Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

Republicans are radicals, not conservatives.

Speaking of republicans, is there a way for a political party to declare intellectual bankruptcy?

Something needs to be done about our bogus SCOTUS.

Seems like a complicated subject, have you tried yelling at it?

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

You don’t get rid of your umbrella while it’s still raining.

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Our job is not to persuade republicans but to defeat them.

I know this must be bad for Joe Biden, I just don’t know how.

This has so much WTF written all over it that it is hard to comprehend.

Optimism opens the door to great things.

If you tweet it in all caps, that makes it true!

“Can i answer the question? No you can not!”

A lot of Dems talk about what the media tells them to talk about. Not helpful.

Battle won, war still ongoing.

Tick tock motherfuckers!

I did not have this on my fuck 2022 bingo card.

In my day, never was longer.

Let’s not be the monsters we hate.

Proof that we need a blogger ethics panel.

Wow, I can’t imagine what it was like to comment in morse code.

The poor and middle-class pay taxes, the rich pay accountants, the wealthy pay politicians.

Thanks to your bullshit, we are now under siege.

You are here: Home / Past Elections / Election 2012 / Open Thread: President Obama Was On Reddit AMA Today

Open Thread: President Obama Was On Reddit AMA Today

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I guess none of us front-pagers are cutting-edge-media-savvy, because we seem to have dropped the ball on notifiyinb you in advance about “I Am Barack Obama, President of the US“. Fortunately NYMag has a report:

… The president, and presumably an army of diligent interns, sifted through a pile of queries that had to be expected of the lefty, but pro–Ron Paul (and mostly male) hordes, including questions about space travel, Internet freedom, and legalizing marijuana. There was also a good amount of, “Coolest president ever? Coolest president ever.”

Obama took the bait on a few Reddit pet causes, but didn’t say much of substance. “Internet freedom is something I know you all care passionately about; I do too,” he wrote. See also: “Making sure we stay at the forefront of space exploration is a big priority for my administration.” He was asked to name his favorite basketball player (“Jordan — I’m a Bulls guy”) and for the White House beer recipe (“It will be out soon! I can tell from first hand experience, it is tasty”).

Ultimately, Obama and his staff’s online savvy — the fact that he did an AMA at all — will be more memorable than anything he said. The site crashed under the traffic load, and still received more than 12,000 comments in just about one hour to go with Obama’s ten answers….

(h/t commentor Amanda in the South Bay)

Reader Interactions

130Comments

  2. 2.

    Lee

    I read somewhere that he suggested a Constitutional Amendment for overturning Citizens United in that AMA.

    That would be pretty crazy to make that policy announcement on reddit of all places.

  4. 4.

    arguingwithsignposts

    As i mentioned in the previous thread, I don’t visit reddit, but it’s pretty apparent the president has an Internet savvy team. He’s now done a Google Hangout, answered questions on Twitter in a Town Hall, the WH has an Instagram account (not sure how often that’s updated). They get the social media stuff.

    JGabriel said reddit is a bad place, but it’s no /b/, apparently.

    Kudos to the pres.

  5. 5.

    mai naem

    WTF is wrong with Paul Ryan’s suit? And didn’t they have time to get him a freaking custom suit that,you know, actually fits the twit? Jeebus, couldn’t Tagg,Twit,Biff or Guff get him daddy’s tailor to come in and make him a suit? $5K is a pittance for daddy to spend on his veep’s suit.

  6. 6.

    Dennis SGMM

    Open thread, whee! My marriage of thirty-four years has run aground. I now need to find somewhere to live on $1600 a month. That’s my SS and a small pension. My first thought is WVA. I would appreciate any other suggestions.

  8. 8.

    jomo

    Reddit is pretty free-flowing but none of the vitriol of /b/. Mostly pretty respectful. I happened on it and it was a cool experience – 20 minutes in he had tallied 8000 comments – and the vibe there was really positive.

  10. 10.

    SatanicPanic

    So veterans defend our freedoms, but our freedoms come from nature and god? WTF do we need soldiers for then? Fucking stupid.

  12. 12.

    Steve

    @SatanicPanic: Take it up with Thomas Jefferson. Our rights are endowed by the Creator (whoever you think that is), but we form governments in order to secure them. This is not stupid; it’s basic stuff.

  18. 18.

    arguingwithsignposts

    @Dennis SGMM: sorry to hear that Dennis. that sucks.

    If your question is serious, I’d suggest a small town. Where I’m at, home and rent prices are about half or less what you’d pay for a similar home in a big urban area.

