On the Face Book, I’m a member of two groups that are connected to where I grew up in the Dorchester section of Boston at the time it was an Irish Catholic conclave. With a smattering of other emetic groups mostly from Europe mixed in, but we all got along. We were a prideful group, with our own language (Or at least our own way of speaking it) Wicked Pissa is something that is fantastic, we buy booze at a Packy, and being called a Hot Shit is a good thing! We have our own architecture in homes called the “Three Deckah” house, and I never had a beer until I joined the Navy, we drank “beah”. A milk shake had no ice cream in it, if you want ice cream added you ordered a Frappe’. Plus all soda pop no matter the flavor or brand is called TONIC.
Dorchester was a wonderful place to grow up, as we are on Boston “Harbah” in the South East section of the city so we had beaches and boating. You told people where you were from by telling them your church’s name.” Hey Paul, where do you live?” Saint Ann’s Parish was my proper answer!
You get to my house by coming down Neponsit Avenue from Saint Ann’s and the street across from the New Fire Barn was Tolman Street, I lived at # 40. We had a fire plug in front (Hydrant was what they called it in New York). No matter where in the standings were any of our sports teams, a stranger had best never say a disparaging word about them, especially our Boston Red Sox, and their ancestral home of “Fenway Park”. A Bostonian, who does not know the street address of Fenway Park, will be asked to leave the city; (4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215) in Boston we put ketchup on burgers and fries and NEVER on a Hot Dog!! We even have a special hot dog bun that is toasted on both sides and may also be used to serve lobster and clam Rolls on. Hmmmmm good!
That is a little background on the way I answered the question I was asked by an old friend whom I went to High School with back in the 60’s.
“Paul, why in the hell would you want to live in the Philippines?” I thought about the answer and said: “Don’t you watch the liberal news media? Can’t you see the crap pile our country is turning into with them and the corrupt politicians running the country, and you Sheeple blindly lapping up the crap they tell you without a clue to what is really going on?
Is there corruption in the Philippines? You bet-cha there is, but not on the scale we have in the West, I’m throwing Europe also into the mix. The politicians here need to follow the example of the west, if the law makers are paid by the lobbyist to pass a law that they know is bad, they exempt themselves from it.
Example: US insider trading laws, do not apply to any member of congress or their staffers (In the interest of unfairness to Martha Stewart,) and they never read the bill on Obamacare, but still wisely exempted themselves out of it.
But here is the real reason I choose to live here, I grew up in the 1950’s during a simpler and gentler time in Boston. Where kids played on the streets until called in by our folks, all adults watched over all children and you had to win at a sport to receive a trophy. We knew which bathrooms we were supposed to use. And most of the Movie stars and politicians back then had served in WW II or Korea. My police, civic leaders, and teachers were all members of “The Greatest Generation” With role models like that how could we go wrong?
I find many similarities here in the Philippines to my growing up in Dorchester and explained that to my old buddy Sully. The other thing is my pensions, there is no way on God’s green earth I could live back in the “First World” on what I make, and I’d have to work as a greeter for Wal-Mart or go on the Welfare or the Dole to survive. I have way too much pride to live like that, so I elected to live here, and am pleased with my decision.
I answered Sully’s questions back and forth on FB Messenger, and he is my age but still working, because he must in order to live.
. I answered “The Questions” to the best of my ability and now my old friend understands the whys of my life. I am only speaking for me, your reasons for living here are your own, and I respect them! Sully was shocked when I told him I retired fully in January 2000 at age 53 and had to wait 9 years for Social Security to kick in. My Father taught his 5 son’s that if you don’t retire sometime in your 50’s, you failed! BTW the middle Thompson son who lives in the Philippines is the only son to follow his father’s teachings.
Another great article Paul, same as you I could not live in the UK on my pensions without begging from the state.(that’s how they make it feel)
Yes, I am Philippine bound when I retire, as can’t live in the U.S. on pension and SS.
Tim;
Good for you, I know you won’t regret it, but the stress free lifestyle is as good if not better then the pension being stretched by the better cost of living. You’re gonna love it here!
Just make sure you’ve spent sometime here. Sooooooo many people “think” they want to move here than find out it isn’t like they expected.
I wouldn’t move because of finances only. One has to love the adventures. A different lifestyle.
John J.;
The UK or the US, the dole or welfare, we with pride and who have contributed to our country seldom ask for the free stuff.
53, Paul? I did it when I was 45. I’m not bragging though.
Social security, if it still exists, will be a boon for both me AND my wife in 7-8 years since we’ll both be drawing it separately.
