If you aren’t happy with President Obama being elected to a second term, the best course of action is to leave the country, right?
But even with a Democratic president, America is still more conservative than many of the proposed countries for escapees.
Canada and, surprisingly, Australia were popular picks for a new life away from Obama. Anyone with conservative beliefs should take a closer look before casually assuming these countries support their policies and beliefs.
With the implementation of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, affectionately known as Obamacare, health care became a universal right available to all citizens.
Traditionally, Republicans were opposed to this act because it tweaked the free-market system we thrive on.
If you fear this will lead to greater government involvement, think twice about moving to Canada.
Health care is publicly funded in Canada with private companies in the shadows. Sure, lines are long and quality of care is not believed to be on par with America, but everyone is taken care of no matter what.
Our farther neighbor, Australia, is no different. Although there is universal health care, citizens with higher incomes are encouraged to purchase private health care to offset the burden of the government.
Also, forget about equal income tax levels — progressive income tax is the only way these other two countries operate.
Even though the business side to these countries is similar, we fail in comparison when it comes to education and civil issues.
Both Canada and Australia rank higher in math, science and reading, even though we spend billions of dollars more to fund those programs than they do.
America does have higher high school graduation rates, but we also have lower post-secondary education rates than the two other countries.
Not only is our education subpar, but our civil rights are also behind.
Same-sex marriage became legal in Canada in 2004, the same time Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage.
An entire country legalized this practice rather than a single state.
Australia just recently voted against legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, but its views are slowly changing, just like our own.
Many territories recognize at least some kind of same-sex partnership, whether the couple is cohabitating or in a civil partnership. This is much more than America can say for itself.
With only nine states legalizing same-sex marriage, we have a far way to go until this basic right is allotted to every citizen.
Let’s not forget about abortion, the controlling conservatives’ way to force their beliefs onto women.
Neither of these countries have outlawed abortion, even though Australia has some stipulations on the act in different territories.
It’s quite clear that Canada and Australia are liberal in their decisions, so maybe conservatives should stay away.
Why do we automatically think of these countries as sanctuaries, then?
Maybe because we all dream of being surrounded by beautiful landscapes and having bronzed, toned bodies like Australians.
Or possibly because the clean city streets of Vancouver, Canada, are alien to us.
It could be that these mostly white, English-speaking countries are the first that come to mind.
Sure, America is richer and more powerful, but the citizens of Canada and Australia are happier than ours.
Running a country isn’t all about instilling a work-and-no-play belief into every citizen; it’s about trying to create a higher quality of life for everyone.
Maybe America should take a few pointers from these increasingly happy and healthy countries to please more people.
It looks as though relaxing instead of stressing out about your basic civil rights increases happiness. Who would have thought?
Though you may not be pleased with having another four years with a Democratic president, think again about making an ignorant empty threat and realize that this country — though it may not seem so — is more conservative than your other options.
