By my count over the last week, the following countries have significant protests going on: Chile, Brazil, Spain, France, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria in the midst of a invasion. A city in Mexico erupted into a drug cartel war, demonstrating that the Mexican government has zero power. The European Union is a long, drawn out free-fall as Great Britain tries to leave. And, if you have not heard, California is actually on fire. And I actually saw somewhere that Western Canada leaving the Canadian union is maybe a thing (Glen?)?
It has been a long time since I have seen this much turmoil and unrest.
I do not mention, of course, the upcoming US Presidential election, which is quite likely to be create issues no matter what side actually takes victory. There was a survey out this week stating that most Americans do not see this ending well.
And yet, oddly enough, the world seems to go on as normal. People quarrel about sports games, the weather, the fact gas is going up or down in price.
Part of me wants to shout "Dear God, is anyone actually paying attention?"
I do not, of course. To do so is to attract unwanted attention to one's self. Far better to read the weather gauge and prepare at this point.
To be clear, none of this ends well.
The world is falling apart, but then hasn't it always been? I can't speak for Western Canada...but here, Quebecers are always b*tching about leaving Canada...passionate ignorant English-haters wanting their own country - all hype when they realize it won't be the rich paradise they think it will, then the election results tell the truth. It'll never happen. One of the main reasons Alex and I are relocating to another province next year!
ReplyDeleteAfraid you are right, TB. But I pray you are at least a little wrong also.
ReplyDeleteRain, you are right, it has always sort of been. It just feels kind of different this time. In the lower 48, we have the same kind of issues.
ReplyDeleteVery excited for next year for you! Any idea what province you will be in?
I kind of hope I am wrong as well Linda. But I would rather be aware and right than completely miss the signs.
ReplyDeleteTB it'll either be New Brunswick (most likely) or Nova Scotia. The property values are very low in those provinces. We can get more land for a lot less money! And I'm kind of drawn to the Maritimes. I can't wait!! :)
ReplyDeleteI’ve tried to write this 4 times... but don’t like what I write. You could write a book about western alienation. I’m glad I held off; there is a lot of anti-Quebec/Ontario sentiment out here and out of deference to Rain - I’ll just skip it. Being subjective on this is incredibly difficult. Suffice it to say this: the govt out east wants to tax us in the west based on the revenues of a healthy, booming petroleum economy. That market cycles and currently is at “bust” levels. Not only that, they want to impose additional carbon taxes on us to signal their virtue and commitment to the environmentalists. Long story short...they want to tax us on high revenues, and at the same time, deprive us of the means to achieve those revenues.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with all this is that there are procedures to deal with disagreements like this. The liberals impose these taxes and policies without doing the homework and due diligence... and families out here go bankrupt and lose their farms, homes and businesses. If they complain the politicos out east call them whiners or ignore them completely. We don’t have the numbers or political clout to hurt them, so they can and will do whatever they want to us.
I don’t think we’re at the separation point yet, but the first steps are being taken to throw a much needed firewall up around our finances. What happens after that is anyone’s guess.
Rain, I confess I had to go look up where New Bruinswick is. That said, either will be lovely I am sure!
ReplyDeleteWhy are the property values so low? Climate? Industry?
I am sure it is subjective, Glen. Honestly, I have my own problems with my home state, in which the non-urban areas are incredibly sensible but are doomed by urban population to be held captive. It is a high tax state as well, and much of what you write about in the second paragraph is true there as well.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that I can hope for is the most recent round of insanity is convincing those sane people that it may finally be time to think about something else besides business as usual.
A few of the Maritime provinces are considered by some the "poor provinces"...I think one of our former PM's coined that one, not sure. Lack of jobs and smaller populations. People flock to the cities for work and that leaves the rural areas un-populated with low property values. Nobody wants to live in those areas and that gives Alex and me great opportunities since he works from home and I don't work. We don't need to be near any cities or within driving distance of a job. Believe it or not, our budget is only 50k Canadian and there are lots of properties that fall into our price range. We're trying to be as picky as we can though, we want at least 5 acres to go with the house. But we have to follow the bank's rules since we are relying on a mortgage. The place can't be off grid or the bank won't pay for it. That was disappointing for us. Last year we found a beautiful spot in Nova Scotia, 40k, 15 acres, a little house but it was fully operational on solar power. The bank said no, so frustrating! We will have compromise I think, but next year is the year for sure. We're so sick of throwing our money down the drain by paying off our landlord's mortgage!!
ReplyDeleteOh, and Glen, you can say whatever you want about Quebec and Ontario! I've heard it all actually, I have a friend who lives in Calgary and I know the sentiment that the West has for Quebec especially! :)
That sounds like a splendid place to be Rain. A great deal like where my parent live, although (unfortunately) the real estate is still rather expensive there.
ReplyDeleteThe bank loan thing is weird to me. Why would off the grid matter? That said, I have no idea how things are in the US in regards to those items.
Rain - I just did the math! Dear Lord, I should be moving to Canada!
ReplyDelete(Not really. The Ravishing Mrs. TB despises snow. But wow.)
Isn't that crazy?? Alex and I actually were looking at a property last week. 3 acres, on a quite road, a small house, but still 2 bedrooms and a bathroom, a drilled well, septic system ON grid...19.900 CAD. We called our realtor right away for information! We even considered buying it sight unseen if it passed an inspection. Sadly though, there is a renter there who is causing LOTS of problems. The owner is trying to evict him and he's destroying the place...always a catch huh?
ReplyDeleteWe figured if we bought a place for 20k, with the equivalent of what we pay for rent here, we'd have the mortgage paid off in less than 2 years.
Now you know why we want to move there, we can have a good lifestyle and live well below our means. And yeah, snow I can do without, but it's a compromise!!
I think the banks are afraid of people defaulting on the mortgage with an off grid place, they don't think they can sell it as quickly.
it is written that up until the end people will be marrying and giving in marriage people live as close to normally as they can no matter what
ReplyDeletein usa hard at least at one time to get mortgage on solar property
Rain - Wow, what a bargain! Although yes, unhappy renters can be hard on a place. Figure another $10,000 in repairs. I do like your math though.
ReplyDeleteI just asked The Ravishing Mrs. TB. She said she would visit me in summer.
It could be true about the banks. I know where my parent live, people think they want to live farther out but suddenly realize they do not. There are always houses for sale.
Is it hard Deb? I really have not researched it.
ReplyDelete