    A lot depends on what kind of weather and scenery you like. I’d suggest a state without a state income tax, if you’re really looking to pinch pennies.

  19. 19.

    Steve

    @Lee: Here is what Obama said:

    We need to start with passing the Disclose Act that is already written and been sponsored in Congress – to at least force disclosure of who is giving to who. We should also pass legislation prohibiting the bundling of campaign contributions from lobbyists. Over the longer term, I think we need to seriously consider mobilizing a constitutional amendment process to overturn Citizens United (assuming the Supreme Court doesn’t revisit it). Even if the amendment process falls short, it can shine a spotlight of the super-PAC phenomenon and help apply pressure for change.

  20. 20.

    Lee

    @Dennis SGMM:

    Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

    There are actually some places in Texas you can live comfortably on that…but then you live in Texas so it is a trade off.

    (I live in North Texas)

  21. 21.

    AA+ Bonds

    This literally figuratively literally doesn’t matter at all, it is to your credit that you “missed” it

  22. 22.

    SatanicPanic

    @Steve: That still doesn’t follow. I’d say that Jefferson’s face if he were still alive, and I’ll say it Paul Ryan if I ever meet him.

  23. 23.

    Dennis SGMM

    @Valdivia:
    I’m in southern CA at the moment. Anywhere near my soon-to-be ex and our autistic son is simply unaffordable. So I’m open to anywhere.

  25. 25.

    FuriousPhil

    @jomo:

    If you think /b/ is bad, you should try /pol/. Truly awful stuff.

    I don’t know, sometimes these thing kinds of things feel forced, like Paul Ryan being ‘cool’ because he listens to popular rock music and works out. I guess if people want to vote for Barack because he’s ‘cool’, they can.

    I like his policy positions, but I’m not very cool.

  26. 26.

    mai naem

    @Dennis SGMM: I am sorry too. I think you’re in California right? AZ is relatively cheap and not far from Cali. I have a friend who moved to Ky when she retired. She said the cost of living was even cheaper than AZ.

  27. 27.

    Dennis SGMM

    @Lee:
    Thanks for the suggestion. I lived in South Texas, Kingsville to be exact, for three years. So I do know how to do that.

  29. 29.

    arguingwithsignposts

    @FuriousPhil:

    I don’t know, sometimes these thing kinds of things feel forced,

    I get what you’re saying. But I did also see the Google Hangout he did, and he actually got some tough questions and responded to them. Didn’t seem forced at all.

    It’s a different demographic of people to meet, not just the old “corner diner to buy a sandwich and shake hands with the locals” campaign event that isn’t going to get to the people who hang out on reddit anyway.

    And, as a side-benefit, the more time he spends handling questions from people on reddit and the like, the more practice he gets before he polishes the floor with willard in the debates.

  30. 30.

    MikeJ

    @Dennis SGMM: One thing to watch out for if you move. Many people will suggest small towns or living out in the middle of nowhere. It actually costs a lot more to live an hour or two from civilisation. At a minimum you should be in the exurbs (<50 miles) of any place worth living.

  31. 31.

    Lee

    @Dennis SGMM:

    That is around where my family is all located.

    We are all around the Pawnee, Three Rivers, Beeville.

    As a kid I lived down in Los Fresnos for 6 years.

  33. 33.

    Xantar

    @Lee:

    I read somewhere that he suggested a Constitutional Amendment for overturning Citizens United in that AMA.
    That would be pretty crazy to make that policy announcement on reddit of all places.

    I don’t know. President Obama always made it clear that he profoundly disagreed with the decision. But the only way to overcome it is to have the Court reverse itself some time down the line or have a Constitutional Amendment saying something to the effect of, “Corporations are not people, my friend!”

  36. 36.

    Haydnseek

    @Dennis SGMM: Dennis–I’m truly sorry. I’ve been there, and I feel you. I live in SoCal as well, and am not going anywhere, but I assume you want to be fairly close to your son so you can see him more easily. Nevada and Arizona might be options, as they have the advantage of being close to CA. Sorry If I’m being obvious and suggesting something you’ve already considered.

  37. 37.

    pseudonymous in nc

    @Steve:

    Our rights are endowed by the Creator (whoever you think that is), but we form governments in order to secure them. This is not stupid; it’s basic stuff.

    It’s also rhetorical bullshit. Decent rhetorical bullshit, and important rhetorical bullshit when it was formulated, but bullshit nonetheless.

  39. 39.

    jnfr

    @Dennis SGMM:

    Very sorry to hear that. Do you have other ties, friends, family, any people you want to be near? Any place you’ve always longed to go? Now might be the time for a big change for the better.

