Americans living in New zealand
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- Опубліковано 26 тра 2023
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- What are your thoughts on America these days? Many feel it has gone downhill since covid and there is a lot to be concerned about when visiting...Healthcare, terrorism and guns.
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George Carlin - 'That's why they call it the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it.'
One of his greatest lines EVER!
I moved to New Zealand from the US 18 years ago and am grateful to be here. I lived in New York City and remember an incident where I was under so much job stress I was having heart palpitations. Even though I had great health insurance, I was still scared to go to the emergency room because I was worried about the remaining bill. Fortunately, it was nothing serious, but fast forward a few years later, and about 6 months after having moved to new Zealand. I was having some heart flutters and was again terrified to go to the hospital because I was worried about a huge bill. I was encouraged to go and my work collegues thought I was nuts for being worried about such a thing in NZ and not prioritizing going to the hospital. I was on a work visa at that point (am a NZ citizen now!), and I was shocked when she told me there would be no cost! And I was told not to worry about not having my passport, as I would be "in the system " and they would contact me if any issues. Again, it turned out to be nothing serious (probably my body releasing the months of stress involved in moving countries).
So, no charge for going to the emergency room in new Zealand.
Over the years, I have had a couple of MRIs and physiotherapy, and there was never a charge as it was all covered under ACC.
So sad to watch the deterioration of the US. Though I am here in NZ, I spend quite a bit of time keeping up with the nuances of US politics. I feel heartbroken to see the state of the US and mourn the loss of the slightly better times that I remember. After all of my years of diving into the socio-economic and socio-political perspectives, the greed and constant gaming the system at the expense of what is good for society and humanity is the problem that strands out to me underlying the bad policy decisions. Doing the right thing seems impossible, even for those who are trying to make a difference because the systems are so corrupt. 3:33
It would be very interesting to hear about a comparison of life in the US against that in China.
Honestly, I love that so many Americans have chosen New Zealand as their new or second home. Its lovely having you guys here. I think what kiwis most appreciate about anyone who chooses NZ as their new or second home, is that you love this country as much as us native kiwis do. Lovely to hear your experience.
I just can't imagine having to be under that kind of unnecessary stress, while not having affordable access to healthcare. It sounds like the plot of a bad movie.
I now live in Oz as a kiwi.. it's long story... and I watch the US decline so much everyday here.. I do not read a paper nor watch the news!!! I've not read a paper for 45 years!! at least!!! they are designed to make you dumber and tell you shit... only... NZ or Oz are what you want... I am helping 2 people come from the US today... but it's not for everybody.. eh.. beaches, free medicare.., Sun!!!, 32C outside.., Beautiful cities, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth... what do I have to tell anyone??? You want to know? FO.. correct.. FO...
I have anxiety disorder so know a thing or two about heart flutters. 10 seconds on the ECG cost me $100. Dunno what's "free" about that lol. Let's not even get started on dental care here in NZ 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
Plus with the ACC laws in NZ, noone can sue anyone for causing an accident, so ambulance chasing lawyers are non existent.
Not even just the ACC laws, but the Westminster Style of Government, that stops money grubbing hacks from gaming the system like in the US. True freedom that.
He didn't even mention the amount spent on the military. I left the US in 1979. I spent 6 years in Canada and have been in New Zealand since 1985. It is hard to even comprehend that the US is the same country I grew up in. Almost everyday I'm thankful that life has brought me to NZ. It has been a good life for me and my children. Besides, military spending, he didn't mention mass shootings, the incredible cost of education, and the lack of rights of US employees. There are many privileges that are available for all of us who live in an "evil socialist" country than are even dreamed of by the average American.
And not to mention the true meaning of freedom.. walking the streets at night after a few beers at the local, without fear of being robbed or shot.
The freedom of letting your kids play at their friends' place until dark, the list goes on.
Yes totally agree
Great Info Sadly True
The USA can reduce the military spending by one trillion US dollars per year but I don't see Congress doing anything to reduce it. And don't forget, NATO would be very scared and have to increase their military spending for the lack of US contributions to NATO
Good stay in N Z
WOW, this is such an eye opener!! I'm starting to understand why we have many Americans in NZ now. I hope you are happy here.
My family of four is looking very hard at taking a quite sizable paycut and moving to NZ. We are nurses and our kids want to be nurses as well. Hearing some concerning things though about the state of this career down there, though. What’s your take as a kiwi? Thanks!
Yeah, Im seeing more and more Americans move to NZ in recent years too. I like it.
