Quote from shortie:
RM, H trade was a bad trade that could have been totally avoided. it has cost you millions in lost money and lost opportunities.
certain things people may or may not have total control over. for example, we don't decide what genes we inherit and/or medical conditions we may have, etc. but if one has a choice which country to live in and consciously chooses one of the worst countries for his needs then it is a bad trade.
Moving to Vancouver is always at the back of my mind (sometimes the front), but how easy do you think that would be? What if I'm tied down here in the U.S. by complicated personal factors you don't know about? How about the fact that most of my remaining net worth is tied up in a seven-figure home I own outright, and can't possibly sell for any kind of reasonable price in this market? Wait a second... I think I have another archived post that can shed some light.

Check this out:
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2711342&highlight=canada#post2711342
One more thing to add, the U.S. federal government bubble and/or our oppressive prohibition policies could easily collapse under their own stupidity and unsustainability within the next five to ten years, don't you think? Then I'll have moved for nothing.
Edit: Ok, maybe <i>two more things</i>... another problem with switching countries would be having to forfeit a few important close personal friendships I've built with people who live nearby. Yeah, you still technically remain friends with someone who lives a thousand miles away, but it's never the same. I'm still kinda pissed that
Super DJ Eric R. moved to Texas. That guy was awesome to have around!
Maybe none of these things on their own justifies my staying put in the rapidly declining, oppressive, former-empire that is the U.S. ...but taken all together, you can see why I'm so hesitant to uproot and seek a freer life elsewhere.
Besides, am I <i>really</i> the only guy here who thinks about fleeing the U.S., but doesn't actually get up and do it yet? Everyone has their reasons...