  40. 40.

    arguingwithsignposts

    @MikeJ:

    It actually costs a lot more to live an hour or two from civilisation.

    What the fuck are you considering an hour or two from civilization? I live 3 hours from a major metropolis. We have three grocery stores, two wal-marts, a university, a 24-hour hospital, restaurants, electricity and city water.

  41. 41.

    Violet

    @Dennis SGMM: So sorry to hear that. I’m going to second the recommendation for Texas. It’s Texas, so there’s that, but $1600 will go farther in Texas than in other places. There are some cheaper places even near Austin, if you want that vibe. Also, if you need/want a job to supplement that income, Texas’ economy is better than most and there are jobs.

  43. 43.

    Steeplejack

    @Dennis SGMM:

    I think Las Vegas is actually pretty affordable, and it has a pretty good vibe away from the gambling and the Strip. I have a couple of relatives who live there and have seen it in non-tourist mode. I think you could get by there on a limited income pretty well.

    It does have hellaciously hot summers, though. The weather is actually very pleasant from September to March.

  45. 45.

    Dennis SGMM

    @Ryan:
    Thank you. I have lived in Japan, Vietnam, Laos and Korea at various times so living abroad may be the thing. A friend has offered me a spot in Belize and I may just take him up on that.

  46. 46.

    arguingwithsignposts

    @jwb: yes, i considered that when typing my response. I’ve lived in states with and without, but i can’t say the difference was that huge other than the PITA that is filing one more tax form every year, esp. if you’re talking $1600/mo. There are also social services to consider, in that nominally blue states have (traditionally) had better social services.

  47. 47.

    Xecky Gilchrist

    @Dennis SGMM: I’m so sorry to hear it, I wish you well in what must be a terrible time.

    It seems your choices for cheap living tend to be red states – I bet you could make a go at living on $1600/mo here in Utah. Its pluses are things like nice scenery (both mountain style and desert style, depending on whether you go north or south) and that Salt Lake City is surprisingly cosmopolitan these days. It’s no PDX, but it’s considerably less backward than the rest of the state. Well, apart from Park City, which is definitely not on the $1600/mo list.

  50. 50.

    hoppipolla

    @Dennis SGMM: having been there twice before myself, i feel something akin to your pain. ending a marriage sucks horribly, even when you know it’s the right thing to do. wish i had something wise or practical to say, but i can only advise you to keep trudging onward. amazing what you can bear when you have to.

  52. 52.

    JoyfulA

    @arguingwithsignposts: Some states with income tax don’t tax Social Security and pensions, e.g., Pennsylvania. (Which used to have many other benefits for seniors, many of which Gov. Corbett did away with so he could avoid any extraction fees for the gas drillers, but nearly every small town has an apartment building for low-income seniors.)

  53. 53.

    Dennis SGMM

    @Violet:
    Thanks, Violet. I threw myself on the mercy of this blog because I don’t have the first idea what to do with myself as a sixty-something-year-old person who now needs to make a new life.

  54. 54.

    ? Martin

    @Dennis SGMM: Sorry to hear that Dennis.

    My dad decided to retire super-early (after his 2nd divorce) with almost no income. He bought a falling apart double-wide on a decent-ish chunk of land out in the weeds (hour to nearest Costco). $40k or so, low taxes. Spent the first year making the place livable and turning the yard into his grocery store. First few years were pretty lean, but they got a lot better. Basically went subsistence. Having a good time now.

  55. 55.

    arguingwithsignposts

    @JoyfulA: did not know that, since I’m at least 20 years from any kind of retirement (depending in part on who wins this election). I have noticed that some states that don’t have income tax don’t collect sales tax on some foods that states with income tax do collect sales tax on. weird system we’ve got, but all hail states right!

  58. 58.

    General Stuck

    @Dennis SGMM:

    A few years ago, I ran into a group of vet dudes that were living in Guatemala for very little cost of living. And every so often they would all pile on an airplane and fly to Albuquerque VA for medical care. I asked them if it was safe, they said yes, where they were living. They also said it was easy to become a dual citizen there for American ex pats.

  60. 60.

    Hill Dweller

    @Eric Lindholm: The primary reason for the downgrade was the crazy fuckers in your party threatened to intentionally default on our debt. They specifically cited that behavior as not something seen in other advanced countries.

    Nonetheless, the financial world laughed at the downgrade. It changed nothing. People are still willing to pay us just to take their money.

    As for the debt, the deficit for FY09 was projected to be 1.2 trillion before Obama was even sworn in. The half wits in Dubya’s admin turned a string of budget surpluses into a trillion+ dollar deficit.

