

You can’t change your place of birth – but if you have yet to have kids, consider doing them the favour of having them born someplace else…

]]> Comment on The 7 expat categories by Gale http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/the-7-expat-categories/comment-page-1/#comment-18038 Gale Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:31:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=451#comment-18038 I more less fit into two catagories.   I was reared to be a prepper just like my folks learning great lessons from the great depression.  I also have a pioneering spirit with a a bachelors and Masters both in Sociology with an emphasis on early and pre-historic cultures.  I more less fit into two catagories.   I was reared to be a prepper just like my folks learning great lessons from the great depression.  I also have a pioneering spirit with a a bachelors and Masters both in Sociology with an emphasis on early and pre-historic cultures. 

]]> Comment on US government more threatening than Hitler to this Swiss Bank by BladeMcCool http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/us-government-more-threatening-than-hitler-to-this-swiss-bank/comment-page-1/#comment-18037 BladeMcCool Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:58:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5983#comment-18037 Nation States: A quaint notion in an era of Crypto-Anarchy that has left them behind. Nation States: A quaint notion in an era of Crypto-Anarchy that has left them behind.

]]> Comment on US government more threatening than Hitler to this Swiss Bank by Richard Penney http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/us-government-more-threatening-than-hitler-to-this-swiss-bank/comment-page-1/#comment-18036 Richard Penney Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:23:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5983#comment-18036 Governments: Making the simple complicated since forever. Governments: Making the simple complicated since forever.

]]> Comment on US government more threatening than Hitler to this Swiss Bank by Guest http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/us-government-more-threatening-than-hitler-to-this-swiss-bank/comment-page-1/#comment-18035 Guest Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:46:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5983#comment-18035 Uncle Sam is beating the drum. I wonder if they're going to start calling people who have foreign bank accounts terrorists? That seems like the next logical step for them. It's not like anyone is doing anything wrong. If you've been reading Simon or other people in his space regularly, then you know that it has nothing to do with being 'unpatriotic' or 'terrorist'. It's simply a way to mitigate your risk. Unfortunately, they don't see it that way. SMH. Uncle Sam is beating the drum. I wonder if they’re going to start calling people who have foreign bank accounts terrorists? That seems like the next logical step for them.

It’s not like anyone is doing anything wrong. If you’ve been reading Simon or other people in his space regularly, then you know that it has nothing to do with being ‘unpatriotic’ or ‘terrorist’. It’s simply a way to mitigate your risk.

Unfortunately, they don’t see it that way. SMH.

]]> Comment on US government more threatening than Hitler to this Swiss Bank by John Conners http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/us-government-more-threatening-than-hitler-to-this-swiss-bank/comment-page-1/#comment-18034 John Conners Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:25:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5983#comment-18034 You've recommended opening up a foreign bank account in places such as Singapore and the Bahamas.  If someone has dual citizenship, is there a benefit to opening the account using the foreign passport (i.e., using your Western European identify)?  Of course, I appreciate that all the required US tax reporting would still need to be filed each year. You’ve recommended opening up a foreign bank account in places such as Singapore and the Bahamas.  If someone has dual citizenship, is there a benefit to opening the account using the foreign passport (i.e., using your Western European identify)?  Of course, I appreciate that all the required US tax reporting would still need to be filed each year.

]]> Comment on How to help your friends and family see the truth by n1ghthawk75 http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/how-to-talk-to-friends-and-family/comment-page-1/#comment-18033 n1ghthawk75 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:59:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=3487#comment-18033 Stansbury's audio presentations are looooooooonng with no way to see how long they are.. they go on forever... Stansbury’s audio presentations are looooooooonng with no way to see how long they are.. they go on forever…