Living on the a military pension gets harder every year. That 50 percent isn’t 50 percent anymore. I figure the SS will even things out.
I retired at 51 myself!
RT;
After the Navy I went off to sail again as a merchant Marine, and loved every minute of it (Oh the money was nice too) But as I said, I waited 9 years for my SS, my wife has always lived here so nothing for her.. The trick I used was that I was so used to living on my Navy 54% that when the SS kicked it I used very little and saved the rest, which is how I paid 50% down on my new car in 2014. Don’t be in a rush to get older to collect it, it’s no fun in my late sixties. (LOL) But it will help when it kicks in!!!!!
No fun? I plan to live to 120, so that’s only about halfway. 🙂
RT:
You sound like my brother who told me at age 60 he was middle aged, he also must plan or getting to 120.
Bob;
No doubt that’s true, the VA takes time but the money is good, some day I might apply.
I went into retirement at 35. I guess your pop would be speechless over that one. Seriously, there is a ton of so called help if you need it. But it really isn’t free to you. I got ‘help’ with my rent. That was work and the job really never ended. Like they constantly re-evaluated your needs which took constant meetings. Hurry and wait. Drove me batty. I do understand why though because people would abuse the help. I could have gotten food and help with utilities but the rent alone was enough crazy for me.
Gary;
35!!! I didn’t finish my Navy career until I was 39, then owning Night Clubs in the Caribbean, and sailing as a merchant seaman around Asia for all those years, 53 worked out just fine for me! But more power to you, are you here in the Philippines now?
He he! Yes, been here for about 5 years now (June 4, 2011). I was a land surveyor in a fairly big company. Did jobs mainly for the government, including the Clinton Presidential Library. But I sustained a pretty bad leg injury unrelated to work. I had no choice but to go into ‘retirement!’ :p Definitely not by choice. Being that young I really didn’t have any chance at anything like 401k and I am stuck with just a little check from SS. But I am good at budgeting that.
Gary;
That makes sense, a work related injury you had me going (LOL)
Hi Paul
I’m a Southie kid and have been to the Philippines many times so I know what you mean. My fiance is in Manila and I am working on bringing her to the US. Maybe when I am older I would consider living there.
Mark;
If I stood in the middle of “D” Street and threw a rock, it would hit a cousin or a Japanese car.
Bringing my wife to the states was not an option for me as my work required me to be gone for months at a time on ships, but if you’re home every night it should not be a problem. You must learn where the nearest Asian Grocery is located and where the PhilAm club meets (It’s all about the food) and all will be fine. I hope you get here someday to retire its better than great!
Doug;
Good on you for that!
53 for me, but I can’t leave Boston. I just can’t do it. More than that my Filipina wife doesn’t want to go back.
Scott, If the wife doesn’t want to go back there’s no way I’s even think about it. Living here, when a wife doesn’t want to move back, would be horrible.
Hey Paul, another great article. You got me by 3 years on retirement. Spent 24 years in the AF and another 14 in civil service until I got a new “civilian” boss. His attitude led me to re-evaluate and I decided I didn’t need to wait until I was 62 to retire to the Philippines. Have not regretted it once. Keep gaining weight so you can get that final operation done, and get on the mend.
OB;
Bosses can go either way. As a seaman if the boss is a dirt bag, you’ll be off that ship in a few months, and you find out where he is stationed and avoid going there, by the same token if they are a great boss, request that ship.
Or follow your example and move thousands of miles away and never have to deal with it again. I like your plan!
The weight is back, but I’m giving it time for a little extra so I won’t be disappointed by losing a few pounds.
Hi Paul, another interesting article by you. I saw the snow in the picture at the top of the article and was wondering if you were ever a Boston Bruins hockey fan. Probably not since you are in the Philippines where there is no snow. haha
Scott;
I left Boston when I was 18, so there was no magnet to pull me back, but if your wife is happy there and you take her to Fenway, it can be a great life, my 4 brothers never left the area, albeit they are now in Whitman, Weymouth, Wakefield and New Bedford.
Richard;
There was both snow and Bobby Orr when I lived there, but you don’t see much hockey on Philippine TV. (LOL)
Good article! Raising a family of 4 on SSA is not easy here in the Philippines, so it’s time to apply for VA disability benefits.
Hey Paul…
Born in Dauchesta…in a 3 storey walk-up in August of ’47.
Holmes Avenue, just down from Ronin Park.
Moved to Braintree around the age of 7 or so.
Spent 37 years living on Australia’s Gold Coast and have been living here in Cebu since Febuary of last year.
Loved your article…
If you eva come down to Cebu I’ll have a coldie waiting.