    I didn’t want to say it after just one post, but after reading your second, you are f’n clueless.

  61. 61.

    hoppipolla

    @Eric Lindholm: fail, fail, and fail. you need to ask HQ for some better talking points. as soon as you pull your mouth from that dead pigeon’s ass, shoot them an email.

  62. 62.

    lamh35

    I really do weep for our country that our media is more into bells whistles & quotable lines rather than the truth. That Paul Ryan speech made me so mad and then the so called MSM reaction just made me sad.

    I’m off to bed. Tomorrow I go back to my 7 on days at work. Glad I’m gonna miss the rest of the RNC, but sad I’m not gonna be around for the DNC, but I will be putting it on my queue.

    I’ll be reading the post, but I will be sparesly commenting til after my 7. Have a great Labor Day weekend guys!

  63. 63.

    ? Martin

    @Xecky Gilchrist: My dad retired in Oregon. Taxes are low and cost of living in most of the state is very low. Mighty blue state, and not as wickedly hot as Texas, etc.

  68. 68.

    Dennis SGMM

    @Lee:
    You didn’t mention George West. Beeville, Alice/Orange Grove,I had some teeth knocked out in the latter. Now that I’m a non-threatening Old Guy South Texas might be the place. It’s certainly closer than WVA.

  70. 70.

    hoppipolla

    @Haydnseek: dude, whassup! have you listened to The Mayor of Simpleton today? and if not, please explain why not, omitting no detail, however slight.

  71. 71.

    trollhattan

    @Dennis SGMM: Jeez, sorry to hear, that stinks.

    I’d pick somewhere it doesn’t snow and there are no chiggers. Other than that I’m little help–in California the rents are high where there are jobs, quite cheap in the valley where the jobs basically are not.

    Best of luck!

  73. 73.

    piratedan

    az does have some nice blue enclaves… Tucson namely. If small towns have some appeal but not too small, Flagstaff might suit. The rest of the state is scary politically speaking

  75. 75.

    Joey Maloney

    Dennis SGMM, sorry to hear about your situation. Mississippi has a homestead exemption for senior citizens, no property tax on your primary residence. Of course it’s Mississippi and it is pretty much as horrible as all the jokes about it. The only halfway decent place with character is Oxford. On the other hand you can still find some cheap living in the extreme north, exurban Memphis.

  76. 76.

    Violet

    @Dennis SGMM: Lots of older folks in the hill country in Texas. A lot more show up in the winter (“Winter Texans”). You might check it out. Not quite sure how expensive it is.

    You might also consider Co-Housing. Check out Cohousing.org for info about it and how it works. There’s also a link for places looking for residents. Co-Housing offers a cheap way to live (usually) and a built-in community. I took a class recently that had a co-housing tour and some of the places we visited were really cool.

    A divorce is tough, especially after all that time and an autistic son in the mix. Whatever you do, be kind to yourself. None of us are perfect.

  77. 77.

    JoyfulA

    @arguingwithsignposts: Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 6% but doesn’t tax food or clothing. I once witnessed people piling out of a tourist bus and heading for a KMart; the driver said it’s a standard attraction for out-of-staters.

  78. 78.

    danah gaz (fka gaz)

    Arg! I had the whole 2-stroke engine retrofit done for the mountain bike I was working on today – except the chain.

    Turns out there’s a wheel for chain slack – which must be used, but this stupid frame doesn’t like it.

    I may have to get a part machined. meh.

    /headdesk

  79. 79.

    General Stuck

    @Dennis SGMM:

    No. It’s been 4 or 5 years ago at the Alb VA, just chatting while waiting on our doc appointments. I wouldn’t be surprised to google some and maybe find a contact point there from one or more of them. Seems like if my memory is correct, that there were a fair number of them down there

  80. 80.

    hoppipolla

    @Dennis SGMM: don’t it just? at some point, i devoutly hope, relief will override the pain you’re going through. you’d think there would be some quota for suffering. please heed Violet’s words. when you are wounded, you need to treat yourself as gently as you would anyone else you love.

  81. 81.

    Cain

    Dennis SGMM, my condolences. I hope things work out for you.

    RE: Obama on reddit.

    Reddit is an awesome site, and mostly progressive people, and I really enjoy a lot of the discussions there. It’s great that Obama did an AMA on reddit. It’s a huge deal for the readers there, and they won’t forget it.

    It’s too bad that the site was unusable. Kudos to Obama for sticking with it!

  82. 82.

