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the_bee
02-24-2008, 09:42 PM
New Zealand?

I just want to get the hell out of this country.........

yongrel
02-24-2008, 09:43 PM
I watched Crocodile Hunter a few times. Does that count?

lost_in_samoa
02-24-2008, 09:55 PM
..

nate895
02-24-2008, 09:56 PM
Does Samoa count?

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=122743&highlight=island

What happened down there? I heard they voted for Juan McAmnesty.

Scott Wilson
02-24-2008, 10:01 PM
I am an Australian expat living in Tennessee.

lost_in_samoa
02-24-2008, 10:09 PM
..

ksuguy
02-24-2008, 10:21 PM
I doubt you will find Australia or New Zealand all that different from the United States. Last time I was there I thought it was pretty much the same, except they used the metric system and everyone talked differently.

Also, they aren't very good on the right to keep and bear arms over there.

Red Dingo
02-24-2008, 11:23 PM
I'm an Aussie. I'll preface what I say by saying that I wonder if our country is so good (and it genuinely is) because we are relatively small (20 million) and because we came from England, being made up of prisoners/convicts and so we never trusted authority much nor did we like them. We love battlers. We love the underdog - because WE were battlers; we were brought out here for stealing a loaf of bread because we were starving. Perhaps we are not as respectful to our leaders as the 'celebrity status worship' that U.S. presidents create - where they worship the person rather than the ideas (and the record of the person). Aussies' motto is probably 'fair go' - as in give people a fair go; give us a fair go.

Can I say, I have always been unsure of which party in Australia is the 'best' one. I have always been wary of the media. It has taken me a long time to come to a position on politics. Obviously, I am a fanatical Ron Paul supporter and for, probably, two of the most important things he stands for, which should be bi-partisan - limited Government and freedom/civil rights/liberties. I also think his foreign policy is amazingly fair and good and healthy and right (and shuns favoritisms which creates hostility). I am amazed an intrigued at this whole idea of 'freedom', as was spelled out in your constitution, which Ron Paul proclaims. I am in awe of his fighting for people whose views he might disagree with, or even find morally repugnant. Because, he fights not for their habits, but for them - for people - for people to be allowed to make the choices they want to without anyone dictating to them what they should or shouldn't do; what they should or shouldn't think. I like heaps more too!!!
So why do I say this, well, I never appreciated Australia as much as I do now - which is ALOT, having seen the corruption in the U.S. government, media, corporations, banks etc. I mean, Australia is a bloomin (alright, I'll use the Aussie expression), bloody beauty of a country compared to the stench that comes from Washington and wafts into every country that the U.S. government seeks to 'influence', my might or with a pretentious smile. Sure, our government (both major parties) do bad things occasionally and they are regrettable - and the people of Australia keep giving it to them until the government concedes (as with the Australian people rallying behind the indigenous people of our country). But even then, the worst thing our government probably has to do is 'toe the line' with America's irrational, dictatorial, and selfish foreign policy (sorry to be harsh on the States folks - but you all agree and that is why we see Ron Paul - well, Ron Paul's ideas, as being the saviour of America and the saviour of the world - by stopping America interfering with the world as they have made an effort to do - without authority or justification Mr. Woodrow Wilson and the neo-cons and neo-dems).
So Australia is a lucky country and boy we know it and are proud of it. Truly, compared to what I've seen in the states, we are a haven.

So I said I was wary of the media over here. Well, I know I exaggerate a little, but probably the best MSM network that you have over there is not as good as our worst channel/network!!!! (CNN is meant to have some credibility, but with how I have seen them treat Dr. Paul and probably the other peace candidates and Anderson Cooper etc etc, they have exposed themselves as being not journalists but a shill for an agenda of their bosses) Of course there's bias from time to time, but nothing on the scale of the MSM networks that are really mouthpieces for various parties and for war. I mean, we have a news network over here that IS FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT but is free to ATTACK the government - both parties. It is a bit 'left' but they treat both parties almost equally with grilling them and holding them accountable. It's insane to think that the government funds it. I love it. It's brilliant. I don't know how it happened but it happened. There's more bias on the radio stations (our AM stations).