Cheers
Bob Stone
Bob Stone;
A cold beah, sounds great from a fellow Dot Rat and a man from down under!
Bob;
No doubt that’s true, the VA takes time but the money is good, some day I might apply.
When did they get snow now that would be fun soon melt
Ken;
Every winter Boston gets snow, but it is usually gone by May.
I am hopping to move he too retire in 2 years or so
Ken;
Two years goes by fast, good luck with your plan!
Proper planning earlier in life can eliminate the need to rely on pensions and SS in retirement. Besides pension is a cursed word for today’s workers and SS probably won’t be there. Like some other commenters I would advise against making the move to the philippines for financial reasons alone. I think most would likely end up unhappy and worst off than if they stayed home.
Hi Willie,
My Dad is a huge Republican conservative and I remember him saying that Social Security would not be there for him back in the 1970’s. Dad has been receiving benefits for 13 years now. The idea of Social Security running out of money is not new. It may happen, but I suspect the Congress will never allow it, because it would be political suicide. I do agree with your key point of saving for the future if you are able to and that people should not move to the Philippines solely for financial reasons.
Peace
Jay
Jay,
I hope you’re right but I’m not holding my breath. I am preparing as if I will never see a dime of that money. I wish the government would allow me to invest my contributions on my own. Im sure I could a much better job. That would never happen though because my generation is paying for the retirements of all of the older statesmen that frequent this web magazine….just as they did for the generation before them. So if SS is not depleted by the time I can claim it, it will surely be significantly altered. I understand the need for SS and the reason it was created. I think times have changed significantly and that the system should be overhauled to something better. I like Singapore’s CPF. A system like that would have much greater benefits to citizens of the U.S. than the current one.
Hi Willie,
Thank you in advance in paying my Social Security in 11 years or so!
Peace
Jay
Jay;
What a guy helping you out that way. A selfless act if ever I saw one!
Hi Paul,
I actually like Social Security, but I agree with Willie. I believe it is kind of a Ponzi scam. Current workers are paying the benefits for current retirees. I suspect at some point the US Government will raise or eliminate the cap on contributions and the result will be the most wealthy will pay $100 or more for every $1 they get in benefits. I also believe at some point benefits may be eliminated for the wealthy entirely. When FDR started Social Security, life expectancy was 65 years. They are increasing the retirement age, but the fact that people are living longer and longer is going to stress the system.
I don’t resent you or my Dad. You are right that you have earned your Social Security. I just do not believe there is a real account with money in it with your or my name/Social Security Number on it, Also you might want to thank illegal aliens for paying into Social Security with fake numbers that will never be able to receive benefits. I am not saying they should get benefits, I am only saying they sometimes pay in. Just my opinions and some things to think about.
Peace
Jay
Jay;
Of course there is no fund with money in it, all Americans who understand history know that!
The party (D) that started Social Security did a great job by setting up a fund to pay out to retirees with the folks behind them adding to the fund not paying the retirees that are collecting their rightful money. L.B. Johnson (D) saw the ever growing Social Security account and decided that the fund would be better if added to the monies needed to fight the Vietnam War. So they took the money and decided that congress would budget Social Security every year, which has failed. Going back to the old adage; “If the wheel ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it!”
So now the politicians,(D & R) who normally caused a problem, can now run on a platform saying they will fix the problem they created.
I and my employers paid into the SSA every month since 1964 and I’ll be damned if I’ll let anyone tell me it is the citizens fault for living longer. The original fund accounted for that fact.
BTW The politicians further stripped Social Security by paying out my retirement to Medicaid, SS disability and other items they added that were not in the original bill. I will collect my due, and if others don’t, it is their fault caused by the way they voted.
Willie;
Read the history of Social Security and you will realize that L.B. Johnson made the change to the system, complain to the politicians , not the people who paid in to SSA and are now collecting our just due. If you want SSA, vote to fix it and restore the system to what is was when it started. Knowledge of how the SSA got to the way it is today, is the power to change it.
Willie;
If you don’t need any pensions, because of savings, how do you replenish your savings?
I was single most of my life, and never needed fancy cars as used cars were fine and I saved 50% of my salary every year,( but in 1978 I bought a new Lincoln Town car, but I drove it for ten years) I have paid cash for every house or condo I’ve ever owned since 1976, all because I saved my money, the last loan I had was in the same year, 1976. And I paid cash to build my house here in the Philippines. My reasons for living here are noted above, and 20 years later they are still the same. The cost of living here is just an added bonus!
