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How about a show on leaving the United States? I know my wife and I have talked about it because we don't have much hope for America, regardless of the outcome of the election. Reasons we've heard from others contemplating leaving are: racism, anti-gay bias, debt and the broken economy, U.S. arrogance and aggression, resisting the war, wealth inequality, expensive unequal health care, guns + crime, religion, redstate/bluestate polarization, broken government, shame, etc.

Articles in these magazines at these links offer discussion:
-U.S. News and World Reports
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/2008/07/28/a-growing-trend-of-leaving-america.html

-Harpers
http://harpers.org/archive/2004/10/0080240

-Web pages:
we moved to canada (An essay at this link is worth reading)
http://www.wmtc.blogspot.com/2006/03/me-again.html

a general info page on "escaping from america"
http://www.escapeartist.com/

Examples of books on why people are leaving America. (on Amazon.com)
-Getting Out: Your Guide to Leaving America by Mark Ehrman
-Leaving America: The New Expatriate Generation by John R. Wennersten

Following is a review quote on Wennersten's book:
"Today more than ever, large numbers of Americans are leaving the United States. It is estimated that by the end of the decade, some 10 million of the brightest and most talented Americans, representing an estimated $136 billion in wages, will be living and working overseas. This emigration trend contradicts the internalized myth of America as the land of affluence, opportunity, and freedom. What is behind this trend? Wennersten argues that many people these days, from college students to retirees, are uncertain or ambivalent about what it means to be an American".

Your show could also address the counter point. The need for people to stay here and work to solve the problems.

Just a thought,
Ed.

posted 4 years, 7 months ago
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I was amazed to hear the Philomath mayor say he isn't aware of any controversy concerning the couplet! I haven't talked to anyone who doesn't think it's a fiasco! One business owner I talked to said it has decreased his revenue by 30% and the mayor is unaware of the 100's of signatures on an anti-couplet petition that's pending? The couplet has destroyed the look and feel of downtown and makes getting to businesses difficult not to mention the $20 Million it cost. I also struggle to swallow the ODOT freight corridor excuse; four lanes in Philomath while Philomath Blvd. is two lanes?

posted 5 years ago
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