Whoever said we don't have guns and so we are unsafe is not true. Our 'upbringing' (origin and early development) was under very different circumstances to the American settlers and that the American citizens found themselves in after your revolution and the next century of expansion. It would be an interesting to look at why we didn't go your way. Most likely because Great Britain still 'ruled' over a lot of us till Federation (1901). Perhaps that was not practice in GB but I don't know.

One of our problems is welfarism. I think people, due to kindness and compassion, want lots of handouts for people, because I don't realize that that ends up doing more damage in the long run. I like people to be responsible and thus accountable. Not buck-passing. I don't know what it is, but something has crept into our country that is not really 'Australian'. People sue over stupid matters. There's a lot of suing. And people blaming others for causing them to do or eat things!! I think we have a weak judicial system in some matters (people getting out of murder because they were suddenly schizophrenic etc) and people feel it too.

I should mention that we are a very multicultural country now, which brings with it very good things, but also some bad things (non-integration, some groups feeling alienatated - and some groups not helping there cause, and then some racism creeping in - but we could be one of the least racists countries in the world - when you think about it, and when you realize that the unfortunate incidents that can happen are not common and widespread - when you think about so many other countries that hate certain countries/cultures/races in a widespread way). I have some concerns about continuing multiculturalism in Australia, but I think the moment you raise concerns, you are branded a racist, just like if you raised concerns about some actions of Israel, or the Israel lobby in the States, even though you might like Jewish people.

There a a million more positive things I could say about our country, and reasons to be proud of it - both what people have done, and the land, but I have to go. I am so glad we had someone like Steve Irwin come along. He shows a great part of Australia that we all love. The Aussie bush, sea, desert etc. There are two Australia's: country and city. Someone like Steve Irwin is a pretty good representative of the country/land. Who could represent the city? I don't know? Kate Blanchette is a great lady (actress). Hugh Jackman also for a guy. They are both great at what they do (albeit, that last Xmen movie stank), and they are humble and not 'tall poppies' (people who think they are good, know they are good, and act in such a way as to let everyone know about it - or who have an attitude).
Also, cricket is the best game at the world and we rule at it :D:D:D:D:D

Joe3113
02-25-2008, 02:30 AM
Aussie here.

We have rabid socialism here, but we don't have the propaganda and nWo infiltration you have in the US so we have a chance to change it.

DFF
02-25-2008, 03:02 AM
I've wanted to move to Australia even before the R3VOLUTION.

It's just so damned expensive though.

Sydney is, I believe, the 21st most expensive city in the world.

Plus, I have a chronic disease (CFS) which has limited what I can do a great deal.

So right now, it's just not financially feasible.

Wish it was, though. I'd move in a New York minute.

stevenstremciuc
02-25-2008, 03:20 AM
It's just so damned expensive though.

Sydney is, I believe, the 21st most expensive city in the world.

LOL. <sarcasm>I see you shoot for the stars</sarcasm>

Conza88
02-25-2008, 03:52 AM
Aussie here.
- Australia has a GREATER if not equal propensity to become exactly what the United States is, we are following you guys - like the rest of the world are, we're just behind in the progression. If the NWO can take down the US (& the Constitution) they can relatively take down anywhere. Remember its been by design. The rest just haven't been targeted as much yet. Wait for it..

In QLD, they are introducing fluoride by the end of the year. That then makes up all of Australia. In the 1940's they had a bank card, that was practically a national id card - that failed, because they made it too hard to get.

We have the worst electoral donation laws in the Western world!
Transparency of donations is a hot topic as the Howard government's change to the disclosure threshold of donations effective 8 December 2005 has been disastrous.

Prior to that date, all donations of $1,500 and above to registered parties had to be reported to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) every financial year. After that date the disclosure threshold rose to over $10,000 adjusted each year to the CPI. The current disclosure threshold is $10,500.

