Favourite Countries

[Camaron 1]

My favourites include the UK as I live there, France and Italy as they are nice places to visit and the Caribbean Islands with its nice people.

[SC4BOY 21]

Interesting point is that 1 person in every 73 in the US is a millionaire.. You can be what you want to be here.. and the poor here live better than the rich in many countries.. good food, good travel, tv's car's sanitation schools etc etc etc all around.. poor is a VERY relative term. Whoever told you the US has so many poor is very misguided.. Or very politically motivated.. OR hasn't a clue about the US

[Meg 368]

Originally posted by: SC4BOY Interesting point is that 1 person in every 73 in the US is a millionaire..  quote>

 

One in 73?  Where are you getting that statistic?

I found this article:  http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/inequal/2004/0615millionaires.htm

which says it was 1 in 125 a couple of years ago.  if it's 1 in 73 now, that seems like a fast jump in a short period of time.

The statistic I found interesting that, for most US millionaires, the value of their primary residence was only 10% of their portfolio.   (now, if I can just find the citation for that statistic . . .)

[SC4BOY 21]

I don't recall.. and I didn't look it up again (though I am pretty sure of the number.. maybe it is like of adults or legal residents or whatever).. ok lets take your number.. what's your point? Seems this is rather irrelevant except for perhaps nitpicking.

[Micah 16]

Interesting point is that 1 person in every 73 in the US is a millionaire.. You can be what you want to be here.. and the poor here live better than the rich in many countries.. good food, good travel, tv's car's sanitation schools etc etc etc all around.. poor is a VERY relative term. Whoever told you the US has so many poor is very misguided.. Or very politically motivated.. OR hasn't a clue about the USquote>

I would have to disagree. I know what you mean, being poor in America isn't like any place else in the world (and I would agree), but there are more and more people becoming poor in America each day. It isn't being misguided... My Aunt Linda is poor because she has been living off the government for 9 years now, lives in a house that can barely stand near downtown Houston,and can hardly get by each day. She is part of a growing population in America. Not to pick on Arkansas at all, but many parts of that state are considered to be extremely poor and even equal to parts of a 3rd-world (developing) country.

oh-uh..... yeah... get back to those 'favorite countries' conversations.

[jmjselect 0]

I don't know about more people becoming poorer, I'll just assume so, but at the same time record number of americans are becoming richer.

http://money.cnn.com/2005/05/25/pf/record_millionaires/

I don't know if this statement is true anymore(it was back in the late 90s):

an american living at the poverty level(where a person classifies as being poor) lives a life with a better standard of living than the "average"(middle class) european.

the thing to remember about the above statement is "standard of living".  I'm pretty sure it sitll holds up today,

people in the us(poverty) have cars, mobile phones, tvs(big), microwaves, hvac, computers,........

------------------------------------------------------

topic:

1. USA: my birthplace and current residence

2. brazil: OMG you have to see the ladies here, OMG.   just dont marry one, they age REALLY BAD, no pun.  oh and the trees are nice too.

3. any country in the carribean(sp?): for the splendid beauty, and slow pace of life.

[Cjah 15]

Well....I'm kinda poor and I bet all my dimes and shiny pennies that the average middle class european may live and have less then I do,but I iamagine everything the european owns atleast works....alot of my stuff has already broken.....even my car hasn't run for like months....

Anyway.....

My Favorite country is Hungary.....never been there,but hopefully one day I shall travel there...(I have never flown and don't want to...I'll take a boat....)

After that I like America,Then Poland,Czech,Slovenia,Austria is very lovely from what I have seen in pictures....I don't care much for Western Europe.....

I like Jamaica and my dad lived there for almost a decade and said it was paradise.....to bad he never finished building his house on the hill.....he really wanted to have the family live there....

Also I just love Japan that place is awesome....its like the future....amazing TV and technology...

Russia is also one of my favorites and I hope to visit Red Square one day....also gamble in some Moscow Casinos...

Then for....Holland with its Amsterdam....Can't wait to travel there too.....

[Meg 368]

Originally posted by: SC4BOY I don't recall.. and I didn't look it up again (though I am pretty sure of the number.. maybe it is like of adults or legal residents or whatever).. ok lets take your number.. what's your point? Seems this is rather irrelevant except for perhaps nitpicking.quote>

 

Either way, it seems surprising and a bit unbelievable. I'm just trying to verify it, that's all.

