[Techtalk] NOT Moving to Europe (WAAAY offtopic!)

[distantnorth at netscape.net]

David wrote:

>> 
>> Anyway, Caity, if the US public (at least in the area you live) is
>> such a bunch of intolerant red-necks,

There is a large percentage of the population who are intolerant, but they certainly aren't all rednecks.  Some fairly sophisticated, educated people are intolerant of the GLBT community as well.  It's part of the generally conservative mood of the country since 9/11, and to a lesser extent since Ronald Reagan was President.  There is a significant minority that are open minded and liberal, and I see some serious backlash against Bush administration policy and against conservative ideology in general, to the point that polls now show the President's approval rating below 50% and a majority of Americans who want to see someone else elected next year.  I see this as a very hopeful sign.

>> I suggest you come and live over
>> here in UK, or better still western Europe.  

The anti-Israel, and to a somewhat lesser degree anti-Semetic, sentiment in  part of the European population is just as bad as the homophobes here.  Actually, speaking strictly personally and selfishly, it's worse.  I am an Israeli citizen and a Jew.  I'm not lesbian.

>> OK, we've got a few
>> bigots of our own, but I think the general atmosphere is much more
>> tolerant.

I'm not convinced.  The intolerance is different is all, and is expressed differently.  I have family in France and the U.K., and used to travel to both countries (as well as Spain and Greece) on business regularly.  I could be comfortable in France or the U.K., yes, but I don't know that I'd say it's in any way better there.  Besides, why not fight for social change where I'm at rather than running away?

Finally, bringing it back to techtalk :)  I'm gainfully employed here and it appears I will be for the forseeable future.  I think as a UNIX/security geek my opportunities are best in the U.S.  If I move anywhere overseas it will be to Israel where I own a home.  I expect that will happen eventually, but not now.

All the best,
Caity

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