What I am about to say should be tempered by the fact that I *am* a patriot.

I live in The UK and am a student of history. I have had family killed in wars for the 'freedoms' we now have.

A few years back I came across some local history where a whole Street of young men were killed in the second world war... its easy to forget

And you are right Michael there is now way in the UK I could "honestly" migrate here. Yet there are thousands that use the system and get in without skills or any intention to contribute. In fact they do the opposite... simply by manipulating the system (please note I did not say all)

The UK is also probably the most taxed country in the Western World. 40% of income after £30,000, and 17.5% on goods we buy, we pay nearly £3.50 ($5.50 US) for a gallon of petrol (so 80% tax goes to the Government in tax), we pay another 10% National Insurance which fails to provide an anywhere decent pension and attempts to fund a public health care service with waiting lists so long they are inhuman (so we have to pay privately on top of this to protect our families)

It goes on... we have to pay domestic and business rates and collect VAT on behalf of the Government which is a constant battle of red tape and injustice

Despite all this taxation our transport system is grinding to a standstill... it usually takes me two hours to get home to Birmingham from Stoke... a journey of only 50 miles whether by road or train

But if I had a choice and wanted to emigrate... would it be to the UK? I don't think so.

We have seemed to make the things every decent person strives (and pays their taxes) sub standard or difficult to achieve

Having said all that me and my family have a high standard of living and my kids have had an excellent education. We live safely and are generally happy.

My own sanity is kept by the challenges of being an entrepreneur.... despite the red tape and incessant challenges that should not have to be there. At least I am in a society where that is a possibility.

But we really make it so much more difficult for ourselves... and I often wonder about the 'freedoms' people fought for.

But is the grass greener anywhere else?

Thanks for letting me have my mini rant

Take care,
Andy




Mining Local Gold