Willie,
Nobody is paying for my pension. My pension from the Florida Retirement System is well funded and paid for by me. Social Security will not go away, but some changes need to be done. I retired at 55.
Papa Duck;
People think that Social Security is a benefit from the government; it NOT!!! It is a right that you and your employer paid into every month of your working life. So like Florida, you paid for your social security not some elected idiot sitting in Washington. When people figure that out, the problem will solve its self.
Papa Duck, Paul, and other elder statemen,
First I never said I was paying for your pension Papa Duck. Read my above comment again. Second I never said SS was a benefit from the government. Thirdly I dont bother myself with what a certain politician or political party did in the past. I dont trust ANY politician. As far as I am concerned they are all self serving and BOTH parties have had the majority in both the House and the Senate so if any party wanted to make changes they very well could have.
Now about the SS issue itself. I am by no means blaming the guys who are receiving SS. I dont think my above comments said anything like that. I only mentioned fact…which is that my generation is paying your SS …just as your generation did previously. I also mentioned that the system needs to be overhauled. There is a great likely hood that many in my generation will not receive any SS or at the very least a small token amount.
I agree that the system needs to be changed significantly in order to make it sustanable for future generations because unless we have another baby boom generation the current system cannot survive. I.E more peoply withdrawing than contributing. No it is not the withdrawers fault…but its not the contributers fault either. The system needs to be a dollar in dollar out account probably “invested” in relatively safe manner(Such as Singapore CPF). The individual should be able to log into his account and see exactly how much is there on any given day.(Such as Singapore CPF).
I know the more seasoned guys here dont neccesarily want it to change because they are currently withdrawing or will be soon. But from someone who has 30 years before withdrawing….I hope for change.
Paul I dont think either political party has the will to touch SS. It has become a topic equivalent to politica suicide. George W. proposed a SS “lockbox” and was raked over the coals for it.
Amend the last sentence. George W. proposed privatization of SS and was so ridiculed for it that he crawfished on the idea. Like I said if I had control of my own SS account im sure I could do far better with it than the Govt.
Willie;
I have visited Singapore so many times on merchant ships, but was never eligible for their retirement. Once more it’s history. Our system can be fixed. Reestablish the fund and start the investments once more and it will right itself. What you did during your comments was accuse our baby boomer generation of emptying the funds because there are more of us, without taking into consideration that our extremely large group also paid more into the system over our lifetimes than any other group, and we did it when the economy was strong and there was a massive middle class.
But as I said above, I saw the way the country was going when one group started supporting 47% of the population, now that is an amount that cannot be sustained and I’ll be long dead when the collapse comes and your generation will be stuck with the bill.
So if you ever see SSA, which will be up to you and your generation to stop the foolishness that is going on now. If SSA was to give out tomorrow I have prepared for that back when I was earning over six figures a year as a seaman. I just hope your generation, is alowe4d to do the same.
You mentioned that you could invest the monies you pay into SSA far better than the government, which maybe is true is true, but how many people will? The lack of knowledge of the SSA system is pitting your generation against my generation and the politicians are laughing their collective asses off over that.
Hi Willie and Paul,
Just for the record, I don’t disagree with anything significantly that either of you said about Social Security. I think in truth we are in agreement. I think Willie is saying he would like more control over the money he contributes and I can respect that. At your age I can certainly understand your concern. I certainly ain’t mad at either of you.
Peace
Jay
Jay;
Why would you feel that anyone was miffed at you? (I like that term better than Mad) Papa Duck, you, Willie plus me all have an opinion that belongs to each of us, whereas I might not agree, but that does not make you wrong. My premise was that going back to the 1930’s and studying the original bill signed by FDR, was a great plan. It was future politicians in the 1960’s that tore the system apart. Blaming people who paid into it for 40 years will not solve the problem, and all contributions you make go into the general fund and then congress will budget Social Security for the next fiscal year. No one working is paying me right now. That is my only point!
Paul, I envy you folks living in Philippine culture. Liberalism has not yet poisoned the national identity. Financial stability is great but is no joy without peace of mind. When I retired from the Air Force, I went to work in the gulf of Mexico with oil company suppliers. I was engineer on a supply boat delivering drill pipe, diesel fuel etc. I had a merchant marine card but never left the gulf. 🙂 If I were free to do so, I would lite out for the Philippines to spend my golden years.
AF Guy;
People would be shocked at the number of seamen I sailed with that were retired AF, Army and Marines. Here’s a funny one, I never sailed with a retired Coast Guard, which I found odd.
But the real question is; “What’s stopping you!” it’s never to late.
Do anyone of you see what’s trully going on?
Wake up and smell the coffee people.