    Haydnseek

    @hoppipolla: No Mayor of Simpleton, much to my discredit! Our conversation did lead me to the 1982 Virgin Records release of Senses Working Overtime, on a spectacular sounding 45 rpm EP. Not that rare, worth the effort to obtain. Ain’t marriage tough? Next time I’ll just find a woman I hate and buy her a house.

  85. 85.

    ? Martin

    @Cain: My son just got back from practice (he’s in HS) and I mentioned that Obama did an AMA today. He thought that was the coolest thing ever.

  86. 86.

    MazeDancer

    @Dennis SGMM:

    Heard from someone who lives in Des Moines that it is quite cheap to live there. And very pleasant. And that the town has many artists, writers, and entrepreneurs who are able to do those things because of the lower costs.

    That said, getting a roommate or two where ever you might go will make a big difference on many things. One, having someone around. Two, utility costs. And sharing housing could make places closer to your son possible.

  87. 87.

    hoppipolla

    @Haydnseek: thanks for the best laugh i’ve had all day. it’s funny because it’s true.

    and now maybe i can ask a bit of advice: it’s been forever since i’ve listened to the vinyl mouldering in my closet. if you were to buy a turntable/amp/speaker combo today, on a limited budget, what would you choose?

  88. 88.

    Cris (without an H)

    I mentioned the “rights from God / rights secured by the founders” apparent contradiction in the previous thread, and Steve is right that it’s a fair cop to paraphrase Jefferson. But I can’t shake the sense that Ryan’s word salad was a mess of contradictions. The basic pattern I heard (in all of five minutes, waiting for AGT, between my own outbursts) was “liberal principle, liberal values, liberal heritage, ADVANTAGE CONSERVATIVES!!”

    It reminded me of what Amanda wrote at XX Factor regarding Ann Romney’s speech: she spent paragraphs espousing a clearly feminist view of the patriarchy, but presented it as not only an inescapable condition, but even a badge of honor for women. Ryan’s approach was similar, and it amounts to a concession that liberal values are superior (you just need to cut taxes and gut regulations to achieve them).

  89. 89.

    ? Martin

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC): “We’re not generating enough angry white guys to stay in business for the long term.”

    You sure are trying hard enough, though.

    Perhaps the most honest statement by a Republican this year.

  91. 91.

    TenguPhule

    who racked up $5 trillion in debt while presiding over the first credit downgrade evah! Coolio!

    1)Bush Debt, now recognized instead of kept off the books.

    2)Teabagger Downgrade.

    3)I appreciate a Bagger who names himself after a bunch of raping, murdering sea brigands that got their asses handed to them by the British. Always good to see truth in advertising.

  92. 92.

    mai naem

    @Dennis SGMM: Obviously I don’t know your whole situation but in AZ(and I’m sure other states) they have low income housing where you pay kind of a sliding scale but 1600 would be too much unless you are giving money to support your child. I would check out Nevada too, although I thought there were parts of CA that were not expensive Bakersfield/El Centro/Blythe/Fresno?? I don’t know much about Ca beyond the Central Coast.

  93. 93.

    Roger Moore

    @Dennis SGMM:
    If you want to stay close to your ex and son, you might want to look into some of the outlying areas around here. The Inland Empire and Antelope Valley are both supposed to be a lot cheaper than anywhere closer to the coast. Yes, the climate is going to suck, but it might be cheap enough to stay close to where you want to be. If you decide to look into living in another country, Baja is a possibility, too.

  94. 94.

    Dennis SGMM

    Thank every one of you for your suggestions and for your good wishes. I appreciate them beyond words. I had no idea that this far on I would be wounded in love. I t hurts just as much as it did way back when. The only advice I can offer from this is to be aware that people do change over the years so you should tend your long term relationship very carefully and with much thought.

  96. 96.

    Haydnseek

    @hoppipolla: Funny you should ask! One really good resource is audioasylum.com. I’m a longtime audiogeek without a lot of money to spend on gear these days, but folks over there are really helpful, and equipment manufacturers hang out there and actually answer questions from time to time. To answer your question, I would look at receivers/integrated amps by NAD, Marantz, and maybe Denon. For a ‘table, look at the least expensive Rega’s. Made in England. Come with arm and cartridge already installed and adjusted. The Music Hall tables are good value for money as well. Now we come to speakers. There are so many, it makes my head hurt. PSB is a company that makes really good small speakers, but there are tons of good ones out there. Keep in mind that small speakers need stands to sound their best, and that’s extra money.
    I’ve intentionally avoided talking dollars, because it’s not like it was when we were young, when you could stroll into your local chain stereo hut and walk out with a package deal for three of four hundred bucks. Those days are over. You can put together a pretty nice system for less than a grand. It’s not easy, but that can be part of the fun. Figure table 300 bucks, integrated amp/receiver 3 or 4 hundred, speakers and stands maybe 400 if you really scrape. I really hope this helps. I don’t know how to send my e-mail address offline so we can discuss things further, as I’m not all that tech savvy. Maybe you can help me!

