Interesting concept, the red line. As a white woman I am pretty much in a privileged class. I am hoping this is a phase of the Am. goverment that will change to something more egalitarian as people get frustrated by the current deterioration of our democratic principles. The economy is not affecting me greatly. I'm not experiencing restrictions ( except I need an Rx to get a COVID shot). My family is safe. That red line is still a far away.
Have you seen the short videos by a Canadian man inviting Americans to come to Canada? It's on U tube. "Your support Canadian..."
What an interesting question: Does the loss of democracy affect you?.....And the Red Line is fascinating...I wonder what sorts of questions people were asking themselves in 1930s Germany. (I've studied WWII history quite a bit...so I have an idea...but among friends...in quiet rooms...even among those with appreciably less to lose.....what were they "really" saying to one another?)
My family and friends have discussed this topic quite a bit since the election last November. We are visiting Portugal right now and once considered moving here since it has been a popular place for many expats. But after having just moved across the country to New Mexico to be closer to family, we can’t see ourselves starting over yet again in a new country where we don’t speak the language. At this point in our life in “retirement,” we think being close to family is very important. And our new home offers so many different cultural, social, and natural wonders to explore. We hope to be more involved in our new community and make it a better place for everyone. And working for our values is a reason to stay in our country. We can’t just all pack up and move overseas.
Thank you for adding to the discussion. Having moved to NM 3 1/2 years ago, I must say I’ve often felt like an expat here. Such a different culture! As a family member said: Taos is as far away from America as you can get in America 😀
The red line is an extra useful metaphor. We are far from the red line and it varies be person.
The red line is a VALUE problem. In other words, value = benefits minus cost.
V = B - C
The loss of “ethical” benefit here (Be) relative to the benefit elsewhere (Bp) has not exceeded the “practical” cost of moving (C). However, if the economy deteriorates the equation will change. People will either leave or mobilize to do something.
Bp- Be >? C
All are relatively variables but Be (ethical benefit) is deteriorating fast for those sensitive to ethics. The majority is not that sensitive.
Bp will change if inflation, unemployment, safety, wealth, education, practical freedom (not just theoretical or news) change. So far these are ok. A bit worse a bit better.
I’m just playing along with the idea of a red line.
Interesting concept, the red line. As a white woman I am pretty much in a privileged class. I am hoping this is a phase of the Am. goverment that will change to something more egalitarian as people get frustrated by the current deterioration of our democratic principles. The economy is not affecting me greatly. I'm not experiencing restrictions ( except I need an Rx to get a COVID shot). My family is safe. That red line is still a far away.
Have you seen the short videos by a Canadian man inviting Americans to come to Canada? It's on U tube. "Your support Canadian..."
It's amusing (though our situation is not.)
Laurie
Thank you Laurie for your reflection. It helps shape my thoughts about these things
What an interesting question: Does the loss of democracy affect you?.....And the Red Line is fascinating...I wonder what sorts of questions people were asking themselves in 1930s Germany. (I've studied WWII history quite a bit...so I have an idea...but among friends...in quiet rooms...even among those with appreciably less to lose.....what were they "really" saying to one another?)
Thank you for your comment Diana. I've achieved my writing/posting goal if I made you think and question. Look forward to your insights.
My family and friends have discussed this topic quite a bit since the election last November. We are visiting Portugal right now and once considered moving here since it has been a popular place for many expats. But after having just moved across the country to New Mexico to be closer to family, we can’t see ourselves starting over yet again in a new country where we don’t speak the language. At this point in our life in “retirement,” we think being close to family is very important. And our new home offers so many different cultural, social, and natural wonders to explore. We hope to be more involved in our new community and make it a better place for everyone. And working for our values is a reason to stay in our country. We can’t just all pack up and move overseas.
Thank you for adding to the discussion. Having moved to NM 3 1/2 years ago, I must say I’ve often felt like an expat here. Such a different culture! As a family member said: Taos is as far away from America as you can get in America 😀
Dear Dani
The red line is an extra useful metaphor. We are far from the red line and it varies be person.
The red line is a VALUE problem. In other words, value = benefits minus cost.
V = B - C
The loss of “ethical” benefit here (Be) relative to the benefit elsewhere (Bp) has not exceeded the “practical” cost of moving (C). However, if the economy deteriorates the equation will change. People will either leave or mobilize to do something.
Bp- Be >? C
All are relatively variables but Be (ethical benefit) is deteriorating fast for those sensitive to ethics. The majority is not that sensitive.
Bp will change if inflation, unemployment, safety, wealth, education, practical freedom (not just theoretical or news) change. So far these are ok. A bit worse a bit better.
I’m just playing along with the idea of a red line.
Peace and Love
Chopo
Love your formula for approaching this topic!