Do you know that The Gallactic size financial “reset” is about to hit the fan?
How many hours we have left, Bob?
Bob;
You promised that we were all safe after that last deadline, And here you go with another one. Wasn’t it Chicken Little that ran around the barn yard shouting; “The sky is falling?”
Paul,
I’ve been waiting for the next date lol.
The ‘EVENT’ has not been cancelled but I had a great pleasure savouring my 12 year bottle of Rum.
Palawan Bob;
When I’m able to drink my superior 12 year rum again, I might see things the way you do. But sobriety is making me doubt that a calamity is forthwith! I miss drinking with my friends and talking nonsense but forgetting it all the next day.The Rum could be the problem???
In looking for a place to retire, at the top of my list, I was looking and hoping to find a place where I never ever had to hear the name Kardishian or Jenner ever again like I do many times daily here in US. Last time I was there I kept hearing those 2 sickening words, but at least not near as often as here.
After finially getting rid of the “talented” Paris Hilton name, from a daily basis to only be replaced by the “ultra talented” Kardishans and Jenners, I just dont know where to go now, except a deserted island maybe.
Bill;
An old sailors trick is to leave the ship and start walking inland while carrying an oar. You walk until someone asks you what it is, and there is where you build your house.
You could do the same with their pictures! (LOL) Good luck!
I have failed your father’s test. Less than a year to go which will make me 64. Counting the days till retirement and the move.
And while I agree with your statement, “Don’t you watch the liberal news media? Can’t you see the crap pile our country is turning into with them and the corrupt politicians running the country, and you Sheeple blindly lapping up the crap they tell you without a clue to what is really going on?” I would just substitute the term “liberal news media” with Fox News; both sides are corrupt 🙂
Dave W.;
People don’t understand Fox News, I know it is the only voice of the right side, while the left has MSNBC,ABC,CBS,NBC and least we forget CNN. Here in the Philippines you would be shocked at what the US liberal news does not report. Monday Sanders people tried to get a permit to protest in Philadelphia and the democratic city government turned them down. The democrats built an eight foot tall one mile fence around the convention hall, and CNN reported the wiki-leaks e-mails were actually released by the Russian’s, to help Trump. The liberal media never mentioned the fence or the permit, but Fox did. I don’t trust any of them as they are all for profit. But I went on line and found the truth.
I’m not a Sheeple lapping up anyone’s reporting I find out on my own. I just find that Fox is a little less corrupt. I’m waiting for COO to next blame the leaks on aliens. Who released them is unimportant, what is in those e-mails is what Hillary does not want you to know. So tune in to CNN (Clinton News Network) and learn what they want you to know.
Dave W.
I have been trying to awake a few here but it’s mission impossible. The sheeple won’t stop laughing at me.
I tried being subtle but it doesn’t work. It doesn’t go through their thick sculls.
Unfortunately, I can’t be less subtle on a public forum.
I find myself envious of those who did it in their 50s. 8 more months to go till I retire and get ready for the move, but that makes me 64. Of course my wife keeps me young and immature.
Dave Weisbord;
Nothing to be envious about, I was max payout on SSA and lost a $1,000.00 a month because I wasn’t working during those 9 years. Also I lost 9 years of very high merchant seaman pay and could be driving a Chrysler 300 now instead of a Mitsubishi G-4 (LOL) Naw I enjoyed not working and have no regrets.
When you get here full time, you’ll know what we’re talking about!
Papa Duck;
The dates are never ending!
I will. Be 65 before I can make the move but better late than not at all
Ken;
Whatever the age, it’s the move that is important
Paul,
Another great article and very true… I agree on all points you have made and I will be retired at age 43 (next year) 6-9 month after that I will be living in the Philippines permanently and couldn’t be more excited and happy at the prospect of that.
Chris S;
Retired at 43, you are my hero from now on, Enjoy your move here as that is when the real life truly starts.
It would be political suicide for the politicians to allow SS to go under. All they’ll do is raise the withdrawal retirement age by months at a time. Which isn’t right.
Due to a death so many people never see a dime of what they’ve contributed, right? The system should be flush with money. It is after all one of the few programs that constantly receives money through contributions.
Interests, and deaths alone, should keep the system afloat for a very long time. Yet they say by 20 whatever SS will be broke. Not true. It will need adjusting because the politicians can’t keep their hands off the money.
Rusty;
All the money that is contributed every month goes into the general fund and is used to fight wars, presidential golfing trips welfare and government outlays, SSA money comes out of the amount that congress has budgeted for this year. It is really just as simple as that, and it’s a “F”ed up way of doing it. The deaths are just money that is not claimed.
