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(I am posting this message at the invitation of Wolfgang Becker, editor of this web site. I recently wrote to ask Wolfgang this same question and was graciously offered a chance to post it directly to the readers of this board.)
Did you leave the US for political or social reasons?
I am writing this note to ask if you would be willing to help with my research for a book on people who have left (or are leaving) the US for political and social reasons. I have provided more details on the project at the bottom of this message, but here is the core of our project:
Brief Project Synopsis: There is growing evidence that an increasing number of Americans are permanently leaving the US for political and social reasons. Under the radar, they are quietly departing. They do not intend to return. They do tend to be young, well-educated, and productive. In short, they are an important portion of this nation’s seed corn. But, due to deep dissatisfaction with the direction they see the US taking, they feel forced into exile. So who are these political self-exiles? Exactly why are they leaving? Where are they going? And what is the impact on the US of this emigration?
Does this describe you — or somebody you know? If so, would you contact me? I’d like to interview you.
The interview would involve an initial exchange of emails, a ~60 minute phone interview, and possibly a follow-up phone interview. We can conduct interviews on an anonymous basis, a pseudonym basis, or a full attribution basis. (Also, if you happen to know of anybody else who might fit this description, please feel free to refer them to me.)
If you are interested in participating in our research, just send me a short email. We’ll take it from there. I hope to hear from you.
Eric Burnette
ERIC BURNETTE 1684 Orchard Road Hood River OR USA 97031
backoutwest@gorge.net 541 . 386 . 4892 541 . 400 . 0727
BOOK PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Working Title: Fear, Fury, and Exile: Why Young, Liberal, Educated Americans are Permanently Leaving the US.
Anticipated Publication Date: Winter-Spring of 2007
Co-author: Mark Nykanen is a four-time Emmy award winning investigative reporter, now living in Canada. He has worked in print, radio, and television, including NBC News where his work appeared on The NBC Evening News with Tom Brokaw, The Today Show, and on a prime time news magazine that aired opposite "60 Minutes." Nykanen is also the author of three highly praised and commercially successful psychological thrillers.
Co-author: Eric Burnette is a longtime writer and researcher. He co-authored “My Kind of Town,†about the emerging quality of life renaissance in small town America. His writing has focused on issues of place and livability.
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Did you leave the US for political or social reasons?
MultiQuote#2 Guest_missustoad_*
Posted 26 July 2006 - 09:03 PM
When Bush was elected, there were a lot of people doing the "Canadian citizenship" online test. I did it myself, and passed. However, I didn't apply to live in Canada. It just gave me a sense of security to know I could get out if I had to. I have friends in Toronto, so if I ever do, I won't
When I lived in Hungary, lots of young Americans were moving to Eastern Europe to start up businesses. I notice many Americans are moving to India as well. I suspect that this is one of the effects of Friedman's "Flat Earth" book. People no longer want to come to the US (it's actually hard to hire any one from abroad these days because of the tighter regulations) and Americans are discovering that you can live quite well in some countries. With computers, you should be able to do the same work and "email it in".
I am hoping to do so in about five years. I've had enough, I can retire then, and my pension won't be worth much in what I see as the long term right wing entrenchment. I sometimes fear we are about to enter our own "dirty little war" of intolerance toward those who disagree with or speak out against Bush and the men in the grey suits who really run the nation.
#4
David 
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Posted 01 October 2006 - 07:34 PM
I have not left yet but if I do it will be a combination of the 2 reasons.
I think that you received such a small # of responses do to the fact that people may be affraid to answer truthfully. I myself do not feel completely comfortable opening up to this topic.
David
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties either expressed or written and confers no rights.
You assume all risk for your use. The author is not responsible for your inability to understand logic, ambiguous references, sarcasm, the imaginary friends living inside my head or William Shatner's acting ability.
© 2007 the American Peruvian federation. All rights reserved.
You assume all risk for your use. The author is not responsible for your inability to understand logic, ambiguous references, sarcasm, the imaginary friends living inside my head or William Shatner's acting ability.
© 2007 the American Peruvian federation. All rights reserved.
#5
Just a thought...
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Posted 01 October 2006 - 09:09 PM
Why, I believe I've just been called a coward!!! :-)
I love George Bush, in case anyone is curious, and I think America should be the business model of the world ( Hugo [and supporters] feel free to respond privately, if you like!!)...I'm glad America is in Iraq, and I am looking forward to the campaign in Iran, coming to a theater near you!!
I came to Peru to do something. Specifically, I needed to change things in my life, to shake it up a bit, and since my in-laws have lived in Peru for 14 years and my wife had pushed me to consider this move, or at least visit, for most all of our marriage, I finally caved!!!
Having now been in country for 18 months, I can't imagine what this country has to offer that is an equal trade for the travesties (and I say this with sincerity) of the U.S. Perfection is a pipe dream, idealism a path to unhappiness...
Peru is a wonderful place, full of opportunity and experience, and I encourage everyone to come here, visit or live...
Because I am here the closest members of my family have all visited, and I am proud that, in a round-about way, I have enabled their cultural experiences to grow, and that those experiences involved this wonderful country.
