February 8, 2010
Bangkok, Thailand
I’ve tried just about everything in the book… but I’ve never figured out a way to beat Asian jet lag. I landed in Thailand very late last night, and despite having hardly slept on the flight, I couldn’t manage to fall asleep.
The good news is that I was still awake to watch the Superbowl this morning, which kicked off at 6:30am local time. The bad news is that my brain is a bit fried, so I’m going to keep today’s letter brief (though hopefully sensible).
As part of my rather long flight itinerary from Panama City to Bangkok, I spent Friday night in Vancouver, which is where I departed from on Saturday morning. Vancouver is definitely one of my favorite cities in North America, if nothing else than for its natural beauty.
It’s also consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to live, though I suspect that whoever puts those lists together has never been to Medellin, Colombia. As such, I’m sure the forthcoming Olympic games will reflect kindly on the city.
I was also mildly surprised at how easy airport security was in Vancouver; despite being on the receiving end of hundreds of thousands of visitors for the Olympics, I did not notice much police presence, either at the airport or in the city.
In contrast, I’m sure London is already hiring a brigades of bobbies for the 2012 summer games.
The chief issue I noticed in Vancouver is the one thing that really bugs me about Canada in general– in some ways it almost seems like the US’s 51st state. Case in point, I had the occasion to strike up a conversation with an airport official in Vancouver about security.
I told him how delighted I was that the Canadians hadn’t jumped on board the ‘body scanner bandwagon’ that the US and Europe are so eager to deploy.
He corrected me immediately.
“Oh, trust me, they’re coming… just a few more weeks, we’ll wait until the Olympics are over before installing them.”
I was stunned. When I asked why, he shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Canada is complying with new US security measures. Maybe you should tell me…”
This is really disappointing. I have no doubt that body scanners will become the new norm in air travel as our rights continue to be slowly eroded in exchange for the illusion of security.
The bad thing about scanners is that they won’t ever be removed; once the systems are installed, they’ll be there forever… no President or security official would ever risk his neck and say “OK, I think the threat has been neutralized, let’s ditch the body scanners.”
They’re here to stay, at least until the next generation upgrades become even more intrusive. North America and Europe will be blanketed with them soon, funded entirely by government programs that rob taxpayers of their wealth.
But to me, the most frustrating part is how the US can still snap its fingers and have sovereign nations ask “how high?” I’m frankly shocked that the Canadians are going along with this.
People often ask me whether Canada is a viable alternative to the US for expats. Yes, Canada is a great place, and there are a lot of benefits to living there, but if you’re looking for greater personal freedom and financial privacy, you should cross it off your list.
The Canadian government will go along with the US government 10 times out of 10, regardless of the folly. This latest issue of body scanners only underscores that point; the original concept of ‘America’– limited government and personal liberty– have been lost on both nations.
In an upcoming letter, I plan on discussing one of the countries in the world that I think could become the ‘new America,’ where the government does as little as possible to interfere and helps set the right conditions for the free market to prosper.
Do you have any ideas where it might be?
{ 101 comments… read them below or add one }
I guess it will be India if you are talking about Asia. I wonder if there would be a country like that in Latin America.
I have a ten-year partnership with a relatively famous Indian, but do not think of that place as free enough of arbitraries to live there.
They are just behind China in annual GDP growth. doing very well if you are well connected.
Karl
A short time ago I would have guessed the Republic of Panama, but now I’m not so sure.
I am very anxious to learn about the location of “new America” from you.
Simon – Thank You for all that you do!
Might it be Medellin Colombia?
I am of the view that the “new America” if I take your meaning correctly will be a place not so much of physical borders but of individuals acting in many places and organizing over the network. It’s time to transcend the idea of nations, that some arbitrary geographical space is necessary to achieving freedom or defining shared values. If we keep running from place to place trying to find the least abusive of states we’ll inevitably be chased into tighter and tighter corners.
Some places are certainly more dangerous than others today, but moving to the safer places should only be a risk/reward (or if you like, cost/benefit) discussion – as you have been doing with Panama the past few weeks. We must each choose to declare and exercise our freedoms first, then choose locations based on a variety of factors – the level of criminal(government) activity being only one, as it is pervasive.
There is not going to be a particular locus for freedom in other words – only a question: red pill or blue pill?
Well said,Justen! I completely agree….
right on justen ! there ’s got to be a higher love , a total paradigm shift in consciousness so crap just doesn’t keep reigning in our lives and those that birth after us . i am an excellent shot w/ a gun or a bow and could survive like rambo , however how much fun or how productive can you be as a sentient being by existing as a rat/cockroach/cave man . i just set up a bank account in belize preparing myself as simon us such insightful,prudent advice and at the same time it is wearing on the psyche to prep to be ahead of the beast – our government that is supposed to be working for us . i always keep my beloved mother’s advice in my daily mantra – God helps those who help themselves .
oh , and the last one to leave amerika remember to turn off the printing presses – we don’t all the electricity to be used up beforethe omega man arrives .