  97. 97.

    jshooper

    “…the lefty, but pro–Ron Paul (and mostly male) hordes”…WTF is up with this shit…whenever i hear about left wing paultards I instantly think that these dumbasses must be the most ignorant clowns in all of politics…either that, or they’re just privileged racist hipsters

  98. 98.

    Mark S.

    @General Stuck:

    Yeah, America’s still having a hard time falling in love with Ann Romney for some reason.

    I realize editors are a thing of the past, but there are two really stupid misspellings (Ola for Hola and peak when it should have been peek) in that article. Stuff like that used to be embarrassing to news organizations.

  99. 99.

    JustAnotherBob

    @Dennis SGMM:

    If you’re open to living in another country you might want to consider Ecuador. The high valley area from Quito to Cuenca is very pleasant. The weather never gets hot or cold, the people very nice, great fruit and veg in the markets, and one could live for only a modest amount. That would leave you plane fare to visits back.

    There are some very nice smaller towns and public transportation is very good.

    Lots of places close to the Equator but up at some altitude offer very enjoyable climates. Costa Rica is great, but prices might have risen there a bit over the years. Worth checking out. CR has excellent and very cheap health care.

    And you might enjoy reading this guy’s blog about retiring to Panama. He lived in NoCal and found that his retirement funds weren’t enough for a decent life. He seems quite happy with where he has ended up.

    At altitude close to the equator is probably one of the best places to be as the climate changes. You’ll probably dodge the droughts and storms coming our way. The temperature could go up a few degrees and still not be hot.

  100. 100.

    hoppipolla

    @Haydnseek: me? tech-savvy? you jest, Shirley. i got an iPhone a couple of months ago and it still delights in thwarting me on a daily basis. you have been a huge help. my business (yes! i’m a job creator! my own job, at least) is gaining cruising speed at a fair pace, and i’m pretty sure i’ll soon be able to afford a few things i’ve coveted–the offset special from the Fender Pawn Shop, a decent vinyl-playback system, a new paint job for the apartment. and when that day arrives, your comment will come in mighty useful. and now, good night. the original Hoppipolla (the one with the ears, white nose, and endless appetite for lettuce) is reminding me that it’s well past our bedtime.

  102. 102.

    Anne Laurie

    @Dennis SGMM: I’m sorry that you’re going through all this — change is never easy. You’ll be in my prayers.

    One thing to think about, wherever you end up narrowing your search, is internet access. Even here in the Boston area, which you’d think would be one of the most ‘wired’ spots in America, the availability & cost of reliable internet service varies tremendously. Some of the most expensive communities (like Belmont, Romney’s former home, and Lincoln, where the rocket scientists live) have crappy DSL access and spotty cable availability. Parts of Lowell, on the other hand, have state-of-the-art capability.

    Which ties into the all-important “community services” question… a well-equipped local library can be a lifesaver when you’re new in town & broke, and that’s even more true now that internet access is almost as vital as running water. Most public libraries, these days, are also good sources for information on local housing, public transport (if any), and community services.

    I’ve also been told, by a lot of people just a bit older than me, that it really pays off to forget one’s natural prejudice against asking about “senior discounts” — even places that don’t advertise often have them. Depending on where you end up looking, it might even be worth joining AARP, just for the networking.

    And that’s one last thing: People I know who’ve moved away from their “home place” say that it helps to pick an activity you think you could enjoy — birdwatching, bluegrass music, collecting postcards, local politics — as a way to meet new people IRL without spending money. (Churchgoers have an automatic ‘connection’ but the rest of us have to find something else we can stand to talk about to strangers, until the best of them stop being strangers.)

  103. 103.

    Haydnseek

    @hoppipolla: One more thing! Audio stores are going the way of the dodo, so you’ll probably have to buy online. Go to Audioadvisor, Musicdirect, and Acousticsounds for full catalogs of goodies. And with that, I bid you good night. The Fender Pawn Shop? I’ll have to look into that. I abuse a ’64 Jazzmaster from time to time…

  104. 104.

    danah gaz (fka gaz)

    @Eric Lindholm: You again. *yawn*. You had your ass handed to you last time you trolled here. Back for more I see. You should find a more constructive hobby. Or better yet, take part of your meager paycheck and go down to aurora (or the appropriate seedy section of whatever shithole town you live in) and get yourself laid.

