Updates on the election for those of us...

[pocaracas]

Well.... after Brexit, can't say I'm totally surprised.
I'm disappointed, but not surprised.

You wanted riots?
Oregon: https://www.rt.com/usa/365957-oregon-uni...tion-riot/
LA: http://deadline.com/2016/11/lapd-riot-mo...201850978/

Well, then, Time for my speech:
- For all of you thinking of leaving the States, may I point out what a lovely country Portugal is?

---

-- Geographically, it's like a miniature US, we got our tiny canyons, tiny waterfalls, tiny natural parks... mostly harmless indigenous wildlife.
-- Climatologically (is this even a word?), we get something like California in the south, and New York in the North... not so much snow, though...
-- Gastronomically, I can't recommend enough. Think of the best food you ever had, we got better! (I know, I know... I'm biased... but it's true)
-- Politically, it's like most everywhere: politicians are out for themselves - it is known. However, we currently have a socialist-communist coalition with a parliamentary majority with a socialist government in place. Things are nice. When these guys get kicked out of the government, they're replaced by the so-called "social-democrat party", so... all you Bernie fans will love it here!
-- Healthcarelly, we got one of the best National Health Services out there. Comparable to the British one. Sure, it's seen its share of defunding and there are huge waiting lists for routine surgeries, but no one is left without care... You don't really need to have health insurance, unless you want access to private services, where you get pampered... but, if you have something really bad going on, even those will send you to the public service.
-- Economically, south-european country... a part of the "famous" PIIGS (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain). It seems we are known for not producing stuff, while being recognized, at least statistically, as the Europeans who put in more work hours... so... yeah, politicians fucked that up well and good, through no real fault of the people. Still, most things have an adequate price tag. The exceptions being cars and fuel for said cars.
-- Socially, the people are mostly friendly and great, even while being highly prudish towards unknown folk. Once you become friends, you're one of us and we'll do our best to keep you happy.
-- Linguistically, we know it's a difficult language to learn, it's full of weird sounds, but we appreciate the effort you put in. Also, most of us can understand English and speak at least a broken version of it, so... you shouldn't have much of a problem there.
-- Jobs... there's tons of jobs. They pay well for the prices that get practiced for stuff. Now that London may be taking a fall due to Brexit, some companies are seriously considering Portugal... there's a neat opportunity!  Minimum wage is a ridiculously low 500€ per month, but you can rent a 2bedroom apt in the outskirts of Lisbon for less than that... so... Also, I wouldn't expect a qualified person to work for such a paltry sum. Oh, most businesses pay 14 months - In July and November, you get an extra serving of wages to help with vacation and Christmas expenses.
-- Educationally, like everywhere else, everyone complains that the education is in the dumps... but when compared to other places, it's not so bad... well, compared with the US, it's awesome! The major Universities are not private, except .. lol.. the Catholic University which excels in courses like Economics. The reputed Engineering, Medicine and Sciences in general are all public.
-- Historically, we got Castles built by the Muslims, we got monasteries built by the Knights Templar, we got roads and bridges built by the Romans, we got Paleolithic monuments, we got one of the world's grandest aqueduct. We were the first nation to abolish slavery (in spite of making tons of money with it, in previous centuries) and to abolish the death penalty. Back in 1974, we got rid of a fascist dictatorship, so that's still in everyone's minds and we're certainly not eager to get back into one.

---