Still, America is home, and I look forward to returning...
<!--coloro:#000099--><span style="color:#000099"><!--/coloro--><!--fonto:Comic Sans Ms--><span style="font-family:Comic Sans Ms"><!--/fonto-->After almost 5 years in Arequipa I've had wonderful experiences and have gained a bit of knowledge about the land through my travels and interactions with the people. <!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
If you've got questions about Arequipa (or other parts of Peru) you can contact me <a href="mailto:mkacma@msn.com">here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>></a>
<a href="http://canfaminperu.spaces.live.com/" target="_blank">What I do, Who I am...</a>
If you've got questions about Arequipa (or other parts of Peru) you can contact me <a href="mailto:mkacma@msn.com">here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>></a>
<a href="http://canfaminperu.spaces.live.com/" target="_blank">What I do, Who I am...</a>
#6
David
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Posted 03 October 2006 - 12:32 AM
Please don't think that I called you a coward. I don't think i agree with all of your opinions but we can still talk. However talking deep politics is something I'd rateher do in person and in private. It can be like Religion, millions of people have died in the name of Religion, and why?
Like I said it's better left for a personal and private conversation. When I get to Peru hopefully this Feb. maybe we can get together for lunch or a drink.
Keep the faith!
David
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties either expressed or written and confers no rights.
You assume all risk for your use. The author is not responsible for your inability to understand logic, ambiguous references, sarcasm, the imaginary friends living inside my head or William Shatner's acting ability.
© 2007 the American Peruvian federation. All rights reserved.
You assume all risk for your use. The author is not responsible for your inability to understand logic, ambiguous references, sarcasm, the imaginary friends living inside my head or William Shatner's acting ability.
© 2007 the American Peruvian federation. All rights reserved.
#7
Just a thought...
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Posted 03 October 2006 - 07:48 AM
No worries, David!!! In no way did I take your words personally, although I am glad my words garnered a response. I like to keep things lively wherever I go, and what better way to do so than by sharing an opinion (which I do maintain, more or less) that is certain to go against others...
I agree, though, that for an honest and intelligient conversation regarding politics or religion personal interaction is the safe bet, and the only real way to communicate opinions and ideas with any clarity.
My profession of love for G.W. was a bit over the top, but only to illustrate a point...that I love my country, and to leave for the mistakes or missteps of one man seems silly, especially when the President of the United States, in my opinion, has less real power than does the President of Peru (and most Latin-American countries...) after all, what can Bush do without approval (granted, he gets his approval from those he has appointed or help get elected, but that's another story altogether)?
Truth be told, the reason I didn't respond to this thread originally is because I don't believe I meet the requirements Eric was looking for regarding his work, and thus felt I would only cloud the issue...
Just so you know, you will never need to worry about offending me, especially not in a format such as this...as for private conversation, I would love to chat anytime, and am definitely interested to be kept in the loop as to when you arrive in this wonderful land...
Cheers!!
<!--coloro:#000099--><span style="color:#000099"><!--/coloro--><!--fonto:Comic Sans Ms--><span style="font-family:Comic Sans Ms"><!--/fonto-->After almost 5 years in Arequipa I've had wonderful experiences and have gained a bit of knowledge about the land through my travels and interactions with the people. <!--fontc--></span><!--/fontc--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
If you've got questions about Arequipa (or other parts of Peru) you can contact me <a href="mailto:mkacma@msn.com">here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>></a>
<a href="http://canfaminperu.spaces.live.com/" target="_blank">What I do, Who I am...</a>
If you've got questions about Arequipa (or other parts of Peru) you can contact me <a href="mailto:mkacma@msn.com">here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>></a>
<a href="http://canfaminperu.spaces.live.com/" target="_blank">What I do, Who I am...</a>
#9
Wolfy
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Posted 03 October 2006 - 09:58 PM
I just emailed Eric today, pointing out the latest responses to his threat. He told me he would check in soon. Obviously the book project is not finished yet.
this is what he wrote:
"Thank you for the heads up Wolfgang. I appreciate it. The thread looks interesting. I’ll probably interject later this afternoon myself. Just so you know, we have received a number of replies as a result of this particular post. We continue to work on the project — it’s going well. Thank you again for all your help."
Viva el Perú! And other countries, too
#10 Guest_Dulanto_*
Posted 18 December 2006 - 09:25 PM
Cultural reasons drive exile. I have written in another section of forum about the exile or permanent
expatting to Mexico beginning in 50s and 60s. The earlier lady respondent mentioned the emigration to Eastern Europe in 90s. And now we have the moves to Latin America. In each case, we are talking about receiving regions with Catholic culture. My question being what is it so compelling about Catholic civilization that bargain-hunting retiree, entrepreneurialist, and knowledge-worker seek its welcome?
As I also have mentioned in forum, if readers take the starting point of Kevin Phillips' book, American Theocracy, political and social reasons abound for exile thought or action.
expatting to Mexico beginning in 50s and 60s. The earlier lady respondent mentioned the emigration to Eastern Europe in 90s. And now we have the moves to Latin America. In each case, we are talking about receiving regions with Catholic culture. My question being what is it so compelling about Catholic civilization that bargain-hunting retiree, entrepreneurialist, and knowledge-worker seek its welcome?