  106. 106.

    Dennis SGMM

    @Anne Laurie:
    Thanks. I have been hesitant about Asking for Senior Discounts. Goodness knows that I look like an Old Guy and I probably act like one as well. David Bowie said it best, “We live for just these twenty years. Do we have to die for the fifty more?”
    ETA: I play blues harp and I actually gigged with some name bands back in the day. I’ll pursue that along with some of the other things you mentioned.

  107. 107.

    Yutsano

    @JustAnotherBob: CR has universal health care and a requirement of $1300 of income to retire there. And the people are fun and friendly. We should know: one posts here!

  108. 108.

    Anne Laurie

    @Dennis SGMM: The Spousal Unit, who is normally a skinflint, is heinously embarrassed about “senior discounts” even when the 17-year-old selling movie tickets asks if he wants it. He squirms even when I ask (I’m 56 now, and 55 is the new 65). I’m working on getting him to ask for “the AAA discount”, because many places that offer one offer both, or they’ll say, “No, but we have a senior discount”… and he’ll use it, as long as he doesn’t have to volunteer.

  109. 109.

    Nellcote

    @Dennis SGMM:

    any other suggestions.

    Start with what geography you’re drawn to, ocean, mountain, desert etc. Then consider the climate you’re willing to tolerate. This will help eliminate places where no matter the social/economic climate you probably won’t be happy.

  110. 110.

    JustAnotherBob

    @Yutsano:

    I gave some very serious thought about Costa Rica about 20 years ago when I was picking my retirement spot. There were many things I loved about it but was a bit concerned about being cut off from some of the cultural things I enjoy.

    That was before the internet.

    I spent some time looking at land on which to start a teak plantation. Really liked the people.

    Ended up in (actual) Northern CA, in the mountains. I figure I’m good here for another ten plus years but I’m scouting for an easier place for the last phase of my life. Somewhere without snow and the need to cut firewood. Some place where older people are honored and a bit of help getting out of bed in the morning wouldn’t be expensive.

    I spent a month in Ecuador this last spring. It’s as enjoyable, I believe, as CR but cheaper. I think the income requirement is closer to $800/mo and one could live nicely on that amount.

  111. 111.

    WaterGirl

    @Dennis SGMM: I am late to the thread, and I don’t have any moving suggestions for you, but my heart goes out to you.

    “The only advice I can offer from this is to be aware that people do change over the years so you should tend your long term relationship very carefully and with much thought.”

    I really liked what you wrote here, and I am wishing for good things to come your way.

  112. 112.

    Brother Shotgun of Sweet Reason

    @Dennis SGMM: My little town in South PA has an open mic once a month. A good way to meet people, other than the paralyzing stage fright, of course.

  113. 113.

    Brother Shotgun of Sweet Reason

    @Anne Laurie: My son who joined the Nat’l Guard insists on getting us the military discount when we’re traveling, which saves me having to try for the senior discount without an AARP card.

    Back when I worked for a County gov’t, it was great. “Government discount? Here’s my card.”

    Basically, do anydamnthing you can do to avoid the rack rate. Late at night? Try for a discount. It’ll cover the overhead. What the hell, the room’s going empty and unpaid for anyway.

  114. 114.

    nastybrutishntall

    @Dennis SGMM: SW Colorado is damn cheap. Of course, it’s in the middle of nowhere. Only beautiful scenery, disturbingly fit people, and good beer.

  115. 115.

    ruemara

    @Dennis SGMM: Georgia, um, British Colombia, New Mexico, or just fuck it and move to Baja. I’m sorry to hear this has happened. Kinda in the same boat myself.

  116. 116.

    murakami

    @Dennis SGMM:

    Where I am is probably the last place you would want to be, but I’ll suggest it anyways.

    I’m in a small town roughly 50 miles west of Kansas City. It’s around 20 miles to the nearest grocery store, all my neighbors are Republican, and there aren’t any jobs. However, this town does have a diner and a bar, a convenience store, hardware store, the people are friendly, and there’s 10mb DSL which is absolutely vital for one’s sanity.

    The best part is in regards to your income. Rent for an entire house run around 300-400. I know someone who’s selling a 1400 sq ft. 110 yr old house with great potential (after putting a lot of work, of course) for around 20,000. The places that don’t need renovation are around 40-60,000.

