Mexico at least Algodones, still the same.....

[gimmethesimplelife]

I've just returned from just under a week in Los Algodones, Mexico. One thing I am glad to report is that I have noticed no hostilities to Americans - it's true that Los Algodones exists to cater to Americans and Canadians for dental and optical and now even veterinary - but I've been afraid that attitudes towards Americans may have changed due to Trump and his inability to respect Mexico for the safety valve that it is. I needn't have worried - things on the surface at least seem to remain the same. Rob

[Teacher Terry]

I would hope that most Mexicans realize most of us hate trump as much as they do.

[bae]

Fascinating - Canadians, with their world-class universal health care system, fleeing to Mexico to access medical care.

https://cusjc.ca/catalyst/project/me...-abroad-draft/

Why is Mexico's health care system so inexpensive and superior?

[bae]

... I've been afraid that attitudes towards Americans may have changed due to Trump and his inability to respect Mexico for the safety valve that it is.

I'm trying to imagine the world in which a strong part of the proud Mexican national identity is "we're the safety valve for America", and it's just not happening.

[gimmethesimplelife]

I'm trying to imagine the world in which a strong part of the proud Mexican national identity is "we're the safety valve for America", and it's just not happening.

I don't know that such should be part of the Mexican identity, bae........it's just an unfortunate fact for many Americans. Thank overpriced health care and vastly unequal distribution of wealth in the US for that, and it's not going away any time soon that I can see.........Rob

[Teacher Terry]

Wealth distribution is worse in Mexico as far as I can tell.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Wealth distribution is worse in Mexico as far as I can tell.

True that, TT, and no snark in this comment, ok? I never said otherwise - yes, there are definite issues with wealth distribution in Mexico. Granted and no denial on my part. My point is that were this the country we once lived in with a strong middle class that had a ladder to climb if upward movement were the goal - I would be much less likely to be in Los Algodones to begin with as what dental work cost in the US would not force me to flee - financially, morally, and ethically. Rob

[iris lilies]

Wealth distribution is worse in Mexico as far as I can tell.

And wealth distribution is even worse in Mexico when factoring in rich Americans who cross the border for health procedures that they find inexpensive, but the average Mexican cannot access those same procedures because it is way overpriced for the average Mexican.

are rich A,ericans driving ip the cost of, for instance, dental procedures, making them out of scope for residents of the country where they take place? The capitalist based market in Mexico sets the prices, and those who cannot afford them be damned.

[bae]

And wealth distribution is even worse in Mexico when factoring in rich Americans who cross the border for health procedures that they find inexpensive, but the average Mexican cannot access because it is way overpriced for the average Mexican.

But, but, "safety valve" for white privileged Americans and Canadians.

At least the average Mexican lives in a land that respects the rule of law, and they don't have to worry about being "disappeared"....

https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/01/15/...r-disappeared#

[gimmethesimplelife]

And wealth distribution is even worse in Mexico when factoring in rich Americans who cross the border for health procedures that they find inexpensive, but the average Mexican cannot access those same procedures because it is way overpriced for the average Mexican.

are rich A,ericans driving ip the cost of, for instance, dental procedures, making them out of scope for residents of the country where they take place? The capitalist based market in Mexico sets the prices, and those who cannot afford them be damned.

Very much not the case, IL, and I will calmly and logically tell you why. At the border where I go I save boatloads of money - a fact that can not be denied. However, I am also paying the gringo price - a price that for me is much lower and that I am grateful to pay.

My point? Were I Mexican and did I speak the language, and were I willing to take a short bus ride outside of town and away from the gringos, I'd pay even less. True story. Though I would have to leave the general area to do so, that much is true. Rob