At 10:44 PM 7/20/2005, Biju Chacko wrote:
On 7/20/05, Joe Barrera <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Ramakrishnan Sundaram wrote:
>
> > Pity if there aren't. It's a really interesting place, with good
> > techies and an intriguing social dynamic, post aparthied.
>
> Is it a viable place to escape to if the US goes totally fascist?
Seriously?
For an American, no where else is going to be free enough.
I don't know, this American is getting pretty embarrassed to carry a
US passport these days. It seems that all three branches of our
government have forgotten that we have a constitution they're
supposed to follow. Add the growing rudeness of my fellow citizens to
the Orwellian changes in language and I'm about ready for a change.
The wife and I visited SA for three weeks during their celebration of
the tenth anniversary of their new government. We found it very
pleasant, and the crime rate seemed not at all remarkable to one who
grew up in metro Los Angeles. It would certainly be a large culture
shock to move there, but at least I (almost) speak one of the 11
official languages. Given a reliable Internet connection, access to
Amazon and a couple of other sources, I think I could live there.
And the wine *is* excellent. I'm very fortunate to have not one, but
two African-themed restaurants a short drive from here. One is a
buffet with an adequate SA wine list, the other is a five star
establishment with the largest variety of SA wines on offer anywhere
outside SA (and all but two places *inside*). Plus we know the chef!
Any silklister who visits Florida before I leave in disgust will be
treated to a dinner there on request.
Bruce Metcalf,
Lake Buena Vista, FL
