For those of you debating whether or not it is a good time to leave the US, I suggest you read the article and download the report you can find online at:Â BBC NEWS
Not interested? Here are the first three paragraphs, they may change your mind:
US economic, military and political dominance is likely to decline over the next two decades, according to a new US intelligence report on global trends.
The National Intelligence Council (NIC) predicts China, India and Russia will increasingly challenge US influence.
It also says the dollar may no longer be the world’s major currency, and food and water shortages will fuel conflict.
If that isn’t enough, remember this:Â the US Dollar is going to drop precipitously in the next few years due to the huge amount of money the government is printing to finance bailouts.
Hey Southron,
I bought your book over the weekend and think you did a great job. I have read both your book, as well as Lee Harrison’s – and believe both depict Uruguay well. Thanks for all your hard work on it. Scott
Left by spthomes on November 24th, 2008
I agree. All great powers ultimately fall. For the US it might just be a case of how fast and how hard. It has two to four years to right the ship. Hopefully, there’s time–China might wake up one day and stop buying US Treasuries.
So…we’ll see you in February! We were there last March to research the move! Thanks for your work in making this move an easier one. Two thirty-somethings and a baby (Brad, Lisa and Geneva).
Left by blanasa on November 25th, 2008
Sounds quite reasonable. What is yet to be seen is whether that fall from the top would necessarily be bad for US citizens. Were italians better when the Roman Empire was at the top, or after its fall? Were the Spaniards and British happier when their countries ruled continents and oceans, or are they happier today? Would the Germans of these days look back to the times during the pinacle of the 3ird Reich power as “good times”?
Left by Alberto on November 27th, 2008
Hello Southron:
Just wanted to say thanks for all of the info. I was looking for the the roght article to attach this to, picked this one.
Anyway, I noticed while traveling around that I could use my credit/debit card in different countries and receive the local currency without any trouble. Just wondering if that was the case in Uruguay. For instance, a piece of plastic loaded with euros used at a restaurant or store would go through with no mention of exchanges.
We’re thinking of Uruguay as a landing spot to sit out the upheaval in the united corporations of America. Just gathering info for the move.
Thanks!
BuzzWatson
>> I know of no one who has any trouble getting cash from ATMs for foreign bank cards. That being said, I do know that some bank networks give better conversion rates than others; and that sometimes it is better to take dollars or euros from the ATM and then convert them at a Casa de Cambio. I suggest you experiment with smaller amounts to find the optimum procedure.
The Southron
Left by BuzzWatson on December 20th, 2008