Originally posted by: jmjselect

an american living at the poverty level(where a person classifies as being poor) lives a life with a better standard of living than the "average"(middle class) european.

quote>

 

I'm not sure about that either.  I've stayed with some average middle class Europeans.  They aren't that different from middle class Americans.

[confused04 14]

I honestly think many users on Simtropolis have a skewed view of "poverty" in America.

First, directly from the Census Bureau, 12.7% of the United States lives in poverty, which amounts to about 37 million people as of 2004. And unfortunately, that number had grown an additional 1.1 million people from 2003 to 2004.

Many of those in poverty, are young (under 18) which amounts to 13 million.

Being in poverty in the US is worse than being in poverty in many western European nations as our welfare system is ridden with bureaucracy and red tape. These impovershed people lack health insurance where it is generally universal in most western European nations. Just cause there are tons of programs in the US, doesn't mean they work or get to the right people (not to say that the problem is unique to the US). Many people sacrifice food for other bare necessities. Many kids in my highschool, roughly 30% depended on free or reduced lunches for their main and only meal for the day. Poverty is often hard for many of us on ST to imagine, not even I can pretend to know it completely. So to say that being in "poverty" here is better than middle class Europe is definately wrong. The disparity in Europe between the highest and lowest incomes are not as bad as those in the United States, where the gap grows bigger every year.

[Micah 16]

Originally posted by: SkiGeek

Originally posted by: SC4BOY I don't recall.. and I didn't look it up again (though I am pretty sure of the number.. maybe it is like of adults or legal residents or whatever).. ok lets take your number.. what's your point? Seems this is rather irrelevant except for perhaps nitpicking.quote>

 

Either way, it seems surprising and a bit unbelievable. I'm just trying to verify it, that's all.

Originally posted by: jmjselect

an american living at the poverty level(where a person classifies as being poor) lives a life with a better standard of living than the "average"(middle class) european.

quote>

 

I'm not sure about that either.  I've stayed with some average middle class Europeans.  They aren't that different from middle class Americans.quote>

 

I would have to agree with you, Ski. My relatives in Heidelberg, Germany, are middle class (And I've been there and met them) and they are very similar to the middle class in America. Also, most of the poor in America live under bridges or live in homes that are unsafe while the middle class in Europe live in relatively nice homes where they can go to the local towns/cities and buy food.

Edited: Exactly what confused04 said. Also, the American welfare system isn't like the European welfare system.

A perfect example of poverty in America....   Hurricane Katrina (with the exception of government).

[jmjselect 0]

Originally posted by: Micah [i would have to agree with you, Ski. My relatives in Heidelberg, Germany, are middle class (And I've been there and met them) and they are very similar to the middle class in America. Also, most of the poor in America live under bridges or live in homes that are unsafe while the middle class in Europe live in relatively nice homes where they can go to the local towns/cities and buy food.

Edited: Exactly what confused04 said. Also, the American welfare system isn't like the European welfare system.

A perfect example of poverty in America....   Hurricane Katrina (with the exception of government).quote>

I didn't say average german, I said average "EUROPEAN".  that's  all of europe.

also that "person living in america at the poverty level"  is not a person with no money.  the poverty level is something like 15,000-18,000 dollars a year(i don't know the exact figure but that's close),  the people who live under bridges are people who make virtually 0 dollars a year. 

and the american society isn't like the european society.  we live on mother earth and she has ruled that only the strongest survived, why not create a government that can better hold this rule?

****edit: why did the poor in america get brought up?

[Micah 16]

Well, that wasn't my point of bringing up my relatives.  My point was: I've been through most of Europe and I noticed the middle class in Europe is the same as America's middle class. In fact, I'm surprised how well the middle class can deal with those ridiculously high gas prices.

also that "person living in america at the poverty level"  is not a person with no money.quote>

They may have some money, but they still are poor. 

why not create a government that can better hold this rule?quote>

Well, many Americans believe that being the "strongest to survive" (As I guess Europe calls it) can be achieved individually without the governments help.