@@mattmcalister9229 Well if your worried about NZ, look at Australia, they welcome nurses, there's a shortage of nurses everywhere in Australia but especially in regional areas where the housing is also quite affordable and the air is clean (the air is clean in NZ too). Honestly either NZ or Australia is a good choice, I stay in northern Australia for the warmer (tropical) climate.
I feel so sorry for Americans. That is not hostility at all. I really like Americans! They deserve better. And it amazes me how voters can support the systems that destroy them. Sad.
It really is embarrassing. I say this as an American who's saving up to get my family to NZ ASAP!! This country is going to implode. It's really sad.
@@xAJxo I hope it works out for you, wherever you may be.
@@danielintheantipodes6741 thank you! Sadly, I'm in currently in fascist HELL aka FloriDUH. I was born and raised in this state and this governor has turned it into an absolute cesspool of hate. He's ruined a once really great and fun place to live. As I said, very sad! 😭😩
@@danielintheantipodes6741 BTW Thank you so much💖💖💖 I really am excited to get us all out of here.
@@xAJxo good for you.But bear in mind this country has its share of problems,as well.
My daughter lives in NY city, she thinks The US is so much better than NZ. She is fortunate to have a lot of money left to her when her first husband died or she woudn't be able to live there ,but she thinks N Z sucks which saddens me, as I see the life her little girl leads compared to the children here. They live in a two bedroom apartment and to have fun she takes her to all these kids parties and camps(in buildings) no getting out and running around with other kids after school like ours do. Each time I land back in Auckland I heave a sigh of relief ,so good to be welcomed back by airport staff, no shouting or hassles, I know NZ has a lot of problems right now health system, education etc but I would rather live here than anywhere else, also the constant consumer spending, parcels arriving every day, my god how many clothes does one need, I have lived in Australia not bad either but they are not as friendly as kiwis on the whole, I am proud the be a kiwi when I see how we treat and help each other. I like watching these videos and welcome all new comers especially from the U S .
Thanks for sharing! I totally agree with all of it. There are great things about the US...they are just quite different than the great things in NZ.
last year i fell off a ladder and broke my heel so i was under ACC. They paid for the Ambulance, Taxi fares to and from Hospital and grocery shopping, equipment and even offered free home help and that is not including all the free health care such as scans etc and physio. So we may be a tiny country but it is comforting to know we are well looked when it comes to health care and other things like pensions, unemployment. Love your channel.
They didn't raise gun deaths, which are also astronomically high. America pretty much invented the school shooting as a thing. I remember an American lady on a plane to Wellington sitting next to me talk about her guns. This was nuts. Guns are for killing people. Now NZ also has a high gun ownership rate. We have had mass shootings, but the result was rapid law change. It is heartbreaking that the people of the US value gun ownership over their children.
The second amendment (right to bear arms) has been about since 1791, yet mass shootings didn't start until the 1980's, the real question is what changed after 190 years it wasn't the availability of firearms. Large numbers of semi auto weapons have been available since the 1950's when the US sold of its WW2 surplus. It is a social problem rather than a firearms problem.
@@no_triggerwarning9953 Yeah NO, it's both.
Access to guns is the problem. No one should have a high powered gun capable if killing 50 people in 10 seconds. That is lunacy. The NRA has too much power, control and influence and everybody knows that the NRA is really in charge at the White House
NZ has a high gun ownership. However, with the stringent background checks and referee interviews the chance of a mentally disturbed person getting a firearms license is virtually eliminated. Firearms license holders in NZ have to be good, law abiding citizens at all times otherwise they are at a high risk of having their license revoked; usually permanently.
Would love to have you pause the video and express your thoughts, I got a little mixed up when you and the video were both talking!
Yes totally agree! Just getting the hang of reaction videos
He didnt even touch on the stupid gun laws
Right!!!
That’s what I jumped into the comments to say too!
bahaha hahaha I don't think he had that long , thats a whole vid by itself
I want to live in New Zealand since watching your videos and other videos also makes me want to move there thank you and god bless you
You should!
Just subscribed to your channel. I am also American living abroad, I have lived in China for the past 13 years. For me the US has three major issue they must fix. 1. Healthcare system it's totally broke in the US, here in China treatment and hospitals are far more advanced than the US. China gov. pays 90%, but for me to see a specialist at the hospital it cost me $15.00USD, cat-scan $20.00USD. So gov. is covering 90% of those cost for Chinese citizens. 2. Public education, US students scores are some of the lowest in countries in the developed world let alone the undeveloped world. Along with education is college expenses, you know the cost in the US, my stepson here just finish his bachelors degree. The cost at a top university tuition, books and dorm was about $800.00USD per semester. 3. Guns and gun violence, I am pro guns but something has to be done, I don't have the answer. China there is no guns, I feel by far more safe in China than in any city in the US.