Colombia?
Jim Rogers, co-founder of the Quantum fund with George Soros, moved his family over to Singapore. He tends to be ahead of the curve on those sorts of things. I guess Singapore could be a possibility, but I don’t know much about it.
If China would give up on being a communist dictatorship, I’d guess China, but I doubt that happens any time soon.
I pretty much have no idea and can’t wait to hear where the ‘new America’ might be.
I am a Singaporean living in Beijing. Singapore is great if for flag planting, i.e. residing there as a non citizen. You get tax breaks (if structured carefully through corporate holdings), safe environment for the family and good public and international schools for the kids. Great location for airlinks and logistics. Basically, no meddling with the local politics and they leave you alone.
Beijing is place for business, the pollution is bad. The whole of China is bustling with economic activity. They are trying to transit from an export led economy to a consumption based one. With a growing middle class and millions of rural folks starting to spend coming off from a very low base, growth is seems guaranteed. More like a place to make money. If you have the money, you can park yourself in a nice resort city like Hangzhou.
Term “communist dictatorship” was true 30 years ago but with Deng Xiaopeng’s reforms, the government is currently more of a “facist dictatorship”. Coupled with the Chinese’s inherent merchantile culture, the country is turning “capitalistic with Chinese characteristics”! Chinese communism is a term the Chinese government uses to ensure historic continuity and a term western governments use to create a bogeyman to scare their ignorant sheeple.
Thanks for the reply. It’s always good to hear info from someone who’s actually there. I’m glad you gave me a new way to describe the Chinese government. They appear far more free market-related than the US currently is, but given their approach to the rights of the people, it has been a difficult situation for me to identify.
I agree with you about the western governments using communism to create a bogeyman and scare the sheeple. However, the majority of the people I know view China as an economic example of what we used to be and should return to rather than as a bogeyman. I think the US government knows that the China scare tactics aren’t working with the people, so Al Qaeda is their next attempt. In my opinion, the economic damage that China could inflict on the US is far more of a threat than any terrorist, and Obama could be a greater threat to us than either of them.
Hmmm. . .from my research, I believe it might be Panama, Malaysia, Singapore, Brazil and China. Unfortunately, it is not Ecuador, as I’ve found and heard that anything non-Ecuadorian, or anything imported, gets taxed heavily, and the red tape to start and maintain a physical business is non-ending. . .
Nicaragua? Is my guess. I can’t wait to find out though.
A friend of mine loves Chili, could you write some info
on the benefits and cons to living in Chili? She
claims the mountains there are gorgeous, but he port
cities are filthy. Any info is welcome.
Thank you for all the great articles.
Keep em coming, cause I am looking forward to moving
out of the U.S., but haven’t made a decision where.
I am also waiting to here more about the place you
would like to build in Panama. I would love to come
down and help build, if and when you should decide
to go forward with the project.
Thanks again.
Patti Schmid
Chili as in a jalapeno? My neighbor loves them too!
Panama seems to be your choice by the recent emails.
how about ghana? i have never been there but i have been researching the country lately and chatting with their people. i am told that it is the beacon of freedom in africa. i would appreciate your thoughts. william
Dear Willian,
I lived with my six children in Ghana for three years, back in 1962, when Nkrumah had been thrown out.
It is now overcome with evil pot-stirrers who have spoiled the natives into greedy and desperate.
I would not go back to live there.
Karl
The “new America” is Brazil–but I’m not so sure how minimal its government will be going forward. Unfortunately, my study of history tells me that the conditions for minimal government only exist when populations are small and economies simple. Large size and complexity seem inexorably to engender what Gibbon called “greatness,” in government above all.
Thanks for all your efforts on our behalf–and your praise for Medellin will delight my Colombian wife!
Simon: I’m guessing that Panama and Thailand are too obvious choices for your “new America” … so I’ll guess (or is this showing my personal preferences / vote?) Uruguay.
Our first visit there 3 months ago was very pleasant, and reading / talking with Doug Casey and Fitzroy McLean indicate that it has a lot of redeeming qualities!
Your early-December letters also mentioned Chile and New Zealand, both of which I’ve visited and found quite nice! But I haven’t explored any of them with the same scrutiny which you do and for which I am very grateful that you do this and share it with us! So I’m looking forward to hearing more from you about your thoughts on the “new America”.
BTW MANY THANKS for the past tips on the Check Book IRA folks! I’m just in the process of getting setup with them … and they’re still honoring that “deal” (discount) you mentioned last summer! THANKS!!!
Regards,
Jim.
Nope -no idea where, but looking forward to your views. As an American who transplanted to Canada long ago, I fully agree with your views about it. It wasn’t always this way, but the current Harper government is always anxious to please its US masters.
Question from the Panama writings: If you now see Panama as a desirable place to both live and do banking, isn’t this in conflict with your oft-stated position of living in one domicile and banking in another?