As I also have mentioned in forum, if readers take the starting point of Kevin Phillips' book, American Theocracy, political and social reasons abound for exile thought or action.
#11
Quantum
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Posted 18 December 2006 - 10:55 PM
QUOTE(Dulanto @ Dec 18 2006, 09:25 PM) 
...Kevin Phillips' book, American Theocracy, political and social reasons abound for exile thought or action.
I read this book and found it to be 'spot on' most topics it covered. However, there will always be reasons to emigrate or to choose to remain in a particular country. While this book points out many disturbing facts, many other positive facts exist which counterbalance the negativity expressed therein.
At the end of the day, and quoting Sean Connery
in 'The Hunt for Red October'... "We each have our reasons". Which is what the fellow starting this thread seems to have been so keen in finding out.
#12 Guest_jwells_*
Posted 20 December 2006 - 12:56 PM
QUOTE(Dulanto @ Dec 18 2006, 09:25 PM)
Cultural reasons drive exile. I have written in another section of forum about the exile or permanent
expatting to Mexico beginning in 50s and 60s. The earlier lady respondent mentioned the emigration to Eastern Europe in 90s. And now we have the moves to Latin America. In each case, we are talking about receiving regions with Catholic culture. My question being what is it so compelling about Catholic civilization that bargain-hunting retiree, entrepreneurialist, and knowledge-worker seek its welcome?
As I also have mentioned in forum, if readers take the starting point of Kevin Phillips' book, American Theocracy, political and social reasons abound for exile thought or action.
Why do you think the "Catholic civilization" has anything to do with the place a person goes? Maybe they just happen to be in a lot of places.
#13 Guest_Dulanto_*
Posted 22 December 2006 - 03:22 AM
I see links between movement of people from a developed country and the exchange of one civilization for another and so far to Catholic parts are where we have gone and are going. Should in the next decades large numbers of devs expat to Africa's expandng areas of Catholic civil life, I believe we here in this forum should take the authors' approach above and collaborate on a book.
I too agree with the member who spoke of positive reasons for emigrating and there is a point I am put on edge by with the concern of Eric that "seed corn" is being lost by the dev country or region. The flow of devs and udevs is enriching both continents of the Western Hemisphere. And Mark's previous muckrakes and horrors are not guides for me to start life in Peru.
I introduce Sarah Ampuero de Menizabal, founder and director of the Cultural Institute of La Punta, Callao.
Journalist, poetess, singer, impresaria, she is what is positive about moving and living in Peru. I introduce Ricardo Calmet, editor, engineer, descendant of emperors, kidnapped during the terror, lives in Callao's toughest housing project of Santa Marina, publishes Callao.org-the thorniest thorn in bureaucracy's side, he is what is positive Peru. Renzo Marsano, a builder, reshapng the occupancy of the peninsula of Callao, positive.
When abroad, my letters and emails to Peru are signed de exilio, Roberto-from exile, Robert. I was not born to know USA when it was overlooked and ignored by the established center. I know that of Callao which now nutures my son, Enrique, to be a chalaco--citizen of Callao.
Chim Pum Callao!
I too agree with the member who spoke of positive reasons for emigrating and there is a point I am put on edge by with the concern of Eric that "seed corn" is being lost by the dev country or region. The flow of devs and udevs is enriching both continents of the Western Hemisphere. And Mark's previous muckrakes and horrors are not guides for me to start life in Peru.
I introduce Sarah Ampuero de Menizabal, founder and director of the Cultural Institute of La Punta, Callao.
Journalist, poetess, singer, impresaria, she is what is positive about moving and living in Peru. I introduce Ricardo Calmet, editor, engineer, descendant of emperors, kidnapped during the terror, lives in Callao's toughest housing project of Santa Marina, publishes Callao.org-the thorniest thorn in bureaucracy's side, he is what is positive Peru. Renzo Marsano, a builder, reshapng the occupancy of the peninsula of Callao, positive.
When abroad, my letters and emails to Peru are signed de exilio, Roberto-from exile, Robert. I was not born to know USA when it was overlooked and ignored by the established center. I know that of Callao which now nutures my son, Enrique, to be a chalaco--citizen of Callao.
Chim Pum Callao!
#14
RICKY-DEXTER
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Posted 13 August 2009 - 10:40 PM
hey, i know this is a late reply, but i have been living in the dominican republic 7 years. and am soon moving to peru. wondering the same thing, why people leave the us to live abroad. i find there are 3 groups. people that are wanted. somewhere by some type of authority. people that are unwanted. embarassment to families. and the 3rd group... people that in one form or another has found the lack of responcibility in the states (regarding absolutely everything) undesirable, and have turned their backs on the "dog and pony" show. personally, i was driving one day thru new orleans and read a bumper sticker that said "america, love it or leave it!" i took their advice. BUT, I'll never surrender my blue passport...
#15
john gualt
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Posted 28 August 2009 - 11:01 PM
how about coming to the land of abundant resources seeking to get rich?
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