]]> Comment on Facts and Myths about Renunciation of US Citizenship by Softbank http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/facts-and-myths-about-renunciation-of-us-citizenship/comment-page-1/#comment-18032 Softbank Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=1977#comment-18032 One problem not mentioned about the US taxation of its overseas citizens is retirement. In the country where I live, you get a very large lump sum when you retire, and then a very small monthly pension. In my case, because I have lived here only 20 years, my lump sum will "only" be the equivalent of two years' salary. In this country, that is totally tax free, but to the American IRS it's income. So in my retirement year I will get that 2 years' salary + my normal salary + a very large tax bill from Uncle Sam. But no US social security (fair enough, I didn't work there) or anything else to compensate them for the bite they want. Throwing away the passport is the only way for me to have enough money for a decent retirement. One problem not mentioned about the US taxation of its overseas citizens is retirement. In the country where I live, you get a very large lump sum when you retire, and then a very small monthly pension. In my case, because I have lived here only 20 years, my lump sum will “only” be the equivalent of two years’ salary. In this country, that is totally tax free, but to the American IRS it’s income. So in my retirement year I will get that 2 years’ salary + my normal salary + a very large tax bill from Uncle Sam. But no US social security (fair enough, I didn’t work there) or anything else to compensate them for the bite they want. Throwing away the passport is the only way for me to have enough money for a decent retirement.

]]> Comment on Destroying America, bill by bill by Hiday_happy http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/destroying-america-bill-by-bill/comment-page-1/#comment-18031 Hiday_happy Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:04:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5946#comment-18031 i didnt tell my mother about that im afraid if she angry at me..hey urbivalist you fuck!! i didnt tell my mother about that im afraid if she angry at me..hey urbivalist you fuck!!

]]> Comment on How bankrupt governments will confiscate your gold by Ron Paul Hemp http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/gold-confiscation/comment-page-1/#comment-18030 Ron Paul Hemp Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:47:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5472#comment-18030 Ron Paul - Sound Money in 2012! Ron Paul – Sound Money in 2012!

]]> Comment on Destroying America, bill by bill by Urbivalist Dan http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/destroying-america-bill-by-bill/comment-page-1/#comment-18029 Urbivalist Dan Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:46:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5946#comment-18029 Simon,  I know you rarely moderate and/or answer questions in the comments, but I'm going to ask anyway--are you a U.S. Citizen?  If you're not now, have you ever been?  Your "About Me" page says that you are a PT, but I'm interested in hearing if you went through a formal renunciation process.  Love to hear more about your experience if you have, or if you haven't, why you haven't.  Simon, 

I know you rarely moderate and/or answer questions in the comments, but I’m going to ask anyway–are you a U.S. Citizen? 

If you’re not now, have you ever been? 

Your “About Me” page says that you are a PT, but I’m interested in hearing if you went through a formal renunciation process. 

Love to hear more about your experience if you have, or if you haven’t, why you haven’t. 

]]> Comment on Kazakhstan adds to its gold reserves. Very nice! by Anonymous http://www.sovereignman.com/finance/kazakhstan-adds-to-its-gold-reserves-very-nice/comment-page-1/#comment-18027 Anonymous Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:35:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5979#comment-18027 I've been heavily invested in gold since 2003, and so confirmation bias draws me to this article. But is now being in the same camp as the Kazakh and Mongolian central bankers really a good thing, or a warning? I've spent a lot of time in Mongolia and love the place, but they're very much feeling their way towards a modern economy, and have little experience. I suspect Kazahkstan is rather the same. I’ve been heavily invested in gold since 2003, and so confirmation bias draws me to this article. But is now being in the same camp as the Kazakh and Mongolian central bankers really a good thing, or a warning? I’ve spent a lot of time in Mongolia and love the place, but they’re very much feeling their way towards a modern economy, and have little experience. I suspect Kazahkstan is rather the same.

]]> Comment on Kazakhstan adds to its gold reserves. Very nice! by Eamon http://www.sovereignman.com/finance/kazakhstan-adds-to-its-gold-reserves-very-nice/comment-page-1/#comment-18025 Eamon Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:24:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5979#comment-18025 Unless they took delivery upon purchase and are storing it in places they control, the jury is still out on whether or not they will be able to obtain what they just bought. Unless and until you possess the hard metal, you only own (potentially-worthless) paper. Godspeed. Unless they took delivery upon purchase and are storing it in places they control, the jury is still out on whether or not they will be able to obtain what they just bought. Unless and until you possess the hard metal, you only own (potentially-worthless) paper. Godspeed.

