>>There are no people so hopelessly enslaved as those who believe they are free.
What can I not do in the USA?
>>it's arguably a better deal than the US
Probably not true, given the unidirectional flow of immigration. Also the average household income is 8x less.
>>Both countries are quite similar in my view
I can't do business with Chinese companies, while I can with members of the civilized world. I see a strong difference in culture.
>>converging on a highly dynastically corrupt militarized police state
Having lived in Russia for 10 years I can tell you the USA isn't corrupt. You can get stuff done without paying bribes and your competitors doesn't go to the local politicians to shut you down, you aren't asked to do underhanded favors.
Good question. How about these: Rely on any real form of social security. Become meaningfully involved in politics without first becoming so indebted to corporate / special interest parties that your independence is essentially compromised. Start a financial services business of any real capacity without massive outside investment. Start most forms of large scale business without paying out millions of dollars to lawyers. Get a decent education without becoming stupendously in debt. Find ten people at the local pub that are able to meaningfully discuss politics, history, geography or philosophies beyond their borders. Eat much in the way of authentically decent food from other countries outside of a few extremely wealthy enclaves. Live easily and comfortably without a car. Live easily and comfortably without a cellphone. Live, work and pay taxes as a citizen of another country, without fear of being extradited with mere days to get out and go through the whole hassle again if you have to change jobs, if you don't want to commit to a green card scenario. Avoid, for more than a town or so, people that subscribe to religious conservative radio and watch fox news. Receive well deserved state protection when distributing truths about organizations like Scientology. Avoid draconian punishments like the death penalty and effective long-term incarceration without trial for whistleblowing or opposing established media/publishing congolomerate interests? Hell, this should be a twitter hash tag.
unidirectional flow of immigration
All developed countries have this. Fact: almost nobody from other developed countries has an interest in moving long term to the United States... look up the statistics on the green card lottery if you wish.
I can't do business with Chinese companies, while I can with members of the civilized world. I see a strong difference in culture.
That's abusive and false. China successfully exports more products in more categories to more destinations than any other country, last time I checked. Maybe the problem is you.
Russia
No idea about Russia. From what I read, they basically skipped the development of a facade pretend-representational government and went straight to a mafia state. I guess you have to give them points for efficiency!
What can I not do in the USA?
>>it's arguably a better deal than the US
Probably not true, given the unidirectional flow of immigration. Also the average household income is 8x less.
>>Both countries are quite similar in my view
I can't do business with Chinese companies, while I can with members of the civilized world. I see a strong difference in culture.
>>converging on a highly dynastically corrupt militarized police state
Having lived in Russia for 10 years I can tell you the USA isn't corrupt. You can get stuff done without paying bribes and your competitors doesn't go to the local politicians to shut you down, you aren't asked to do underhanded favors.