Amen!
Yes, I’ve read that. Still if it was used correctly it would be flush with money. But Congress can’t keep their hands off the money.
Horace;
You couldn’t be more right!
Wasn’t it Gore that also wanted a “lock box” for SS?
Horace;
Al Gore, so misunderstood, and not the sharpest knife in the set!
Hi Paul,
Al Gore actually won the popular vote. I wonder if he would have invaded Iraq. I think not. History would have been a lot different. I am no fan of Donald Trump but he was also against the Iraq War. I also wonder if the Great Recession that we went into with President George W. Bush would have happened with President Gore. We will never know.
Peace
Jay
Jay;
Let’s take your premise a step further, what if the Mayflower had not ran out of beer and had made it to Virginia instead of Massachusetts as was t6he historical plan America might not have ever been born and we’d still be British. Hindsight is indeed 20-20, but it is not reality
What if that idiot Al Gore had not claimed he invented the internet, and had said; “As a senator I voted for the internet.” He might have been elected Then Hillary Clinton would not have voted for the Iraq war and peace would reign forever in the Middle East forever and ever
It is never practical to play the would, have should have, Could have game.
Hi Paul,
I guess I feel a little de ja vu in that we had to pick between George W. Bush and Al Gore. George W. Bush had a chance to be leader of the free world and in my opinion was a horrible president much worse than President Obama. I doubt Al Gore would have done worse. Now we have Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump. I think I will vote for Gary Johnson.
Peace
Jay
Great article paul so forthright its the irish in you you have a way with words great read and all some great replies
Martin;
Before TV and with nothing on the Radio. on a warm Cape Cod Summer night as the water of life was flowing, we’d sit on the porch and listen to our grandparents and uncles (All born in Ireland) telling stories of the ol sod. If the story wasn’t funny, no one would bother to tell it. I learned a lot from them and didn’t realize it until later in life.
Paul, Maybe inventing the internet took too much of Gores brain power. I would type LOL but he was serious.
Rusty
Horace or Rusty
I’m not really sure who wrote this but my answer would remain the same…(LOL)
Gore was laughable, but John Kerry as he has proven as Secretary of State that he an incompetent.
Jay;
The wonderful part about America is your right to pick and choose who you want to run your life for you. The main reason I never vote democratic is because I don’t want to become enslaved or addicted to their “Free Stuff” which strips you of free will, and cause you to vote for them to ensure the “Free Stuff” never stops. The problem with “Free Stuff” is that someday the bill comes due and the system collapses. Rome 450 AD is a wonderful example. But again you choice is your choice, I’ll sit here in the Philippines surrounded by people of common sense who fully understand that you only get a trophy if you win, and there is a CR for men. and one for women and the wall along the highway is for all.
Jay,
Voting for Johnson is the same thing as voting for Hilary. So why waste your vote and just vote for Hilary.
Just think by electing Hilary you’ll have guaranteed a liberal Supreme Court. A bigger government. More free stuff like health care and college. Well, if you think health care/college is expensive now try it for “free.”
Rusty
Rusty;
Every person has the right to make their own mistakes when voting for whom they want to control their life. The perfect example was during his first term, he shoved Obamacare down America gullet, and the fools lined up and gave him a second term. I rest my case.
A vote for HRC is like a vote for ISIS.
Bob;
Hillary got the old guy Sanders to fold like a cheap tent, but the 43% of the democrats following him aren’t folding, the party is now split and she needs ISIS to emigrate from Syria and vote for her.
Hi ,
Last 5 US Presidents from best to worst in my opinion. I actually voted for the Bush’s 4 times.
1. Ronald Reagan
2. Bill Clinton
3. Barrack Obama
4. Geogre HW Bush
5. George Bush
The only Democrat I have every voted for for POTUS is Barrack Obama the second time. When President Obama came into office the USA was in the worst recession since the Great Depression. The unemployment rate was 11%. Gas was like $4 per gallon. We were losing about 30 brave soldiers a week in Iraq and there was no end in sight. Oh yeah, Osama bin Laden was still alive and laughing at us. Still I voted for John McCain. After President Obama started pulling our guys out of Iraq, McCain said they should stay over there. I ain’t crying over Sadam Hussain. He got what he gave to thousands a short rope and a long drop. He was an evil man and his two boys were worse, but that being said getting rid of him lead to ISIS. I actually agree with Donald Trump on that. Just my opinion.
Peace
Jay
Jay;
As I said before we are all free to have our opinion. And the right to agree or disagree, but what I found amazing is that in 8 years you are the first person who admitted voting for Obama, I admire your honesty.