The new America will be in the Philippines: was under US rule from 1898 to 1946; and maintains decent relationship though nationalists are justifiably and fiercely proud of its independence; government is not too intrusive in citizens’ private lives; very inviting and welcoming to xpats thus the community is growing; good health care. Downside: politics is cowbody style but that’s about the same in a lot of So. American countries. Malaysia would be good but political instability does not bode well for the country.
I lived in the Philippines for three years, loved it, but if you are not OLD SPANISH, YOU HAVE NO CASTE POSITION THERE.
Karl.
New America doesn not mean a country with good relations with the US or similar to it in culture-it means the values and entrepreneur/economic freedoms and opportunities the country holds,that America held in the past…’America is a state of mind’.
Cowboy style govmt may be good or bad-depends on how much that gvt meddles and makes things difficult or creates obstacles.
My guess is: Singapore or Panama
I fear few governments are looking for ways to piss off the US, hence the great hope in the world that Obama represented change. Foolhardy assumption by a majority of our country, as well.
Maybe this is a little off subject.
There is a problem with many first world countries. It’s exists in the mindset of their governments and with many of its citizens. It is the belief we can create perfect societies where everyone has health insurance, teenagers never have sex and no one ever gets their feelings hurt. It is the belief that our countries have so much wealth we can solve ever problem. It is the problem of the nanny state. Only recently, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg wants restaurants to monitor the amount of salt in food served at city restaurants. Can anyone imagine the leader of any second or third world county doing this?
I once read a book (the title I don’t recall) that made a good point. The author said the advantage with many second and third world countries is that they know they have limited resources. The government there is most concerned with basic infrastructure, education and health care of its citizens. They know with limited resources they are not going to be 100% perfect. But they will almost never arrest you for smoking inside a restaurant, paying for sex, swearing in public or walking around with an open container of alcohol.
So far I have only visited Canada, Czech Republic, Australia and Costa Rica.
Most of these countries have the nanny state impulse.
But I also have friends who like to travel and dream of retiring overseas. I have heard good things about Ecuador, Colombia and the Philippines.
Not really…
who’s right trumps who’s? is more like the battle.
ex: one’s right to smoke,does it trump one’s right to breathe clean air?
same w/auto emissions,etc.
That is an on going discussion,and for either position one takes [less govmt say in this via 2/3 world or first world law and regs],there is room for corruption/extremism.
I say don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater here. Slam the US in right ways,and see how the laws and regs can interfere,but yikes-while you may be able to smoke or carry an open beer bottle in many countries,your ’status’ economically and racially may really be the defining factor.
if you are a foreigner with money,or perceived as a wealthy tourist,you will largely be left alone. otherwise,you may be arrested willy-nilly,with no right to an attorney,nor any money to pay for one either…The rule of Power Over vs. the Rule of Law.
Neither perfect…
Well,anyway,social and economic freedom are mutually exclusive in many countries today….depends which one you are after,and having multiple flags is the current best choice for having both types of freedom.
And if your ‘right’ to a good time involved,say,a violation of someone else’s right? or worse,young children such as in cambodia?
There is a time and a place for regulation and law.
Families and ungoverned communities have always done this.Norms and protocols will naturally arise in any group of people living and functioning together.
Somalia is not ‘lawless’,contrary to popular belief. The folks w/the biggest guns and most power are in charge.
I often think a bunch of us should just get together and start a new country from scratch. I even have a notebook full of ideas on a new form of government, infrastructure, and what-not. Just need an island or land that can be declared sovereign. Anybody know of any?
Or perhaps we wait until some of these current governments go bankrupt, go under, and need to start over from scratch?
Chile?
Hi Simon,
As a Canadian I agree 100% with you. I am a proud Canadian but sometimes I am not. Because our two countries are big trade partners and many Canadien businesses reply on the US market to thrive what happens is “whoever has the gold makes the rules”. The body scanner example is one among many. Then again this is to be expected, this has been going on throughout history (England, Roman Empire, etc) all had influence on other “smaller” countries.
Canada is a great place to live, but unfortunatly in term of privacy we are lacking.
Enjoy Thailand!
Interesting question, and as both a 10th and 14th generation Yank who considers Texas and the rest of the 49 two different countries – I still vote in Texas – Australia is one of 10 countries I have called home. I don’t expect it to be on your best places for freedom list, but I can’t think of any place I would rather live than here – after all those others covering 4 continents. Australia is especially good after 10 years of residency so that I now qualify for their retirement pension, and even with USA Social Security, the Aussie government make no deduct. They allow me to collect both on a very generous assets testing they employ. The government medical program when combined with very affordable private health is first class compared to others in the UK and Canada. The USA one under consideration seems crazy, like so many things in the USA. Yes, I could go on and on about Australia, which I have called home on two separate occasions (after Viet-Nam in 1973 and now starting in 1999). I feel completely free to do what I want with seemingly little interference. I look forward to when you report on Australia, keeping in mind it is the same size as the lower 48, and while Sydney and Melbourne are great cities, there’s lots to see in the regional parts, especially where I call home in Toowoomba, Queensland. I enjoy passing some of your reports to my 2 sons who seem content to carry on living – with blinders – in the USA. Keep having fun. I have fond memories of doing what you are doing. cheers, John.
