(07-11-2011 04:55 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  What happens when the 51% realizes that the only way they aren't going to get screwed worse and worse is to leave, and take their businesses--and jobs--with them?

We're not there yet, and may never get there--which, for those of you who profess to be concerned about my welfare, is why I haven't left yet. But we will get there eventually if current trends continue. And once we get there, this will be a good place to leave.

And quite frankly, the only difference I see between republicans and democrats at this point is how quickly we get there.

I agree with your main point that the 51% will get frustrated by serving the other half, but its not like all of those 51% can just up and move their businesses to another country. I.E., My father can't exactly move his law office to germany. Much of those 51% are small business owners and are their businesses that they have grown over the years are geographically tied. All that will happen is that they will be dragged down to the other half.

the 49% are obviously happy... as are those who pay 10-15% and get to live here. Many of the top 500 or so who earn as much as the bottom 49% combined have already effectively left, at least as far as their earnings are concerned

(07-11-2011 05:21 PM)aTxTIGER Wrote:  

(07-11-2011 04:55 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  What happens when the 51% realizes that the only way they aren't going to get screwed worse and worse is to leave, and take their businesses--and jobs--with them?
We're not there yet, and may never get there--which, for those of you who profess to be concerned about my welfare, is why I haven't left yet. But we will get there eventually if current trends continue. And once we get there, this will be a good place to leave.
And quite frankly, the only difference I see between republicans and democrats at this point is how quickly we get there.

I agree with your main point that the 51% will get frustrated by serving the other half, but its not like all of those 51% can just up and move their businesses to another country. I.E., My father can't exactly move his law office to germany. Much of those 51% are small business owners and are their businesses that they have grown over the years are geographically tied. All that will happen is that they will be dragged down to the other half.

Agree. The ones who can move will. The ones who can't will stay and get screwed.

I'm still here, because I'm still making money here. But I'm very scared of waiting too long.

Of course, if someone in Washington would wise up, we can still come out of this. But the window gets smaller every day.

You may have noticed that I am pretty negative about the economic future.

Just wanted to pass this along. I am attending a seminar in Las Vegas yesterday, today, and tomorrow, for CPA's and attorneys who provide tax and business services to small businesses. There are about 200 attendees from all over the USA. After about 20 conversations regarding the economy, I am looking like the cockeyed optimist here.

(07-11-2011 05:15 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  

(07-11-2011 05:05 PM)BlazerFan11 Wrote:  

(07-11-2011 04:55 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  What happens when the 51% realizes that the only way they aren't going to get screwed worse and worse is to leave, and take their businesses--and jobs--with them?
We're not there yet, and may never get there--which, for those of you who profess to be concerned about my welfare, is why I haven't left yet. But we will get there eventually if current trends continue. And once we get there, this will be a good place to leave.
And quite frankly, the only difference I see between republicans and democrats at this point is how quickly we get there.

They know that. That's exactly why they have already passed legislation for capital controls and are trying to make it harder to get a passport.

Yes, and that's what scares me. So far, the rules don't really catch me, and most of the changes being proposed don't really create a problem, either. But that could definitely change. It's definitely something I'm watching closely.

I think it would be wise for anyone with a few grand or more stashed away to open a foreign bank account. You can always move money back into the country, but in the blink of an eye, it could be too late to move it out of the country. I would also recommend looking into a second passport. You can gain residency in some countries and start working towards citizenship without even having to visit, or at least without having to live there. Of course, if you have enough money, you can just buy citizenship in some places, like St. Kitts.