This means that thousands of donations accounting for millions of dollars are now never disclosed to the public. This secrecy is dangerous in any democracy since the public must be aware of who is paying to potentially influence governmental policies. http://cpd.org.au/article/australia-our-democracy-sale

We have a labor shortage, there is plenty of work and if you are a professional - you're pretty much guaranteed a visa.

Our voting is compulsory, and you are fined if you do not have a good enoguh reason not too (this is conventional wisdom) you have to enroll, to get on the list. Haha, so you can simply not enroll & never need to vote.) We vote on paper ballots, you vote for 7 candidates from 7 parties for your district/region, you put them in order from 1-7 your best choice being no. 1. This is for the House of Representatives. You then can vote "above the line", or "below the line" for the Senate. If you vote "below the line" you can preference your parties the way you want then - from 1 - 65 was last years number. If you vote "above the line" you simply vote "1" to the party you want to win; they have stated there, who their preferences will go to and you have no choice.

Votes are taxed. Hence the compulsory rule. It's public funding for the parties. You need to win 4% to get the money received however. It's like $.04 a vote? (something like that). Certain parties (One Nation - Pauline Hanson *racist) run each year - simply to get funded. She got like $250k for her "party" last year. Then she loses, and walks away only to come back again.

Religion is not a real issue here, imo. Fundamentalism is not anyway. "Thank God!" lolz.

We have no bill of rights... but that can be argued for and against. People here mostly know, that govt is the govt - they aren't to be trusted.

We were the FIRST country in the WORLD, to give women the vote. We are egalitarian by nature - practically all men are equal, which is often mixed up with socialism. It's not, basically a man who runs a bank and the guy whose working for him chat like they're the exact same worthiness of a fellow. Social welfare is bad here, not bad bad - but there are a lot of unnecessary people claiming..

I know for a fact, I was one of them - and I come from a well of family. It's called the Independent Youth Living Allowance - work independently for 2 yrs and basically live on your own, of your own back - when you are young, that may be away from home or work fulltime for 2 yrs etc. after being out of school for 2 yrs etc.. you are then ABLE to receive WELFARE hand outs - because you work too hard etc. Haha.. ALOT of my friends and people I know my age, see it as a goal - they are all aiming to get on it. It's like $250 per fortnight...

I was receiving it - I worked overseas for the year, and earned a specific amount of money. After learning about Ron Paul etc and this whole movement - I got a job (so I can come over) working fulltime, then I just stopped reporting what I earnt (had to to receive it) so they stopped the payments.

Red Dingo - you just haven't looked deep enough yet, to see the holes - there are many (or maybe I use a microscope, when I should be using binoculars)..

We are a great country, so was America. It can all go down hill pretty fast. BUT we KNOW whats going to / can happen, so we can stop it before it does. Knowledge is power.

Red Dingo
02-25-2008, 04:51 AM
Aussie here.
- Australia has a GREATER if not equal propensity to become exactly what the United States is, we are following you guys - like the rest of the world are, we're just behind in the progression. If the NWO can take down the US (& the Constitution) they can relatively take down anywhere. Remember its been by design. The rest just haven't been targeted as much yet. Wait for it..

In QLD, they are introducing fluoride by the end of the year. That then makes up all of Australia. In the 1940's they had a bank card, that was practically a national id card - that failed, because they made it too hard to get.



I can't really comment on your other statements Conza, but this one seems a bit over the top. I mean, if I was in the States now, I would be furious about what they are planning with the merger between Canada, U.S. and Mexico (oops, it's not meant to be public knowledge, and we are crazies for even thinking that they are planning that). I don't even know if we have people in the CFR. But our people wouldn't stand for anything like that. Firstly, we're too small and news of something would reach most people within a day - hours. The States is SO big that much can be done in secrecy and be got away with. Heck, the true world news doesn't even get to the people through their MSM. Propaganda does though. I disagree Conza. I think we stand tall. Not perfect, but we're good people and you can't pull the wool over our eyes. Also, we call a spade a spade. Yea, I have come to believe that handouts lead to more people wanting handouts etc and end up being detrimental, and end up stealing from taxpayers.