John,
When you say you can get Australian retirement pension after 10 years of residency, is this “retirement pension” solely based on the 10-year residency (like the Old Age Security in Canada) or based on both 10-year residency AND your income (like the US social security 40 credits). I know Australia has international social security agreement with both the US and Canada, whereas New Zealand has only agreement with Canada, not the US for now.
I wonder if someone who lived and/or worked in the above three countries can collect “retirement pension”/social security checks from ALL the three countries when retire. Does anyone know?
Do you prefer Australia over New Zealand?
Please tell us more about Australia.
John
What’s Australia’s policy on firearms ?
Simon – Very synchro-whatever . A Canadian friend has just returned from living 6 months in Medillin ,Colombia where he has commercial interests . He raves about its cleanliness , the helpfulness of ordinary people , absurdly lowest of the low everyday living costs and as much as anything the stunning lakes /woods where the mid-class have their fincas , about an hour outside and higher up in the mountains . There are more than a few Canadians who have “made the move”. Christopher
Hong kong or singapore? possibly brazil or uruguay. interested to know what your selection is.
Australia
I must say, it’s a fair assessment of my home city and country IMO.
As for the ‘new America’, could it be any one of Panama, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile…
On a related topic, how’s the Fiji project coming along?
I think the distinction between economic freedom and other freedoms should be made. Singapore is near the top of my list for economic freedom but naturally not political freedom. For freedom to “do whatever you please” you need only look for a benignly chaotic country where the ruling class don’t meddle too much. I like Botswana actually. New Zealand although basically socialist is relatively free with a good rule of law.
I’m interested to know what others think though.
My answer to where the new America might be:
Singapore.
I am guessing it is Chile!!
With respect to airport security in Canada; this clip, unfortunately, has more to do with fact than fiction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwsVi9ULwLI
Definitely NOT CANADA…………any of us producers (tax payers 47.something % of our earnings) go to Socialism helping “needy ” provinces who can scream the loudest.
Most of our business friends have left or are making plans to give up their citizenship.
Hi,
For sure it is Chile.
Regards,
Since I made a trip through Central America, I can’t imagine that it would be one of this countries, too much corruption, dishonesty and uncleaness – but what about Australia, New Zealand ?
While I posted India as the new america (due to a recent article I read on SFO magazine), I have done research on Latin America on the spanish speaking countries and from what I have gather (expat groups, conversations with people from those countries, etc), to me Chile wins hands down and then perhaps a second will be Panama.
My guess is Chile! They just elected a new conservative president. I think it would be a great place to live.
This is an interesting question. What criteria does one examine to make that evaluation? And how to acquire the info from the various possibilities with adequate detail? Tough job!
In my opinion people are extracting mechanizes. They attempt to exchange value with others, maximizing their own extraction at the expense of the others in the process, -sometimes by devious means. The value extracted is usually money or power although in many cases they are the same.
Any country that has or will be formed has been by people and reflects these perceptions. A “good” government always seems to be one where “we” receive maximum value. There is not much that comes for nothing and if it does, someone is always trying to figure out how they can capture it and charge their fellow beings for it. Government is no different, it can’t supply value without extracting it from others and everyone wants to come out ahead on the deal.
With that said, most people will recognize that there are government services that are worth the value, although no one wants their “ox gored”.
No contest, that I know of, functions well without a referee. Yet people and organizations attempt to ensure that the regulators bend in their direction. My point is that I don’t believe there is a way to make a truly good fair government nor is there a way for a human to make that evaluation. However, I salute for trying.
Regards; Harl.
Argentina
“I’ve tried just about everything in the book… but I’ve never figured out a way to beat Asian jet lag. I landed in Thailand very late last night, and despite having hardly slept on the flight, I couldn’t manage to fall asleep.”
Do what I did a couple of years ago when I flew from the American east coast to Japan. When you land in Asia at night, take an Ambien. When you wake up in the morning, take a Provigil. Repeat for a day or two more, and you are back to normal with zero jet lag. They are both miracle drugs: one puts you to sleep, and one keeps you awake.
There is such a more natural remedy — not harmful like the drugs you suggest.
Take as much water as you can carry, drink all during the trip, a gallon per day is not too much — pee often,
You will not get tired, you can sleep on the new time zone.
Karl
I’m guessing Panama – Chile – Nicaragua _ Uruguay
I have chosen Panama as the New America for my family. As I shared before, I have started a sustainable permaculture community here in Santa Fe(above Santiago) in the center of the county. The secret location is now out. It is on the Rio Santa Maria on 117 acres. Come on up for a visit and see for yourself,Andrea or Janet can show you around town. Limited goverment and personal Liberty abound,as does does the food supply and the waterfalls.