]]> Comment on How to tell you’re living in the wrong country by Patrick McDonald http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/how-to-tell-youre-living-in-the-wrong-country/comment-page-1/#comment-18024 Patrick McDonald Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:12:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5962#comment-18024 i do not fly. i have dignity. i do not fly. i have dignity.

]]> Comment on Do as I say, not as I do… by Anonymous http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-18023 Anonymous Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:46:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5975#comment-18023 Excellent piece.  If that was all there was to it everyone would be doing it but I bet you a dollar to a doughnut that the politicians that created the mess got booted out of office and were totally discredited.  Since politicians only care about themselves and not about the people this must be the sole reason other countries don't bite the bullet. Excellent piece.  If that was all there was to it everyone would be doing it but I bet you a dollar to a doughnut that the politicians that created the mess got booted out of office and were totally discredited. 

Since politicians only care about themselves and not about the people this must be the sole reason other countries don’t bite the bullet.

]]> Comment on How to tell you’re living in the wrong country by Anonymous http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/how-to-tell-youre-living-in-the-wrong-country/comment-page-1/#comment-18021 Anonymous Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:56:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5962#comment-18021 The government of this once great United States of America is so corrupt that it makes me sick to my stomach! Our elected officials who "swore" to protect this country have no "stones." The government of this once great United States of America is so corrupt that it makes me sick to my stomach! Our elected officials who “swore” to protect this country have no “stones.”

]]> Comment on Facts and Myths about Renunciation of US Citizenship by Kevin Niicole Horton http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/facts-and-myths-about-renunciation-of-us-citizenship/comment-page-1/#comment-18020 Kevin Niicole Horton Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:29:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=1977#comment-18020 you have to leave the USA to renounce your citizenship. You cannot resign your citizenship if your in the USA & were born here you need to leave the USA & resign your citizenship at an embassy IF YOU RESIGN YOUR CITIZENSHIP IN  A COUNTRY WHERE YOU CAN'T WORK YOU BECOME STATELESS. I'm a legally blind person who has worked as a sign artist my entire life that receives no government subsidies. I am a hard working self sufficient independent person. If your an Australian business person & would allow me to work for you or assist me in finding a work sponsor allow me the opportunity to work in your nation I'd be eternally thankful. you have to leave the USA to renounce your citizenship. You cannot resign your citizenship if your in the USA & were born here you need to leave the USA & resign your citizenship at an embassy IF YOU RESIGN YOUR CITIZENSHIP IN  A COUNTRY WHERE YOU CAN’T WORK YOU BECOME STATELESS. I’m a legally blind person who has worked as a sign artist my entire life that receives no government subsidies. I am a hard working self sufficient independent person. If your an Australian business person & would allow me to work for you or assist me in finding a work sponsor allow me the opportunity to work in your nation I’d be eternally thankful.