DFF
02-25-2008, 07:14 AM
Heck, the true world news doesn't even get to the people through their MSM

Yes, thus why they - AT$T - want to regulate the internet. It's the last bastion of free speech and subsequently they want control over it in the worst kind of way.

idiom
02-25-2008, 07:21 AM
Aussie is SO left wing compared to NZ.

NZ has one house and no constitution so it flops around on whimsy, but Oz has like 6 levels of government All with small minds and all with too much time on their hands.

Conza88
02-25-2008, 07:29 AM
I can't really comment on your other statements Conza, but this one seems a bit over the top.


The reason you can't comment against any of my other statements is because they are plain cold, solid, facts.


I mean, if I was in the States now, I would be furious about what they are planning with the merger between Canada, U.S. and Mexico (oops, it's not meant to be public knowledge, and we are crazies for even thinking that they are planning that). I don't even know if we have people in the CFR. But our people wouldn't stand for anything like that.

Would the people in the European Union also be against that? There is, what you describe steps moving towards the North American Union.

- Erhm, have you ever heard of APEC? (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) or ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ? mate - I'm doing an International Business degree - and its all there, plain in the writings. I am literally going to reach across my desk, pick up my text book "turn to Chapter 8 titled - Regional Economic Integration" - so, what do you want to know? :)

Heres a little snippet, 5 levels of economic integration.
1- Free Trade Area
2 - Customs Union
3 - Common Market
4 - Economic Union
5 - Political Union

If you want the definitions I can add them. The stepping stones are there, the foundations - its IN their mission statements. And if it wasn't for Ron Paul - I'd be supporting them! (The teachings really get you to lean that way, imo) We're moving in that direction... no doubt about it.

Our people will go with what our MSM says. We've got FTA's with many countries, escpecially in the Asiatic region, Japan, Thailand, China? now, Figi?, just from the top of my head. Only a few steps to go..



Firstly, we're too small and news of something would reach most people within a day - hours. The States is SO big that much can be done in secrecy and be got away with.

Size, matters not - we constantly pull above our weight on the global stage. Mate, if they knew the TRUTH - sure.. here, its going to be a longer process, much longer. We're in a relatively alright position, as I said from the get go.. we have the PROPENSITY to be in the United States situation. You put way too much faith in our MSM. SBS & ABC ftw, the rest are left floundering.
http://www.abc.net.au/sydney/stories/olle_2007.htm
- Take a listen. A speech I liken to something of Edward Murrow. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF1561B6_iI) Murdoch owns teh papers, we don't see journalism today - we see churnalism. http://thecleaver.blogspot.com/2008/02/crossing-rubicon-waking-from-fake-news.html

The only thing holding us up, is a bit of integrity and the reality that we're not in the firing line yet.


I think we stand tall. Not perfect, but we're good people and you can't pull the wool over our eyes. Also, we call a spade a spade.


Mate, "we" (enlightened people - Ron Paul supporters, pro freedom, liberty, peace and prosperity folk" - stand tall. But random discussions at bars I've had, about US politics - [for eg. a real intelligent guy I went to school with, is adamant the Federal Reserve is a part of the Government. He is for Obama. Another mate, is practically a neo con - he loves his military etc. believes in islamo-facism.] all points out that - we've got a LONG LONG way to go, before there is a good amount of rEVOLtionary attitude here.




Australian human rights culture
The answer to that question is simply: not very much!

When I address different community meetings across Australia I am often being asked basic questions about our human rights. Some people do not even know that we have a Constitution. On occasions I am told that human rights are undemocratic and even un-Australian, because they are imposed on us — in violation of Australian sovereignty — by the United Nations.