They are trying to grind trump under the wheels of the Clinton Machine, the reason that tacit will fail is the only one who listens to CNN (Clinton News Network) or Hillary are her rabid followers who are going to vote for her no matter what the truth really is, Trump voters won’t believe a word out of hers or the DNC’s mouth. Once more, vote your heart and you have no need to explain yourself to me or anyone else.
Hi Paul,
President Obama’s current approval number is over 50%. The Republican Congress is less than 10%. Donald Trumps unfavorable rating is between 50-60%. Hilary Clinton is not much better around 40%. Obviously a lot of people voted for President Obama he won. Just because none of you and your buddies did does not really mean a whole lot. You are entitled to your opinion, but it does not make your opinion fact. If President Obama could run again he would easily win.
The fact is that Donald Trump has made blatantly racist statements about Hispanics. You know some people consider Filipinos Hispanics. I don’t, but maybe Trump does. Donald Trump has also disrespected veterans and recently the family of a man who gave his life fighting in Iraq for the USA. Donald Trump has stiffed thousands of people not because he did not have the money to pay them, but simply because he could. That last one was probably straight from Hilary Clinton but it is true.
I am done. I think you are a good person, but your mind is not open. I actually listen to what the candidates say not blindly vote for a political party.
Peace
Jay
Jay;
So I guess you do get miffed, even after I repeatedly said your opinion had value and you were welcome to it. I did not insult you, yet you decided to insult both me (Your mind is not open) , and then you come back and told me that my opinion lacks value. How very liberal of you to do so, if we don’t agree with your way of thinking; you attack!
This is why there is dissention in America today because of attitudes like you have demonstrated. If you want to vote for Hillary, I’ll still respect you, and will not insult your choice; please do the same for others
BTW If the republican congress has an approval rating of 10%, were the democrats exempt from any polling? (An example of bias maybe?)
Hi Paul,
Sorry for insulting you. I was not mad. I was trying to make a point, but did it poorly and the result was an insult. My mistake.
Peace
Jay
Ahhhh Paul,
Reminiscing…August in Dennisport.
Anything better than Cape Cod in the summer???
I think not!!!
Much better than my old three story walk-up in Dorchester.
Cheers
Bob
Bob;
West Yarmouth right down the road from Dennisport and Turpos Market, picking beach plumbs on the road to Corporation Beach the home of the Horseshoe crab.
Bob;
West Yarmouth right down the road from Dennisport and Turpos Market, picking beach plumbs on the road to Corporation Beach the home of the Horseshoe crab. I spent every summer on my life from 1948 to 1964 (Joined the Navy) we had 12 acres on RT 6a.
And Holmes Avenue in Dorchester just down the street from Ronan Park…
Meeting House Hill…
How about a box of Chocolate Covered Cherries from Phillips House???
Or an Italian Sub???
Lol
The only good US Presidents: JFK and Ronald Reagan.
Bob;
I’ll agree with that and one democrat and one republican. In my lifetime but soon to be a republican again (LOL)
Good point Paul! I wonder what Bernie REALLY thinks about her emails now???
Bob;
Bernie’s ship has sailed on that subject.
Paul ~ Yes, Bernie choked on the emails, and it probably cost him the nomination.
Bob;
That and the DNC that was working for Hillary 100%
Paul ~ I hope you are right. HRC = The end of the World.
Bob;Well according to some Trump is the devil incarnate, but I guess that’s why they make so many different types and colors of cars.
Paul ~ Yes, that’s why I made the comment about what Bernie thinks about her emails now. Trump is right about things being rigged. They even rigged their own party. It’s a scary thought to think that anybody would be stupid enough to even consider voting for HRC. Every word that comes out of her mouth is a complete lie, plain and simple.
Paul ~ Yeah, Trump doesn’t tell people enough about the good things he does like paying off the mortgage for people who helped him with car problems or flying a kid with cancer to the hospital, etc.
Bob;
There are dead voters lined up in democratic controlled cities like Chicago Detroit Miami, Baltimore Cleveland and New York. Plus the voters who vote early and very often.
Paul ~ I guess all we can do is hope and pray that HRC does not manage to get elected by hook or by crook. Trump is not ideal, but HRC would be a complete disaster for the US and the World. I fully expect to be attacked by HRC supporters here, which is fine.
Paul,
I’m a believe that nothing significant happens in the U. S. without the OK from big business. Example: I think the insurance companies allowed Obamacare/AHCA to be approved. The insurance companies now have more people paying them/into the system.
