Thanks for your reply. My only point of contention is in your closing statement:"This is still one of the best places in the world to live. IT REALLY IS!!"
By what criteria? My best friend and mentor is an older gentleman who travels professionally. He's currently attempting to publish his first book - an account of his experiences and socio/political insights. He swares in front of God Almighty that the U.S. is, person for person, the most fucked up country on earth. When pushed to name the BEST country on earth (using ANY criteria), he picks Thailand. What would you say to this gentleman?