Hi, I’m a Brit (originally from Liverpool) and have been in USA for 20 years. Moved around a bit, but now find myself living in the “Socialist Republic of Massachusetts” (for the past ten years). Growing up in England I had always imagined the USA to be a comparatively free country but discovered within a few short months of moving here that this was pure delusion. Trying to set up a small business in MA, for instance, is much more difficult than UK and that’s supposed to be a full on Socialist State!
My tolerance levels, pretty high in the beginning, have now worn so thin that I’m seriously considering moving back. The only other option is to move to N.H. but I fear that the FSP is most likely more wishful thinking and delusion on my part than reality—but am willing to give it a serious look see over the next few months. I’m planning on attending PorcFest in June (?) and I’ll take it from there.
I found this site quite by chance while looking at someone’s Facebook page and randomly clicking on a few links I found myself here.
Welcome. There is much to be done. This is a project, not a utopia, and we're just on the outskirts of the movement. Definitely come to Porcfest, or drop on up anytime when is convenient and meet some people. Stuff happening here: http://calendar.freetalklive.com
I'm a Belgian citizen who grew up having the same illusion about the US as you describe.
I'm currently working on moving to NH with my husband (who is an American citizen).
I'm often asked why I'm here if I think it's so bad here and my reply is always the same:
I have the choice of socialism or fascism and if that really was all there was to consider, I'd pick socialism over fascism every day, even though I don't like socialism either.
However, that isn't all there is to consider, given the fact that Europe is slowly but steadily moving more and more towards fascism as well, AND given the fact that there is no real movement to change that in my home country.
So if I have to pick between living in a fascist state together with people trying to change it; or living in a socialist state that's slowly turning fascistic with nobody caring about it… I'd rather stay and see if things might get better here.
I don't know how big the freedom movement is in Britain, but I personally wouldn't be able to live my life while not trying to bring more freedom to the world, and from that perspective, NH is the place I want to be…
I am fortunate to live just an hour or so from Keene, so I intend to take up Ian’s offer in April and check stuff out there.
I go back to England a few times a year and so I’m well aware how things are deteriorating (freedom-wise) over there. Multiculturalism is out of control like it is in the rest of Europe and it is almost impossible to speak ones mind now without being accused of ‘hate speech’ though this is no-where near as bad as it is in mainland Europe. In many ways it seems like all is lost over there, though in England at least there is a small libertarian movement that is struggling to take root. There is also a large and growing counter-culture movement that is showing some signs of resistance—but it is very confused to say the least and is very unlikely to result in anything that resembles a free society. and could even make things worse in the long run.
Interesting times?
[quote author=Clive_ link=topic=4907.msg50812#msg50812 date=1299648529]
I am fortunate to live just an hour or so from Keene, so I intend to take up Ian’s offer in April and check stuff out there.
I go back to England a few times a year and so I’m well aware how things are deteriorating (freedom-wise) over there. Multiculturalism is out of control like it is in the rest of Europe and it is almost impossible to speak ones mind now without being accused of ‘hate speech’ though this is no-where near as bad as it is in mainland Europe. In many ways it seems like all is lost over there, though in England at least there is a small libertarian movement that is struggling to take root. There is also a large and growing counter-culture movement that is showing some signs of resistance—but it is very confused to say the least and is very unlikely to result in anything that resembles a free society. and could even make things worse in the long run.
Interesting times?
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My husband and me visited Keene just last week and had a blast.
We'll be moving to it's vicinity as soon as we can.
As far as things getting worse in Europe, your experience mirrors my own and I don't have any hope of it getting better there any time soon.
The people in the street aren't upset enough about the changes European unification is bringing with it.
It seems that political change never happens until the general population is pissed off to the point that they'll take to the street and riot, and the population here seems to be far closer to that than those in Europe.
The socialism there has made people meek and grateful, instead of angry and fearful, like they tend to be here.
I suppose every generation can claim they lived in interesting times… though as far as this march to more freedom goes, I hope things get a lot more interesting than they have been in the past couple years, soon.
Consider the fact that Mass is arguably the least free state in the union. It's a close call between Mass, New York and New Jersey, I know. And New Hampshire, which is arguably the freest state in the union. Seriously, spend some time in Manchester, NH before you consider heading back to England.
having lived in Mass most of my life I can easily say that there's a world of difference.
Very sad, considering it's just land and over an imaginary line on the ground.
Welcome to the forum! I believe it is much easier to start a business in New Hampshire but I think others may be better at explaining that.
Uh, yeah. Generally, if you want to start a business in NH, you buy yourself some business cards, and you're set to go.
If you want to get fancy, you can pay $50 to register your trade name with the State.
Joe
^^^ Or pay nothing and enjoy all the benefits of living in The Shire. 