Rusty ~ I’m confused. Why did AETNA just pull out of Obamacare after a $600 million loss? Bob
Paul,
LOL. I think the only one who believed Sanders could beat HRC was Sanders. Why his followers dreamed his impossible dream I can’t answer. Foolishness?
Rusty
Jay,
Very True. All we’ll ever know is what the press told us about Sadam. However, he kept a lid on Isis/bees. Getting rid of him lead to Isis. Then pulling out of Iraq too soon allowed the bees/Isis to go wild.
Rusty
Jay,
If Trumps unfavorable rating is at 50% does that mean his favorable rating is at 50%? If Obamas favorable rating is at 50% does that mean his unfavorable rating is at 50%? So it sounds like Trump and Obama are the same, right? But one is tough and the other…… Hum.
I think Paul has been more than fair at allowing you/anyone to express your feelings. I say vote, vote. Just vote for Trump.
Aye, to go blindly into the night.
Jay ~ I missed the disagreement but it’s nice to see an apology, and I respect anybody who apologizes if it is in order. I’m surprised I haven’t been attacked by HRC supporters. It’s nice to see a civil discussion of different opinions. Bob
Bob,
I don’t know. Maybe they are failing. Maybe they really wanted Obama to look bad.
Do you believe that the rich and powerful companies, like the insurance companies, that built the U S would allow any significant law that would affect their bottom line? I don’t.
Did we get involved with the Middle East because of Haliburton or to remove Saddam?
Rusty ~ No, I’m not saying insurance companies or Hahiburton are all good. Quite the opposite, I’m saying Obamacare is the worst of the bunch. A BILLION DOLLARS to build a website that doesn’t work….WTF??? I build more complicated websites that DO work for less than one thousand dollars.
Forget about a 1,000,000,000.00 website that doesn’t work, how about keeping doctors and hospitals or higher premiums and deductibles? Bottom line is that everything HRC or Obama has touched has been a complete disaster. And no, being a female is not an accomplishment 😉
Bob,
I’m not a fan of Obama or Obama care at all. I just don’t believe any significant bill is passed without big businesses, whethet it is insurance, military complex, etc., oking it.
Harry Reid, I know no ones favorite, once told an opponent that she had no idea how DC really worked. Not that the opponent didn’t know the constitution. How bills are passed, etc. But he was referring to the lobbiest, Wall Street, and the list goes on and on of people that determine how a Congressman voted.
Hi Paul,
I want to tell you somethings I agree with that Donald Trump has said:
1. The Democratic Party rigged the primaries in Favor of Hilary Clinton. True, it was so obvious that when proof came out most people did not care.
2. The Republican Party rigged the primaries against Donald Trump. True the powers at be did not want Donald Trump. They wanted pretty much anybody else. The Republican voters came out in droves for him, so I think it disgraceful that officials tried to go with someone else.
3. The Iraq War was a mistake. I agree. If we were going to invade a country other than Afghanistan, I feel it would have made more sense to go into Saudi Arabia. I think almost all the 9/11 attackers were from Saudi Arabia. I am not saying we should have gone into Saudi Arabia, but it would have been more logical.
4. We should secure our border with Mexico. I agree. I am not sure whether securing the border with Mexico would be positive or negative for the US economy, but it should be done. It is an issue of sovereignty. It has not happened for two reasons in my opinion:
A lot of Democrats don’t want to secure the border because the children of illegal aliens born in the USA will they believe vote for Democrats. This is my opinion, but I thought you might find it interesting.
A lot of Republicans don’t want to secure the border because the illegal aliens are a cheap source of labor. This is my opinion, but I thought you might find it interesting.
My problem on #4 with Donald Trump is that he insists on demonizing illegal aliens saying that most of them come across the border to rob, rape and kill. They should not be allowed to come across our border illegally, but most just want to work and send money back to their families.
Peace
Jay
Jay
The key words that even you used was “illegal aliens”, people who knowing violated the host nation’s laws. I complied with every Philippine law in order to reside within their country, it that too much to ask of others? Do you feel that when you enter your wife’s country that you are above their laws? Sneak into Mexico and see what will happen to you. Then we’ll talk about those heartless republicans, simply trying to enforce existing laws. You have no argument as long as the word “ILLEGAL” is involved.
Hi Paul,
I said I agree with securing the border, but not with demonizing people by calling them murders when they are not.
Peace
Jay
Don’t think Trump said most immigrants want to rob, kill, and rape. BTW, how’s that immigration thing working out in Europe???
Jay,
it wouldn’t matter what Trump would say as the media would spin it yo mean something else.
Rusty
Paul,
Very True.