I can't relate to what you've been through, and I can't imagine Alex can, either. He gave up and ran away, presumably when his situation was not nearly as bad as what you're going through. He is trying to convince other FReepers to do the same. He is mocking those of us who are determined to stay and do our duty as Americans. That is what we in the "manger dog pound" have a problem with. We all have our own way of mocking him; I choose to be sarcastic and snide, because as Alenski (?) said, ridicule is a powerful weapon.
I'm sorry your situation is what it is, and I apologize for letting my derision of the coward, AlexW, spill over to you. But I have no respect or time for those who would rather switch than fight, who, when the going gets tough, they give in an run away. When they then proceed to blow raspberries at those of us who have chosen to stay and tough it out, I get upset. Mind you, not upset enough to bust a cap, but definitely enough to show Alex the more negative side of my personality. Sorry you got caught in the crossfire.
Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!
Men do what they do because that is what THEY do ... I don't know you, but if I did I'm sure I'd find a lot I didn't like nor agree with (I couldn't trust you while out having some beers to not get us into a fight .. f'rinstance)
I'm an older man as well and we look through different eyes than a younger.
I'm travelled also ... and we look through different eyes than those that went nowhere.
MY wife is Filipina and I hope to get my passport back before I die, because I wouldn't mind ONE BIT to enjoy a carefree life of leasure ... I worked for it, I earned it, and I want it.
Pennsylvania winters are hurtful these days.
The only reason you use the word coward for Alex is because of the context of what you think his reality should be ... but you look through your own eyes and will not attempt to see through his ... or mine. That lack of attempt idicates you either are too uninformed to conclude any positive result, or you're afraid you might like it yourself ... which is a form of cowardice
Read my #50