Very few Australians know that our country is usually involved in drafting any UN human rights instrument; that each convention needs to be signed and ratified; and that, even then, it has no domestic legal status unless conferred by specific domestic legislation. http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/AJHR/2003/4.html

No-one here knows what a libertarian is, no-one has any clue about the "Reserve Bank of Australia" - albeit they do, interest rates go up, or down - the govt does not control them (thanks for Howard getting that out there.. lol) But people have no idea, about the Fiat currency etc. totally ignorant. Our money supply is controlled by a board and owned by private organizations which are not elected. I dunno if you can even see the minutes of the meetings.

We lack the education of our own history. My parents, used to learn about the ENGLISH KINGS & QUEENS FFS. Pretty much no-one has any concept of our consitution, Edmund Barton - any thing about them, even I am pretty much ignorant.

We have the tall poppy syndrome (i.e I guess egalitarianism) I mean it has its pro's for sure, but also its cons....

We're close to paradise, matter of fact - we WERE in paradise, now we got these a--holes steering the ship in the wrong direction.. and yes, K - Rudd {"Ohh he's so good" Kevin Rudd - think Obama... ;)} A tax on life.. doesn't seem to appealing to me.

Nah mate, we've got a long way to go - and it's going to have to be done by you, me, and every other patriot out there.

The rEVOLution starts NOW!

the_bee
02-25-2008, 09:09 AM
:DThanks to all of you who commented

The one thing I can tell from your comments .. the pople down under are
Totaly cool ! you guys and gals are very good hearted…..and I thank you for all your comments

I guess the Question is …. Is it better down there .. than it is here? I live in California
And I am afraid for my family H.R. 1955 is coming and will end then rule of law as we know it
My kids will never have a chance… do you think I should come to Australia or stay here ?
Can you own guns down there? … how is freedom ? is it real or ? ....I love fast cars …I have A corvette that I hand built…. Makes 1000 hp, would that be ok to bring with?

Conza88
02-25-2008, 10:06 AM
I guess the Question is …. Is it better down there .. than it is here? I live in California
And I am afraid for my family H.R. 1955 is coming and will end then rule of law as we know it
My kids will never have a chance… do you think I should come to Australia or stay here ?
Can you own guns down there? … how is freedom ? is it real or ? ....I love fast cars …I have A corvette that I hand built…. Makes 1000 hp, would that be ok to bring with?

Undoubtedly better, imo.. I've been to L.a, hawaii and san fran for a fair period of time. I'd try contact expat americans living here in Australia already.. you can slide into society pretty easily.

Guns - 1996 $500million dollar gun by back program by John Howard after a massacre in Tasmania. Permits now, and pretty much every person is anti-guns. Here we have a real different viewpoint to them.. :| I've never fired a gun in my life, but I support the 2nd amendment 1000% (you guys need them now more than ever). You have a bill of rights, that solidifies that, and you can win any argument pretty much - constitution!?!?! mother fker! lol.

It will be harder to fight for freedom here, if the same scenario comes to aus imo. No default position, no history / legend to fall back on.

But thats ages away, and we're not there yet. So I'll stop my negative attitude, I'm just tired :) In regards to guns though, I feel like - we'd never get to a stage where we need to use them... but thats my opinion right now.. subject to change in conditions, lol.

Want to use your fast cars? - drive the Nullabor plain. Longest road in the world i'm pretty sure. Cost to import it, but there are many many car enthusiast clubs.

Come on down! Avoid Sydney imo (sorry guys) unless you've got the $ to pay for the expenses. Depends what whether you like aswell, and job opportunities for yourself (everywhere basically) lol.

the_bee
02-25-2008, 07:16 PM
Undoubtedly better, imo.. I've been to L.a, hawaii and san fran for a fair period of time. I'd try contact expat americans living here in Australia already.. you can slide into society pretty easily.

Guns - 1996 $500million dollar gun by back program by John Howard after a massacre in Tasmania. Permits now, and pretty much every person is anti-guns. Here we have a real different viewpoint to them.. :| I've never fired a gun in my life, but I support the 2nd amendment 1000% (you guys need them now more than ever). You have a bill of rights, that solidifies that, and you can win any argument pretty much - constitution!?!?! mother fker! lol.