Go Galt,
Jon
Dear Jon,
I came across your post regarding your community on the Rio Santa Maria on Simon Black’s website.
I’m very interested in buying into an intentional community in Panama and will be visiting the country in July of 2010.
Could you please provide me with e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers for contacts when i visit? It would be much appreciteed.
All the best,
Kerry Hopper
My guess would be Uruguay. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts about the country if it isn’t. I am a US citizen living outside of the US and Uruguay is my likely next move. No taxation for foreign sourced income, low cost of living, moderate climate, and easy to acquire citizenship are my primary reasons.
I believe the “New America” is somewhere in Eastern Europe.
As an aside, if you’re looking to get away from the Nanny State and taxes, Australia and New Zealand will only disappoint. 16 1/2 years downunder and I’m still amazed at how quickly things get banned; with little to no objection from the sheep. Someday soon I hope to escape this penal colony.
I’m gonna guess INDIA
Moderate climate in Uruguay? Go there in the winter. I’ve never been so cold in my life.
Simple economies and small populations??? How about Flores or Terceira, Portugal (2 islands of 9 that make up the archipilego the Azores). Beautiful community driven culture.
Or maybe the new America exists right where the old one is, buried deep insde, waiting to burst forth???
I believe a lot of our culture’s diversity is lost during the assimilation into grade school, through the loss of language. Maybe if we embraced our multi lingual selves and learned equity of culture, we would transform into a new America.
in other words stay and “fight” ! try to get our country back and be a part of the solution instead of tea baggers who just rant . are you ready for the energy it would take to push ron paul to presidency ?!?!
It has to be Brasil. Although……the BRICS countries (Brasil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will be the leading economies of the 21st century, Brasil has the natural resources to surpass the others in the list- Brasil is already a super power in terms of producing bio fuel ; ethanol.
Roma
Oh,I think Simon means what he has referred to in his previous newsletters…’America’ is a state of mind,is what he said,I believe.
Meaning the mindset of a can-do spirit,government staying out of the way,alot of entrepreneurs,hard working individual rights minded,creating one’s own destiny type of America.
That said,I don’t think it will be Brasil.
But,yea,America to most is wealth and power over other nations.
I think he is talking about the internal state of the country,not how it is seen from the outside.
I still think Chile.
Maybe Panama.
Re: jet lag: While on the plane, set your watch to the destination city’s time. At your accustomed bed time, (on the plane) take 3 milligrams of melatonin. That helps quite a bit. My doctor says it helps re-set your natural sleep/wake cycles.
The “new America”? My contrary opinion. It will be the USA. After the world wide depression, and after most everywhere else is discovered to be mis-managed even worse than the US, the inventiveness and entrepreneurial capacity of our own citizens will lead the world into a better state than the present.
I hope you are right. I’d like to think we still have inventiveness and entrepreneurial capacity.
Many times,it is the place that seems the most chaotic [such as California,within the US]that ends up finding the most success in the end. Hard to tell from this vantage point if CA or the US as a whole will regain it’s footing.
First thing that needs to go: this draconian airport security stuff…….
Regarding draconian airport security, and whether it is coming or going, a few days ago I happened to look over someone’s shoulder and read the front cover of their USA Today (4-Feb), which said that 84% are for the use of more body scanners, 13% are against, and 3% undecided. So tea parties or not, my feeling is that it would take a war plus many hard years to turn things around. History is the cruel but honest guide.
Hmm! America’s? well……if we are limitied to the “America’s” vacinity then I assume you are referring to Panama. Or maybe Argentina is due for a rebirth……..yet “if” it is assumed that true freedom is based on unbridled economical opportunity aka “capitolism”……I say, the concept is good, but as in good ole USA….the reality is short lived, due to eventual greed, which eventuates into economical imbalance. Aka….the minority has the most…thus the minority makes the rules to perserve “thier” most……….therefore, the masses lose thier freedoms slowly but surely and are treated like commodities and culled like cattle. Moooooo!
Ridindawg
Based on what Simon has written in the past,about certain countries…I would guess:
Chile
Panama (but seems to obvious b/c he always mentions it)
Singapore
Colombia
as possible picks.
Def. won’t be China,IMO
chile also just voted in a business man leader who is independently wealthy,so he won’t need to skim off the top for his own needs.
There’s an expat chile forum that is extensive,and numerous expat blogs from americans and britts who live in chile,many of whom do business there in real estate,import,tax and immigration law,etc. google them if you are interested (someone in the comments here asked about chile.)
Apparently,there is a great need for many skills there-such as contractors w/actual tools,and many service related products and businesses are an option. The police are rumored to be the least corrupt in south or central america,as well. Er,well,not just ‘least corrupt’,but actual not corrupt at all.
That is my guess,but we’ll see what Simon chooses,which may be completely different.
Singaporee.
I’ve spent tourist time there.