[jmjselect 0]

Originally posted by: Micah Well, that wasn't my point of bringing up my relatives.  My point was: I've been through most of Europe and I noticed the middle class in Europe is the same as America's middle class. In fact, I'm surprised how well the middle class can deal with those ridiculously high gas prices.

also that "person living in america at the poverty level"  is not a person with no money.quote>

They may have some money, but they still are poor. 

why not create a government that can better hold this rule?quote>

Well, many Americans believe that being the "strongest to survive" (As I guess Europe calls it) can be achieved individually without the governments help.quote>

what the middle class in europe?(the gas thing)  yeah that's pretty crazy, what is it, somthing like 7.00 a gallon(at the most).  but then we also have LOOOOONG commutes and the cost of transportation(cars, insurance, taxes,.....) so it basically evens itself out, economic wise  honestly I would like something like europe's transit network over here in america, sometimes I hate dealing with traffic and would love to let someone else do the driving once and a while.  i'm in the suburbs of atlanta and the only mass transit we have out here is buses and the closest bus stop is 10 miles away from me.

it might not be much money but it's enough to put them under a roof instead of under a overpass.

[Joesocwork 4]

Since we're off subject anyway...

I can't speak for Arkansas, can't speak for the Gulf Coast over the past year, and I've never been to Europe.  But I do work with the poorest of the poor in Washington, D.C. and I've been among impoverished people elsewhere, and trust me, even middle class citizens of those lands would long for the opportunities and material wealth that the poor over here and among the Westernized nations possess.

Buuuuuttt... back on subject, I don't have just one favorite country beyond my own b/c the Members make a great case for each of their own respective countries!   (well, some do. )

[___idiotbox 0]

Well, I really like Ireland even though I don't know very much about it. I know that it is very gorgeous and they have lots a sheep...

And I love any countries in Africa. I know Africa is not the greatest but I would love to visit. I especially want to visit Zanzibar which are two islands of of Tanzania in East Af. Zanzibar defiently has some history to it, so I wouldnt just be going there for the beautiful beaches. It consists of two islands: Zanzibar Island, and Pemba Island but together they are called Zanzibar. I even named my fish Zanzibar!

Oh, did I mention South Africa?

-Ellie

[justanothersim86 83]

Well, I can honestly say Canada is my favourite. Good economy, excellent quality of life, a large and vast landscape which includes almost every enviroment on Earth (except deserts), great people, culturally diverse, better treatment of the poor, beautiful cities, etc.

The only thing I don't like is our treatment of Native Canadians.

Outside Canada, I would have to say: Sweden, Norway, Austria, Australia, Finland, Japan and Switzerland.

[Odainsaker 2,137]

Despite all its idiosyncracies, I'll list the United States as my favorite country, but then I was born and raised here. Home will always be the favorite. And who can't also like nearby Canada?

I have been deeply fascinated by several other countries, for which I immerse myself in as much useless information, history, and imagery as I can find. These include Japan, Austria, Germany, Turkey, Russia, India, China, and Iran. Probably more interested in their distant exoticism rather than their somehow being ideal places to live.

Hmm, it might be interesting if little Hawaii somehow regained its independance and old monarchy.  Not going to happen, but makes for fun history.

[GingerBlokey 30]

The UK, obviously, and ...

Norway

Germany

Denmark

Switzerland

Leitchenstein

Belguim

Holland

Sweden

Finland

Latvia

Ireland

Lithuania

Russia

Moldova

Croatia

Slovenia

Herzgovina

Georgia

Armenia

Israel

South Africa

Canada

Cuba

Venezuela

China

Japan

Australia

Phillipines

Sao Tome

India

Pakistan

Bangladesh

Uzbekistan

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Tibet

Italy

New Zeland

Iceland

Some have fascinating history (Moldova, Cuba)

Some have interesting current affairs (China, Russia)

Some are beautiful (Norway, Switzerland)

and some are just cool countries (Iceland, Japan)

[simster6 0]

I lived in Vermont for a while, and I loved it there...people there are so open minded. It is so much different from what people sterytype America as. So clean and healthy, with a very old, European flavour to it as well. I would totally go back to Vermont anyday.

I live in Canada now, and I love it here aswell. However, my all-time favourite countries must be Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. I would love to go to Europe one day!