It will be harder to fight for freedom here, if the same scenario comes to aus imo. No default position, no history / legend to fall back on.

But thats ages away, and we're not there yet. So I'll stop my negative attitude, I'm just tired :) In regards to guns though, I feel like - we'd never get to a stage where we need to use them... but thats my opinion right now.. subject to change in conditions, lol.

Want to use your fast cars? - drive the Nullabor plain. Longest road in the world i'm pretty sure. Cost to import it, but there are many many car enthusiast clubs.

Come on down! Avoid Sydney imo (sorry guys) unless you've got the $ to pay for the expenses. Depends what whether you like aswell, and job opportunities for yourself (everywhere basically) lol.


bumper

Red Dingo
02-25-2008, 07:45 PM
Conza, I admit you know a lot more about it than me.

I was thinking some more about it, and I forgot to mention that we have had some civil liberties eroded in a way, but I suppose our governments aren't using the word 'terrorism' to deliberately take them away. The one I strongly caution against is the Smart card or ID card. I hadn't really seen what could happen with it till I started looking into American politics. Now, I've seen how corrupt those Washington suits are, and I know they would use peoples' private information for their own ends (reveal to corporations that they may take a fancy to).
But if you'd seen the way the public started to loathe the U.S.s torture around the world, and then the treatment of one of our guys, David Hicks, in Guantanamo, and how, while not treating David like a hero, still wanted him to have a fair trial and fair hearing without suspension of Habeas Corpus for 5-6 years. Again, not saying I think Hicks did bad things or good things, but again, rights.

dan new zealand
02-25-2008, 10:31 PM
I'm an Australian living in NZ. Both countries are great, but as mentioned...we are following in the US footsteps if you dig deep. Sometimes I wonder whether we are a testing site for all kinds of socialist agendas.

Things that really bug me....we say we aren't in cahoots with the US, but we kept getting drawn into illegal wars by the US. Right now my nephew is serving in Iraq. Coalition of the Willing? Bullsh#t, we don't want to be there either. Vietnam, yes thanks for that one you got us in on that too. The list goes on.

We are counting on you guys to get the freedom message heard. It blows my mind when I watch Fox or CNN..and realise that this is what shapes the mind of America. God help you all!
Please continue this fight, inform people of what is happening in your country. Knowledge is power, but knowledge without action is USELESS.

Laja
02-25-2008, 11:05 PM
this has been such a wonderful thread to read. thank you so much you guys for sharing your thoughts about this country, about Ron Paul, about your country(s) and what's going on there and where you think you're headed. This has been truly illuminating.

I love that you are into Ron Paul's message. It feels so good to have people from other countries sharing why they love what he stands for. Really reminds me why I just can't hear my friends talking about Obama--smooth talker, but not a straight shooter.

Okay, I'm rambling. Please keep sharing and please pray for us and Ron Paul! God bless ya, mates! (I love using that word)

RevolutionSD
02-25-2008, 11:47 PM
I'm fascinated with this thread since I will be living in Sydney this year from March 24-May 22.

Do you guys have any freedom-minded or RP groups where you get together and discuss these ideas? I'd love to meet some aussie libertarians while I'm down there.

Also, as far as being expensive- the Aussie dollar is still below the U.S. dollar, and I live in San Diego, a very expensive city itself, so will I notice how expensive it is? So far looking at apartments, rates are slightly below average San Diego rents.

Another point: Australia is much better positioned economically than the U.S. over the next few decades, simply due to their resources and proximity to China, the next superpower. From a freedom perspective, it may be about the same as here, but the economy is not built nearly as much on a house of cards like ours is (although, if we crash, Australia will be right behind us).

Please send me a PM and let me know about any groups I should check out in Sydney next month!