They are death on drug dealers and people who spit, but it a bustling place when you learn and follow the rules.
Karl
When I was looking for a place to safeguard my meager funds, I passed on the off shore banks, as they are a prime target, and too easy to get to in one tidy little place. And it seemed that the prices in Panama and Costa Rica for living and residencia were too high for me, and perhaps too much in those countries that would be desirable to Other Countries (like the canal, oil, etc). So I chose Antigua Guatemala. Not Guatemala in general, but Antigua. It is the Jewel of the country, with all kinds of toursita policia, many gringoes here, and much English spoken. The biggest feature was the opportunity to get an S.A., an anonymous corporation, done via attorney, so that the attorney client privilege would safeguard the final location of the funds, since the SA. would be the holder of the bank account. Apparently they take the attorney client privilege very seriously here, and only release names if it is proven in a GT court with actual evidence that there was a crime by GT standards. And there is no crime for avoiding or evading taxes. I love it here, the people are beautiful in spirit, hard working and love their kids. No nanny state here.
Throwing a curve here. It’s Sakartvelo. Sakartvelo is the number 1 reformers in the world. There is only 1 question: Can they hold off the Russians?
Indonesia for sure
Somewhere in South America given the nature of your ‘new America’ statement it is probably in the same vein but south.
Brazil – no.
any of the other countries, possibly.
(1) My guess would be India
(2) Sometime ago, you promised to send us information about acquiring a second passport. Have you sent it, and I missed it?
My guess would be India, because of the drive and intelligence of the Indian people.
I would vote for Hong Kong. When it comes to economic freedom, HK has always polled the number one spot.
Well, Mexico has many intrusive laws, but their govt is so incompetent that most people just ignore them. I voted with my feet 20 years ago and Mexico is my home now, where I build houses–mostly without permits, inspections, or hassles.
Hey we can now possess 5 grams of marijuana or less.
Nowhere is free. That is long gone. Unless you are willing to basically subsist. Government everywhere want to control all. Or corruption runs to varying degrees. So one can come to terms with corruption and/or restrictions on business or personal freedoms. Burma is remarkably free if you don’t get political(why would you?), have some money and accept the corruption.
Canada (my home country) is embarrassing in how we have always jumped to America’s dictates. Dollars talk and the rest sucks behind. Especially with our “Bush wannabe” PM Harper. He is particularly pathetic. .
I think it is Argentina.
Simon,
I think the country is Panama.
Check out the tongue in cheek look at Canadian airport security in the link below. Based on your comments today I’d say it is spot on. I just got this from a Canadian buddy who recently was on an overseas trip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZfbTlYpKYo
Cheers, Mike
Jet lag. If I want to sleep on the flight I swim for at least an hour before the flight. If I want to sleep when I have landed, or basically get into the new time zone I do a hard gym workout and swim for again at least an hour. Then eat a decent meal and hit the sack. It has always worked for me. Not perfect but gets me naturally back into the right time zone. You want to exhaust your mind and body. A plate of food will draw all the blood from your body to your stomach and help you tire more easily. If you’ve knackered yourself physically then you are set to sleep.
The new America….Indonesia, India, Malaysia? not in my book. Fine places to spend time on the cheap and I always recommend them to friends but both are highly bureaucratic and property rights are poorly enforced in the former two, as are many other natural laws.
Someone mentioned Fiji. A place I have actually invested in on a speculative basis. It is a pretty free place for a foreigner to have a good time in. You are highly unlikely to get hassled but as for running or operating businesses its awful.
My take is find somewhere for your business that suits, then find somewhere for your lifestyle that suits, find somewhere for your assets etc. You may find that they all end up in different places. Who cares? Why consign yourself to looking for a particular country. For Americans. Pretend the world is one country with different states and laws in those states then act accordingly. Its not as hard as people think really.
it is inside of me, but getting materialistic, its” Brasil meu chapa”.
Brasil meu chapa means, Brazil my friend.
My guess is that the new “America” would be a South American country; perhaps, Argentina or Chile.
Regarding Canadian airport security, this recent broadcast by the CBC’s Fifth Estate, entitled: Fasten Your Seatbelts, illustrates its current state.
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Shows/the_fifth_estate/ID=1399659906
I suspect Simon’s choice is Colombia rather that some of the more “obvious” ones such as Panama and Chile. However, you residents
of California plagued w/too many people, heavy taxation, mud slides,
wildfires and earthquakes stay out of my personal little piece of heaven -
Central Virginia, particularly Campbell, Bedford, Amherst, Rockbridge and
Appomattox Counties. I’m tempted to mention Nelson but its too close
to Albemarle and Charlottesville (too many la-de-dahs w/nanny aspirations). The New Yorkers have long taken over Northern Virginia.
I’ve tried for years to reclaim West Virginia for the Old Dominion in exchange for giving up Northern Virginia. We even have “relatively”
benign state and local governments, no interstates and lots of good,
reasonably priced farm land to cultivate or bury things in. Good people, too. Like Nova Scotia w/o their federal government and high consumption taxes. At 81 I’m a little past the time for exotic relocations.