]]> Comment on Facts and Myths about Renunciation of US Citizenship by Kevin Niicole Horton http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/facts-and-myths-about-renunciation-of-us-citizenship/comment-page-1/#comment-18019 Kevin Niicole Horton Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:37:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=1977#comment-18019 A FEW QUESTIONS Who's hooked on prescription drugs? Who's hooked on welfare? The second highest high school drop out rate in the world? Obese? Who has been UNEMPLOYED FOR 3.5 YRS? Who has an aging population 1 foot in the grave the other on a banana peel? Has reverse mortgages? Living in subsidized housing & a multitude of other Gov. Subsidies? WHO HAS 13,000 CITIZENS DYING ANNUALLY FROM GUNFIRE BY THEIR FELLOW CITIZENS? WHO HAS 800 MILITARY BASES ARIUND THE WORLD? More soldiers killing themselves then dying in action? THE WAR HAS BEEN HERE THE WHOLE TIME!!! Who's troops are EVERYWHERE but their HOMELAND? Where does it cost 1 MILLION DOLLARS a year per troop & theirs 100,000 troops there? AFGANASTAN LARGEST PRISON POPULATION IN THE WORLD? YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK 1.25 MILLION GANG BANGERS WITH ASSAULT RIFLES ON THEIR STREETS? Who does all the manual labor?   MEXICO Cup of coffee?     INDIA Bus ride?            INDIA TANK OF GAS?     INDIA Hotel room?       INDIA LIQUOOOOR STOOOORE? Who delivers the USA's babies? INDIA Who keeps their hearts beating? INDIA Ever seen gang of Indian kids? WHO HAS THE GREATEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD?  THE USA WHOS IN THEM?  WHEN THE RIOTS START HERE THERE IS NO ARMY HERE TO STOP THE RIOTS WHEN THE RIOTS START HERE THERE IS NO ARMY HERE TO STOP THE RIOTS NICE FXER UP PROPERTY A FEW QUESTIONS
Who’s hooked on prescription drugs?
Who’s hooked on welfare?
The second highest high school drop out rate in the world?
Obese?
Who has been UNEMPLOYED FOR 3.5 YRS?
Who has an aging population 1 foot in the grave the other on a banana peel?
Has reverse mortgages?
Living in subsidized housing & a multitude of other Gov. Subsidies?
WHO HAS 13,000 CITIZENS DYING ANNUALLY FROM GUNFIRE BY THEIR FELLOW CITIZENS?

WHO HAS 800 MILITARY BASES ARIUND THE WORLD?
More soldiers killing themselves then dying in action?

THE WAR HAS BEEN HERE THE WHOLE TIME!!!

Who’s troops are EVERYWHERE but their HOMELAND?
Where does it cost 1 MILLION DOLLARS a year per troop & theirs
100,000 troops there? AFGANASTAN
LARGEST PRISON POPULATION IN THE WORLD?
YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK
1.25 MILLION GANG BANGERS WITH ASSAULT RIFLES ON THEIR STREETS?
Who does all the manual labor?   MEXICO
Cup of coffee?     INDIA
Bus ride?            INDIA
TANK OF GAS?     INDIA
Hotel room?       INDIA
LIQUOOOOR STOOOORE?
Who delivers the USA’s babies? INDIA
Who keeps their hearts beating? INDIA
Ever seen gang of Indian kids?
WHO HAS THE GREATEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD?  THE USA
WHOS IN THEM? 
WHEN THE RIOTS START HERE THERE IS NO ARMY HERE TO STOP THE RIOTS
WHEN THE RIOTS START HERE THERE IS NO ARMY HERE TO STOP THE RIOTS
NICE FXER UP PROPERTY

]]> Comment on Young people: get ready to grab your ankles by Michael Park http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/young-people-get-ready-to-grab-your-ankles/comment-page-1/#comment-18017 Michael Park Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:27:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=3474#comment-18017 Although I'm not sure if I'd go to Kazakstan or Mongolia, emerging market careers provide an incredible life/career/business experience for those young people who are willing to do it. Many of my friends in China, Korea, Colombia, Indonesia, Philippines, and other emerging markets have had careers that are progressing incredibly quickly and giving them countless opportunities. Have you ever heard of a 24 year old personally handling the PR accounts of multinationals trying to build their brand for the China market? How about a 27 year old CEO of a 3000 person security firm for a third-world-hellhole in Asia Pacific? There are some unbelievable stories out there for those who have the will and courage to do so.  Although I’m not sure if I’d go to Kazakstan or Mongolia, emerging market careers provide an incredible life/career/business experience for those young people who are willing to do it. Many of my friends in China, Korea, Colombia, Indonesia, Philippines, and other emerging markets have had careers that are progressing incredibly quickly and giving them countless opportunities. Have you ever heard of a 24 year old personally handling the PR accounts of multinationals trying to build their brand for the China market? How about a 27 year old CEO of a 3000 person security firm for a third-world-hellhole in Asia Pacific? There are some unbelievable stories out there for those who have the will and courage to do so. 