[SC4BOY 21]

Poverty in the US is a sliding target.. and no matter how affluent the society is you can redefine "poor" . ... and trust me the government has done this MANY TIMES and of course any group can put out a "fact sheet" or "press release" to press their own goals and objectives. There is a LOT OF MONEY to be made by calling people "poor"... everyone from school systems to welfare agencies to ... make a buck everytime someone is made poor.. I am quite in touch with society in the US over a broad range of geographies.. there is not doubt that some have less than others.. just like everywhere.. but to state that the US is in dire circumstances and that 13% of Americans are somehow at risk of life is a serious overstatement.. In countries where there ARE POOR where children eat bush leaves because their stomachs are so empty they are desperate for ANYTHING..(I only use this as a simple example.. I could fill pages)... please!

I'll also tell you why the children are the "poor".. its because their selfish parents.. most of whom don't even want the kids.. or at least only use them for a "tool" to manipulate the system so they get what they want.. which they promptly spend on themselves rather than their children. Sadly the parents are the major obstacle..

I was raised DIRT POOR living in a house that was 450 square feet (and that counts all the closets, bathroom, etc until I was 15 and then we moved into a luxurious 3 room house with perhaps And square feet.. lol.. and I lived there until I graduated from college..All done by a single mother and not a dime in welfare the entire time. And no I'm not looking for either kudo's or sympathy..Just stating facts.. And I had many friends who .. tho perhaps not quite as extreme.. certainly had no "extras" in their childhood.. And by the way I never thought of myself as "POOR" in the sense of poverty I have witnessed in my travels.. I thought I had a great childhood thank you very much ..

Its all a matter of choices, and you can't make people make the right choices.. The kids are the victims of many of the selfish today bacause they cannot easily help themselves.. There is a HUGE resource for the poor in the US.. and most people who try to serve these children will tell you that their main problem is getting the service TO THE KIDS around the obstacles.. Sorry, but I just can't accept the sad picture that you wish to paint as America on the brink. It is clearly a land of opportunity and hope.. anyone who says otherwise has their head in the sand.. Does that mean there are no problems? of course not, but really.....

[rhino120 2]

SC4BOY:

I agree with part of your thoughts regarding "selfish parents"...there are definitely parent(s) who abuse the system here in the US.  

My only problem with your comment is it seems you are stating "all" children living in poverty are doing so as result of poor parenting.  There are many impoverished children in the US who have one or both parents who have lost their jobs for whatever reason.  Just pick up the newspaper and you can find some company somewhere that is laying off employees or going out of business.  Additionally, there are many parents who work hard to provide for their families, yet can still be considered poor.  Those parents cannot necessarily be called bad; the situation is not always their fault.  

The childhood you describe for yourself is a perfect example.  You said you were raised "dirt poor", yet your mother seems to have done a great job raising you.  I don't think you would describe her as a selfish parent.

Oh, and BTW, my favorite country is the US

[Micah 16]

This discussion of the poor should have its own thread.   

[Dippit 0]

New Zealand.

[Mantis747 1]

Definitely USA.

I live in England but I don't really like it.

[Maelstrom44 1]

Kyrgyzstan...

[Nerd_Guy 4]

The United States of America. I live here and am proud of it.

I don't think the USA has many truly "poor" people. Just low middle class.

I feel very sorry for you SC4BOY. 450 sq. ft.  our home theater room is 400...

[gurrgkud 2]

Originally posted by: Maelstrom44 Kyrgyzstan...quote>

 

could you elaborate more?

______________________________

England. I plan to finish my degree in Architecture in London, in a couple of years.

Japan is cool too. And the US can be fun, despite the current "getting closer to totalitarian" movement that is subtlely happening.

[gurrgkud 2]

Originally posted by: Nerd_Guy

The United States of America. I live here and am proud of it.

I don't think the USA has many truly "poor" people. Just low middle class.

I feel very sorry for you SC4BOY. 450 sq. ft.  our home theater room is 400...

quote>

 

sorry for the double post, but i just noticed this.

Nerd_Guy... i dont think your last sentence was very... pleasant.

[Zegai 0]

Israel. Did you see what they did to Hezbollah?

[Praetorian Cohort 0]

USA - I love my country!  I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.  Well, maybe Rome.

Israel - Finally, a country not afraid to stand up for itself.

Vatican City - For sticking it to Rome and Italy by existing.