I have the best of what’s left and plan to continue growing stuff, burying
gold and silver, enjoying the views, making and using biodiesel and enjoying my children and grandchildren (all within 25 miles).
ps-wildfires in co,mt,idaho,etc.(: They happen. Not a reason why people would leave the state,tho’.
Worldwide, I cross off the list every place the Amish have evacuated. Their field reports from Haiti 4-6 years ago were particularly prescient (as published in The Budget). I think they are still in 12-13 North American states, but that should be changing fast. As the only North Americans who do not pay social security, and obey only limited building codes, they are still my libertarian early warning indicator. If anyone picks up a Budget anytime soon, they can list off for us where they still thrive. I would not count the Pennsylvania multi-millionaires among them, since those churches will stay for the money. Some were selling out from Belize a few years ago, which I found strange. Otherwise, they are in the expected places.
Bill Moore;
Hey that is funny,as someone recently very plugged in to the ‘commonwealth’ of VA,I will tell you not to worry! I will stay in the good old Republic of CA anyday.
VA has so many regional taxes,being a ‘common’ wealth,it’s similar to MA.
Of course,real estate is cheaper there,but little else is. [CA has cheap and abundant year round produce,for example,so there can be tradeoffs to offset housing.]
I say this as one recently administering an estate, in central VA., of a family member-I have been handling and selling real estate,etc. Having spent a fair amoutn of time in the state,and seeing a loved one locate/retire there, without alot of money (from the NE) b/c of it’s supposed ‘cost of living and lifestyle benefit’,was an eye opener. This person was not happy with the decision,either. Different strokes….
CA has mudslides on the coast,as it ALWAYS has. Even before there were houses;the difference now is that people have built on the coast,and the buildilng from decades ago is finally being impacted by the natural process of erosion.
Coastal erosion happens everywhere,and it is a risk you take when building.
Coversely,many VA communities are built/being built on former swamp land,which has it’s own set of serious issues for property value and maintenance,which I have seen first hand.
Also,please,CA has 40 million or so people!!!!! You cannot really be serious to imply that ALL Californians wish to have a nanny state?
Lastly,creative climate is a huge factor for new industry and technology. Open mindedness,willingness to try new ideas-these often trump taxes and overhead costs when starting out with a new plan. Obviously,not for small local businesses that serve a region,but for larger companies or inventions that will impact large areas,this climate is imperative. And this,my friends,is why so many have and continue to come to CA. Plus the weather and natural beauty.
I appreciate your sentiment though,that we can often find our place or paradise in less exotic locales,right here in the USA. Some are even finding them in CA. Crises not withstanding,transitions and change often brings instability for a period of time. We will see when the dust settles.
Also,remember that the national media likes to air sensational stories-so flooding,storms and weather anywhere will get attention,aka ’snowmageddon,anyone?’ So,most of us living in CA are barely impacted by the ‘landslides’,even when we live in coastal cities-save the odd extra traffic jam/accidents from the rain,same as living in any urban area of the country during a weather issue/storm.
I think your post really speaks of urban vs. rural,too. And many areas of CA host this type of lifestyle. The media portrays certain realities,but this is not how everyone in CA lives.
I respect your opinion,just wanted to (playfully!) assure you that many of us Californians are quite happy where we are,and would not trade it for VA or W VA.(:
I have lived in MT,CO,NE and CA for significant periods of time. They all have their merits,but I want to add that CA is NOT that much more expensive,when you factor in all costs of living,not just housing.
As far as W. Virginia,also no worries. Not really of interest to CA folks who may wish to migrate. New Yorkers will search their local area for moving,much the same way some Californians have made oregon,NV and AZ their home.
Best wishes to you in your own personal version of paradise.
Based on visiting about thirty countries (including most of Europe and none of Asia!) my best bet is Costa Rica. No army, good schools and health care while the police and the government are generally hard to find.
Definitely not Australia which is more regulated than the U.S. My second and third picks would be Belize, Chile, and possibly Columbia.
How about the Republic of Panama. Good for business, banking, and privacy (whats left of it).
One country seems to be under everyone’s radar: GUATEMALA is my guess.
Panama!
Long time radio personality Paul Harvey used to say that Brazil was like the US when we were just starting out as a nation, and that the Brazilian constitution was nearly identical to the US. Land size is comparable, only slightly smaller with huge agricultural potential. Have not been there but would love to check it out. Some people also like Costa Rica, Bermuda, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and many other South and Central American countries. Lots of interesting suggestions on this blog and many refreshing ideas and comments. Another consideration to think of is whether or not the country in question has the ideology and ability to defend themselves from an aggressive, dictatorial, one-world type of government? They should be able to be self-sustaining without heavily depending on import/export and preferably with neighboring countries who are friendly and like-minded. Good luck with the search!