Richard
02-26-2008, 01:00 AM
Im in Christchurch New Zealand

We dont have people allowed guns....thats a USA nightmare
We dont have bizarre religious belts of misguided people
We have health for everyone and welfare for all who tip up
Noone sleeps in streets
Our rich arent stupidly rich like yank families get...We tend to see that the sole pursuit of the big dollar doesnt work for everyone.
We dont do nukes
Our middle class is better off than USA middle
Our media reports facts....money doesnt buy elections and the media dont have it all their way in leading one party in..they are starting to try though.
We are clean and green
We dont start silly wars and get our tallest buildings planed down
We pull our weight responsibly in world affairs
unfortunately we are exposed to USA economics which does affect our lives.
We didnt wipe out our native peoples
The country could have millions more people
We find americans speak funny!!
We can walk at night without getting robbed
Our golf courses are as challenging as anything in USA
If we played baseball and gridiron we would punch above our weight
We never felt good about slavery so didnt do it
and much more if you ask!!!

idiom
02-26-2008, 01:08 AM
And we kick Australia's ass at building and racing boats.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWfruWmzkLE

Imagineer
02-26-2008, 01:44 AM
I'M in Brisbane but originally from N.Ireland 8 yrs ago.
I love Australia but freedom is being erroded from what I ve seen.
I also watch what you guys are being fed via CNN et al and sometimes I just cannot believe Americans have let this go so far.
I have my Ron Paul bumper stickers on the Ute and can only pray that you lot get off your fat asses and change the world back.

Kindest Regards
Neil

Conza88
02-26-2008, 02:40 AM
I'm fascinated with this thread since I will be living in Sydney this year from March 24-May 22.

Do you guys have any freedom-minded or RP groups where you get together and discuss these ideas? I'd love to meet some aussie libertarians while I'm down there.

Also, as far as being expensive- the Aussie dollar is still below the U.S. dollar, and I live in San Diego, a very expensive city itself, so will I notice how expensive it is? So far looking at apartments, rates are slightly below average San Diego rents.

Another point: Australia is much better positioned economically than the U.S. over the next few decades, simply due to their resources and proximity to China, the next superpower. From a freedom perspective, it may be about the same as here, but the economy is not built nearly as much on a house of cards like ours is (although, if we crash, Australia will be right behind us).

Please send me a PM and let me know about any groups I should check out in Sydney next month!

Big Ron Paul group in Melbourne and the Gold Coast.. I'll be headin to my Brissy one next week. Sydney was large, but the leader had to step down - still waiting for a replacement, something like 50 ppl in the group.

Australia is doing the exact opposite to the US in regards to economy. We're over heating - inflation concerns (but ours is because of growth) not because of cutting rates endlessly... we're raising them, endlessly ... lol. Other reasons like ports over loaded etc. bottle necks. But yes, the US dollar is still worth more than ours.. now that makes me angry. lol

We have lots of resources, and China is fueling our growth. But yea, if the US tanks - as it has been - it draws down all the financial markets with it, thats for certain.

But we do have a labor shortage - its like 4% unemployment, and thats pretty much natural unemployment rates - it can't go down any further, imo. (not too much anyway)

@ Red Dingo; yep. I remarked to my friends at the time, it came out.. Hicks can't talk to media etc for 1 year. - The year ended after the election. I said to them, as the cynic I am - it ain't no coincidence. Turns out - Howard did a deal with Cheney (there was even msm coverage of it!) http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/23/2067496.htm Cheney, Howard 'did deal on Hicks' - Posted Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:00pm AEST]

Enjoy down under SD, we're a real friendly people. Do try some vegemite (properly - i.e toast, butter, and a thin layer of V-might) even I hate it all on its own, too bitter. The stuff is addictive, watch out. When you get into a taxi, don't get in the back - if its just you, no matter what - there's a passenger seat. :) Swim between the flags aswell, lol :P

http://www.convictcreations.com/history/index.htm
http://www.convictcreations.com/culture/index.htm


etc.. A real great site to get to know the real Australia imo.

Just don't read this; ;) {some harsh truths there - just remember RP supporters aren't any stereotype, so try not to be offended) lol
Australia vs America: Cultural differences
http://www.convictcreations.com/culture/yankaussie.htm

the_bee
02-26-2008, 08:10 PM
bump