]]> Comment on Yet another reminder that democracy is an illusion by Ann Davidson http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/yet-another-reminder-that-democracy-is-an-illusion/comment-page-1/#comment-18016 Ann Davidson Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:17:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5958#comment-18016 It sounds like KD was a career criminal. I don't know enough about the law (nor was I there when he was arrested) to know if due process was done or not.  It is a bit brow-raising how it all (presumably) went down. I agree with many others who said: stay low on the radar. Aren't most of us just interested in living happy, productive (and free) lives? If you play with fire, eventually I feel you often get burned. I think it might have just been a matter of time before KD was burned..but of course he is as entitled to due process as anyone else. I'd like to hear more info about countries people favor for planting flags.  I keep hearing about Australia and Panama...are those still good choices? It sounds like KD was a career criminal. I don’t know enough about the law (nor was I there when he was arrested) to know if due process was done or not.  It is a bit brow-raising how it all (presumably) went down. I agree with many others who said: stay low on the radar. Aren’t most of us just interested in living happy, productive (and free) lives?

If you play with fire, eventually I feel you often get burned. I think it might have just been a matter of time before KD was burned..but of course he is as entitled to due process as anyone else.

I’d like to hear more info about countries people favor for planting flags.  I keep hearing about Australia and Panama…are those still good choices?

]]> Comment on Do as I say, not as I do… by Anonymous http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do/comment-page-1/#comment-18015 Anonymous Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:21:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5975#comment-18015 It's very cool that you worked in Korea. I lived through the IMF and yes, I agree, Korea has emerged. And to be honest, I hate Korea now. It's becoming as Western as the US. And I don't really see the relevance in needing to bring up how your credit card was used through RFID in the taxi cab. Doesn't Sovereign Man talk about how RFID and the digitization of all things financial what's gotten us f****d and will kill us at the end? Good point how the Western world is not taking their own advice to heart. I can't take that away from you. It’s very cool that you worked in Korea. I lived through the IMF and yes, I agree, Korea has emerged. And to be honest, I hate Korea now. It’s becoming as Western as the US.

And I don’t really see the relevance in needing to bring up how your credit card was used through RFID in the taxi cab. Doesn’t Sovereign Man talk about how RFID and the digitization of all things financial what’s gotten us f****d and will kill us at the end?

Good point how the Western world is not taking their own advice to heart. I can’t take that away from you.

]]> Comment on Yet another reminder that democracy is an illusion by Dennis http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/yet-another-reminder-that-democracy-is-an-illusion/comment-page-1/#comment-18013 Dennis Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:28:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5958#comment-18013 Kim Dotcom ran that file sharing site for long time without incurring anything  Kim Dotcom ran that file sharing site for long time without incurring anything 

]]> Comment on Guest Post: How money can buy you happiness by Anonymous http://www.sovereignman.com/finance/guest-post-how-money-can-buy-you-happiness/comment-page-1/#comment-18010 Anonymous Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:15:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5970#comment-18010 I have to disagree with your theory on happiness. Money doesn't always bring happiness. People with ten million dollars are no happier than people with nine million dollars. ;-)  And those who say that money doesn't buy happiness somehow fail to consider that neither does poverty. Good infomercial. Thanks I have to disagree with your theory on happiness. Money doesn’t always bring happiness. People with ten million dollars are no happier than people with nine million dollars. ;-)  And those who say that money doesn’t buy happiness somehow fail to consider that neither does poverty. Good infomercial. Thanks