Hmm…very interesting question.
There is an underlying question of geography and size of territory to that question.
Asia/Pacific
If we are looking at something the size of Hong Kong, Palau might be a great candidate.
Otherwise in Asia I don’t see any other place. Governments are all over the place.
Europe
Gotta be kidding? Fuggetaboutit!
North Amerika
Well precisely…next candidate in line please.
Central/South America
Argentina’s Salta Province if it breaks off.
Panama?
Chile with its recent devaluation shows what its government is about leaving, well, Columbia.
But the winner is surely none of these…so don’t keep us waiting too long. We love the great reads from Simon Black here, but that next one…we can’t wait to get it in our mailbox.
Irm:
I enjoyed your reply and counterpoints. You are right, my bias is definately rural vs urban although I do enjoy having good AMTRAK
connections to the “Cultural Centers”. Reading between the lines
“building on swamps, etc.” I thought you might be referring to the
Richmond area more or less with their “shrink-swell” soils problems.
The locals like to call the Richmond area “Central Virginia” which any
reference to a map will show its not. Far from it. I wouldn’t want
to live there either.
Interesting to read of the places you’ve lived. I’ve lived in CO, MT – also
WY and ND. Enjoyed every one of them except ND. Took some
brave (stupid-desperate??) people to settle in ND. I still have a house in CO as we all like to ski the Rockies. If I were a “clean slate”, which I’m
not, I’d probably be in Hawaii (Kauai, definitely not Maui). Cost of living
there a big problem, though. Talk about climate!! Incidentally, What is
“creative climate” ? New term for me. Smog, wood stoves, air polution or what?
I believe VA has been dubbed “the best State for business” by Forbes and others for some time now – during the Warner-Kaine administrations
at least. The jury is out on the new Governor. Only sure thing is no tax increases. I agree with that basic premise but when government by slogan comes up against reality its a little bit different. Good example is
VA’s obscenely low gasoline/diesel road tax – five cents lower than adjourning States, except WV and road money is down to no new projects. However, the General Fund is in decent shape. Like most states, ND excepted (Williston Basin oil boom) the budget is tight but we’re not burdened by historically poor revenue administration. No danger of the Old Dominion going bankrupt (bonds still AAA). Can CA say that? My taxes on a $500,000 house and property (4000 sq. ft./20 acres excellent arable land, main road, unbelievable views) $1400, regular gas price today is $2.45-2.49, monthly electric bill (central air, some spot elec. heat) $220, 5% sales tax, ca $300/yr personal prop taxes (four older/cheap vehicles). What do you pay? I’m sure we both pay “hidden” taxes. I don’t know where the “regional taxes” you mention come from. No regional governments. Even the Cities and Counties are separate (only State like this). Means no layering of city
and county taxes.
Wish you well. Hope we haven’t bored Simon’s readers too much. I’ve enjoyed the dialogue. I was kidding, too, about the
WV/N.VA shot and “burying things”. Even I’m going to be cremated!
Bill
I could make numerous guesses (as others have) and be wrong.
Since you are definitely the more educated one, I will anxiously await your answer.
Wayne
As I read where the G20 is set to apply sanctions to Beliez and perhaps Panama, Guatemala and the Phillippines for their not supplying information on the bank status of possible “tax evaders”, I wonder if there is a place in any country for a free spirit. It seems the reach of power is without limits.
What country is the ‘New America”?
Where is the land of the free and home of the brave, with unlimited opportunities for education, jobs, and businesses, safe, low crime rate, low taxes, almost corruption free, clean environment, world class infrastructure, multicutural immigration society, affordable quality health care for all its citizens, abundant natural resources……..
Frankly, none.
I wonder those who pick India or Brazil ever been there. Not for thousands years, if ever. But hey, you are entitled to your opinions. That’s OK.
IMO, there are only 2 candidate countries on the list:
1. The current USA, which has the potential to become USNA (United States of New America). But IF someone like Sarah Palin would ever become the US President some day, the country will be done. May God bless America and Americans.
2. Argentina. The more-European-than-Europe country located in South America. Once was one of the top 10 richest countries in the country (even richer than Germany!), Argentina has all the potentials to be a “New America of Argentina” if the government is drastically changed and the country put back on track. It would be perfect if Argentina a bilingual (Spanish/English) country. Good luck to Argentina!
Simon,
Your question re: “New America” certainly smoked out a lot of comment. That tells me that a lot of people are on the same wave length and have been doing some research themselves.
People have, throughout history, departed their home countries for the same reasons: political, religious, economic. In most cases, all three. In my travels I find that choosing a country that disagrees with the U.S. government politically is a positive thing. I also find that certain countries treat expats quite well, especially if you are helping their respective economies.
Your question depends largely on what stage of life you are in economically…still earning, retired, etc. Hence, the business climate is a factor in that country.
I like Latin America. Specifically, Ecuador is one of my target countries. I am anxiously awaiting your answer, as your insights are always excellent.