    Because this place still has a K-12 school, there’s still young families around and the town feels more alive than it should, thanks to the kids running around. (no helicopter parents here) So, it’s not all bad and it’s quite affordable.

  117. 117.

    Anne Laurie

    @Brother Shotgun of Sweet Reason: Heck, with the New England chapter at least, AAA membership can get you discounts on everything from Target & K-Mart to movie tickets to cellphone service & online outlets. Never hurts to check, especially for the big-ticket stuff.

  119. 119.

    Dee Loralei IPhone

    @Dennis SGMM: Dude blues harp? Memphis , no state income tax, but93/4 tax on everything and I mean everything. But you could easily live here pretty well, and play gigs in the home of the blues

  120. 120.

    Another Halocene Human

    @arguingwithsignposts: Ha! You often end up paying more in such states. Just try owning a car in Florida, for example. Fees, fees, fees!

    I’m sure there are websites out there that can calculate your total tax burden. Massachusetts, for example, allows you to deduct rent payments from your state taxes. Most years I got everything refunded there. However, Virginia only really had deductions for active military. Massachusetts had a lot of subsidized programs for heating oil, concerts ($5 orchestra tickets), health insurance, etc.

    So you really have to look at the whole picture. Low or no income taxes may only be a deal for a millionaire with dirty money.

  122. 122.

    Another Halocene Human

    @Dee Loralei IPhone: See, that’s what I don’t get. How do states get a reputation as being “low tax” when they are taxing you up the ass for necessities?

    Mass. is not a cheap state because the rent is too damn high. But when you could actually fucking afford to live there I hardly ever paid any sales taxes (food tax free, clothing under $100, etc) and I always got my income taxes refunded. And rent was deductible!

    You don’t get those 10% state sales taxes back at the end of the year. Matter of fact, they’re trying to find out what you owe them from buying goods out of state and not paying use tax.

    It’s insane to tell someone on a fixed income to go to a high sales tax/high fee state. Inflation goes up, state budget get squeezed, and that shit is only going to go up. And dollars to donuts it’s a state with a shitty jobs market and a bottom dollar minimum wage, so good luck making up your bills working part time at Walmart.

    The income tax was PROGRESSIVE, people. Remember that shit? Lotax is for kulaks AND THE DELUDED.

  123. 123.

    Darkrose

    Dennis:
    First, I’m very sorry to hear that. Second, if you want to stay in CA, I’d suggest the Sacramento area. Housing can be cheap, especially if you don’t want to be in Midtown. My wife made it for several years on her $750 SSDI payment. Moving here from Boston was one of my better ideas–though I’ve got to say that the summers can be pretty brutal.

  125. 125.

    brettvk

    @Dennis SGMM: I’m sorry to hear about your troubles; I always hate hearing about relationships coming apart in my age cohort, ‘cuz it’s not like you don’t have enough going on already. I live in a low-wage, low-COL area in the Ozarks but it takes a certain psychology to be an enlightened hillbilly. My BFF has taken a few field expeditions to Belize and recommends it highly for expats — wonderful people, wonderful climate, and English is spoken.

  126. 126.

    karen

    @Dennis SGMM:

    I’ve been where you are and empathize, I’m so sorry. The one reason I’d suggest Maryland is that Montgomery county has a lot of income based apartments and a good security net (I live in an income based apartment with 1/3 of the rent off, mine would be a little expensive for you but there are others). It’s also near DC which has tons of free places (Smithsonian, zoo, etc. I don’t know what your transportation situation is but the DC metro area has great public transportation for prices that are pretty reasonable.

  127. 127.

    Original Lee

    @Dennis SGMM: If you are thinking expat, I understand that Ghana has a fair-sized American retiree community and reasonable access to not-bad health care.

  128. 128.

    schrodinger's cat

    @Dennis SGMM: Sorry to hear that. {{{}}}
    If you like cold weather, Maine is beautiful and the cost of living is low. Its gorgeous in the summer and fall. You are not that far Boston if you live in Southern or mid-coast Maine.

  129. 129.

    CarolDuhart2

    @MikeJ: Good point about cost. On one hand, smaller towns can be cheaper, but if you have to drive miles and miles to get to a decent store, or to the hospital, you spend what you save on gas. Not to mention that it may mean complete dependence on your car with few or no other options (cabs or bus). Look at the midwest for cheaper cities like Cincinnati or Indianapolis. If you don’t have to commute for a job, this may be your best bet.

  130. 130.

    Hugely

    @Dennis SGMM:

    Oregon doesn’t have sales tax and WA State doesnt have income tax. Depends on how you like your weather. Oregon has nice mountains as you are a mountain man

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