I have been moved and enlightened by the posts so far on this thread, as well as the private messages. I have read them carefully.
I am always thrilled and amazed at how worldly, experienced and smart FReepers are. Maybe this thread can serve as some sort of clearing house for ideas.
I don’t really disagree with anyone except those who count on a “revolution.” We are too weak, to indoctrinated, too fat, too undeserving even of His blessings in such an endeavor. I am reminded of the last lines of that old TS Eliot poem:
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.
Belize? Malta? These are possibilities I had not even considered.
Finally, to those who say “stick it out” that when you have young kids the stakes are insanely high. I am not worried about ME. I am worried, as the founders were, about my progeny.
I understand your concern about your kids. My grandfather helped me set up my Irish passport back in the day & frankly, at the time, I did it more for him than myself. But, by doing that, I can now pass on my Irish citizenship to them. What they do is up to them....at least they can get out of here if needs be. I’ll be deep in flyover country in several years & deal with what comes.