]]> Comment on Guest Post: How money can buy you happiness by Eamon http://www.sovereignman.com/finance/guest-post-how-money-can-buy-you-happiness/comment-page-1/#comment-18009 Eamon Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:51:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=5970#comment-18009 While this is an excellent article, we must not confuse the means with the end.  Liberty is but a means; it is not, as many wrongly believe, an end in itself. Being free to pursue the things we desire is only a means, although it is an important means which helps us toward the end.  Happiness is the result of having obtained a desired end that is truly good for us, not something which is only apparently good or for which this or that undisciplined passion ceaselessly clamors.  Not to be too philosophical or contra the writer's praiseworthy piece, but happiness does not actually result from obtaining material goods, or even being totally free from the many constraints that the Money Masters and their stooges are trying to place upon us and which we all rightly lament.  Men have been unspeakably happy in the most wretched, difficult circumstances precisely because they were free and rightly-ordered in mind and heart.  Unless a man is right in mind and heart, no amount of pleasure or stuff or power can satisfy the deepest longings of his heart.  Those things are but icing on the cake of true, solid happiness -- a cake most moderns, sadly, do not pursue and would not recognize if it fell upon them like a mountain. Still, the normal way for men to achieve whatever happiness may be obtained in this short life requires that they have a sufficient supply of material goods.  Thank you for another excellent piece. Carry on :)  Godspeed While this is an excellent article, we must not confuse the means with the end.  Liberty is but a means; it is not, as many wrongly believe, an end in itself. Being free to pursue the things we desire is only a means, although it is an important means which helps us toward the end.  Happiness is the result of having obtained a desired end that is truly good for us, not something which is only apparently good or for which this or that undisciplined passion ceaselessly clamors.  Not to be too philosophical or contra the writer’s praiseworthy piece, but happiness does not actually result from obtaining material goods, or even being totally free from the many constraints that the Money Masters and their stooges are trying to place upon us and which we all rightly lament.  Men have been unspeakably happy in the most wretched, difficult circumstances precisely because they were free and rightly-ordered in mind and heart.  Unless a man is right in mind and heart, no amount of pleasure or stuff or power can satisfy the deepest longings of his heart.  Those things are but icing on the cake of true, solid happiness — a cake most moderns, sadly, do not pursue and would not recognize if it fell upon them like a mountain. Still, the normal way for men to achieve whatever happiness may be obtained in this short life requires that they have a sufficient supply of material goods.  Thank you for another excellent piece. Carry on :)  Godspeed

]]> Comment on Why Jim Rogers is right about Singapore by Dont_playplay http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/why-jim-rogers-is-right-about-singapore/comment-page-1/#comment-18007 Dont_playplay Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:52:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=598#comment-18007 Yes, Singapore is designed for business and entrepreneurs. But, that is for foreign investor.Singapore government is too worry to have some local 'Giant' like Hong Kong number one business man Lee Kah Seng.We have 2 casino but Singaporean ownself is not allowed to run just one. One give to America while the other give to Malaysia.Why?Because the only 'Giant' allowed in Singapore is the government itself.In which role Singaporean play in his own country?Be a good executive or workforce for foreign investor.Try to become 'Giant'?Kill you! Yes, Singapore is designed for business and entrepreneurs. But, that is for foreign investor.Singapore government is too worry to have some local ‘Giant’ like Hong Kong number one business man Lee Kah Seng.We have 2 casino but Singaporean ownself is not allowed to run just one. One give to America while the other give to Malaysia.Why?Because the only ‘Giant’ allowed in Singapore is the government itself.In which role Singaporean play in his own country?Be a good executive or workforce for foreign investor.Try to become ‘Giant’?Kill you!

]]> Comment on The 7 expat categories by Hiday_happy http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/the-7-expat-categories/comment-page-1/#comment-18006 Hiday_happy Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:19:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=451#comment-18006 i want to go thailand in may at padang besar i want to go thailand in may at padang besar

]]> Comment on The 7 expat categories by Hiday_happy http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/the-7-expat-categories/comment-page-1/#comment-18005 Hiday_happy Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:18:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=451#comment-18005 i want to go thailand in may at padang besar,let meet there,simon! i want to go thailand in may at padang besar,let meet there,simon!

]]> Comment on How the US government will seize your retirement account by n1ghthawk75 http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/how-the-us-government-will-seize-your-retirement-account/comment-page-1/#comment-18004 n1ghthawk75 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:19:00 +0000 http://www.sovereignman.com/?p=4311#comment-18004 If those idiots in Washington pull this BS, we are going to revolt, and it's not going to be pretty. If those idiots in Washington pull this BS, we are going to revolt, and it’s not going to be pretty.

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