I would have to vote “other” on this one, I’ve got no problem relocating outside America, seeing I’ve never even visited the USA. But relocating anywhere outside Scandinavia? Extremely unlikely!

I almost checked financial and tax structure, then realized those issues are the tip of the iceburg. The US is moving in a direction that the productive people take care of the incapable. We have a firmly entrenched ‘victim’s rights’ that includes I am a ‘victim of obesity’ (knees, hips that need replacement; heart disease; diabetes {stop eating! - one never saw a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp who was overweight!} I am waiting for the day when I hear of a physician telling a patient that they can have a knee or hip replacement after they have lost 50 pounds), victim of inattentive/incapable/not-perfect parenting’ (okay, you got lousy parents, maybe even abusive parents - you’re grown up now - write a new story - the one in which you overcome your childhood and all by wourself achieve your dreams!), victim of poor education’ (go to the library, enroll in an adult education class, start reading - there is no end to the ways in which one can improve oneself - all on the government {taxpayer}). I have lived overseas off and on over the years and found it to be most satisfying. One has the best of both worlds - a perspective of the US that is clearer, the rights (including being taxed!) of US citizenry and often one has the benefits of living in a country that is less expensive. My advice - learn the language there is nothing more insulting than setting up residence in a foreign country and not trying to live fully and communicate fully within that culture. (My feelings extend to those who come to the US - it boggles my mind that we allow driver’s tests, and worse, election materials in languages other than English) If this country is so attractive - assimilate, learn the culture, the language and teach your children their heritage at home.

It would take a movement towards Fascism, such as happened in Germany, that would force me to leave. My ancestors have been here from the very beginning, and so we have toughed out many crisis and movements. The pendulum will turn into another direction like it always does. And, besides, there is no nirvana on this earth; it happens spiritually, on the inside. But….I sure would like to have a second home in Devon or the Cotwolds.

I’d like to move over the border to Montreal. I like the parlimentary system of government and I’d like to be a dual citizen.

“Other” I’d definitely relocate for an extended period. The right mix of location, security (gov’t, economy, healthcare etc.), community, fun and adventure.

I have to say that I’d join the group heading to France. I’ve realized that my college French served me well over there and that in a matter of a couple of months, I’d be speaking like a native. It’s a country where the arts are appreciated and respected and as that’s what my husband and I do, we feel more comfortable there anyway. America’s loss of appreciation for the truly great things that we’ve contributed to the world — Jazz, Cole Porter, Ella Fitzgerald — you don’t see European countries forgetting their great contributers. I’ll never forget being in a night club in Athens, Greece a few years ago and seeing the 20-somthings all hanging at the bar bobbing their heads to a Madonna tune that was playing — AND THEN all making a mad dash to the dance floor when an ANCIENT Greek folk tune started playing. My husband is in a well-known singer’s band and we were all there with her — they got ALL of us up to learn this traditional Greek dance with them that their grandparents probably taught them…they were so proud to teach us. The European balance of keeping up with today’s trends and technology while never losing touch with their past is beautiful. When I go to Harlem and see a GREAT group of jazz musicians and see how few young people are there to take this in, I have to say it really depresses me. Same when you go to the Opera….the vast majority of the audience are so old that they are asleep by the middle of the performance. The 20-somethings here are in a club listening to a DJ spin music with no chord progression and 1 beat through the whole song - followed by the same. In the same way that our current leaders have severely fallen off of the path set by our great founders — see anyone with Ben Franklin’s intelligence or humor around? —- it is a trend in America to “hit and run” and not carry the best forward with us. Like many, I’m anxious about the election — if the Republicans stay in office, I don’t see anyone in the arts being able to make a living here.

Because of my age I wouldn’t think of leaving this Country now. If all my family could go with me I would love to live in France. I come from French geneology…………I loved my one visit there. I stayed for a month and loved the feelings I had the entire time. It’s such a beautiful Country………I really enjoyed the people. I do know after the past 8 years of the Republican administration I don’t feel like I’m living in the America I’ve known all my life. Bush and his lot have ruined our Country……..taken away our liberties. He has tried to be more a Dictator than a President. Of Course he’s too dumb to pull it off by himself………..he had some old boys pushing him all the way. Cheney and his crew. I pray Obama wins the election and we can have the Democratic Party (The Party of the People) back in office.

How I wish I’d have made the move the 3 excellent times I had the opportunities. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for myself and others too is important to me, but alas, I’m at the point where I cannot make the change now, unless I tag on with someone else. I’ve encouraged parents with children (including my own) to think about their children, and just ‘get’ - the horrors I’ve seen happening to Americans, and also what we do in other nations, over the past 25 years, is to much for me. It hurts me to the core. We are only as we do to others, IMHO. Our “leaders” have had no intentions of providing healthcare coverage, or housing, or jobs for everyone; it’s far too fragmented, prejudiced, and selfish to the core to give up power. If they did, even one, why not cite the programs that work at half the GDP we spend on Medicare, alone and why ignore Nader’s plan that will work overnight, if they want to make something work, and work fast? In truth, nothing is going to change here, and of the 11 families I know who emigrated the past 27 months, not one has been unaware of the “peace” they feel in the countries they chose to emigrate to; in fact, it is profound for them. We’re doing something very wrong here, and we let it happen.

Now, it’s not to say that one’s move would necessarily have to be forever, ladies! I have lived abroad in two very different continents and at very different times in history, but I always knew where my heart lay. I am without a doubt an AMERICAN. I love the principles upon which this democracy was established and know that it is an eternal role model for others who would aspire to fulfilling the needs of its citizens, while at the same time allowing for individual expression and exploration. Because of life changes and economic pressures on me, I am considering moving south, to teach in a country that respects family and education as two bedrocks of a society. I would be going, as I did in past times, to pursue an adventure and seek a good life for myself within a different milieu. I do not feel I am escaping anything, for the people whom I consider part of my essentials in life know I am a gypsy, and I am going FOR, rather than running from anything here. I would always retain and carefully maintain my citizenship, even and if it meant coming back for bureaucratic necessities. Thanks for the question. WOW. I relish the opportunity of creating something new and exciting—-again!@ JBoylynn

I can’t see bailing on our own country. Although not perfect, I still feel blessed to have grown up in this country compared to many others. Life is cyclical, so we may be on the down turn of wheel, but the upswing is coming, in all aspects, not just ecomomically. I hope if we glean anything from this recent belt tightening it’ll be to set our priorities straight. Values and common decency are more important than dollars and cents. Focus should be on family, education, and helping our neighbors. And yes, I do think the majority of us hold this belief- all civilization is not lost. The wheel turns slowly. Be patient.

I voted that I would leave for healthcare because that is exactly why I AM leaving, healthcare.

If McCain wins, well..I can see Canada from my house. Just sayin’.