Wow thanks for sharing your experience in China... I have to admit that I am a but surprised that you feel safer in China... that says a lot.
@@Kiwiamericans I am a bit a missed, please can I ask why are you surprised that I feel safer in China? China is one of the most safest countries in the world.
Neither Communism nor Capitalism is good or healthy for its citizens, only open democratic socialism benefits the people, but we do not expect the brainwashed people of the US or China to begin to understand that.. . @@michaelgec3344
You deserve a medal Tara. Really made me appreciate my country NZ. You should get paid for advertising NZ
Could not agree more!!
The saddest part is how patriot Americans in America are conned. They genuinely can't see and the system depends on it. It's designed to keep them ignorant with heads filled with marketing gimmicks to distract. There's 18 million millionaires. That doesn't happen in a capital market. Cheap labour isn't fair or profitable. Wealth isn't shared. If an average American was asked if they'd pay tax toward health or military, what would they choose? I also heard somewhere that Americans who live and work overseas still have to pay taxes in America? Why? For what? The only country in the world and the system gets away with it. It's sad and overwhelming.
I guess many Americans (understandably?) believe their country is the best…
However, there are quite a few Indices by independent bodies, that highlight the differences between all countries…
- [Anti] Corruption Index: NZ - 2nd=, US - 24th
- Freedom Index: NZ - 2nd, US - 15th
- Safety (Peace) Index: NZ - 2nd, US - 129th
- Best Country Index: NZ - 19th, US - 46th
…
From a Kiwi perspective, there are some other obvious differences between NZ and the US…
- National Healthcare, as highlighted in the video. Ours is not perfect, given only a population of 5m to fund everything but I’d never change it for the US version. And there is no litigious sue-for-damages culture here due to ACC.
- Womens Rights are to the fore. Abortion (and euthanasia) is legal here. Maternal/paternal leave and benefits are provided.
- Indigenous (Maori) Rights and language preservation is to the fore.
- Education is having issues due to teacher shortages but we don’t ban books based on unsavoury history or reality.
- Gun Control is strict here. No assault weapons! No “active shooter” drills for kids at school. Any mention of a firearm, is national news!
- Politics doesn’t have the extremes here. And voters strictly monitor candidates. Acts unbecoming (either current or historic) have consequences! Criminality has an instant impact.
- Our democracy works fairly. There is no voter obstructionism nor gerrymandering. The is no Electoral College to override the will of the people.
- Religion is not allowed in politics.
…
We acknowledge that as a small remote country, our citizens tend to travel internationally.
Americans perhaps don’t have the same driver and hence a parochial view of the world for many, is understandable.
This may explain the slightly annoying comments from some Americans such as “Leader of the Free World”, “At least we have our freedom in the US”…
It is good however to have a militaristic big brother when the likes of Vlad-the-Shirtless get out of line!
So in summary, perhaps I’m biased but our grass is definitely greener here.
Militarialist Big Brother is a major arsehole. Eg: Pacific Proving Grounds. (Nuclear testing in the Pacific) Modern equivalents, Lockheed Martin, DARPA, Black Ops, World arms trade expo. (Absolute hypocrisy).
Just from an outsiders perspective, it's like they don't care about average person, laws and policies seem to be about protecting the money and the money makers.
Yes exactly
Have you watched the Netflix series by the Obamas called ‘Working: What We Do All Day’? I was just so shocked at what the low end workers earn. I know we don't have issues here in New Zealand but wow, the system in US is terrible. My son's mother-in-law was a teacher in Long Island who broke her ankle. While off work for that her health insurance stopped and she had a stoke. They lost everything then to medical bills. Unbelievable to think of that situation in NZ.
Oh I am so sorry! Yes this is an all too complicated tale
Yeah its horrible if your on the wrong end over there. Medical costs are the most common reason for bankruptcy in the USA.
You know a system is broken when you can be bankrupted by being a victim of a mass shooting..😢
My colleague moved from US to NZ and says her stress levels have dropped since being here.
That was definitely my experience
I’m reading and watching an American guy called Thomas Sowell. He’s got me understanding what’s happened to USA and he bases it on facts. I aim to read his books because there are parallels here with opportunities, accountability and choice. It has no race or colour. I’m NZ Māori. I’m slowly getting it. Been watching a guy on UA-cam aswell as he tours 50 states in USA and how small town America has suffered through economic times. Fascinating and what a beautiful country. Sad to see the poverty in those cities and towns.
You need to youtube watch "Victor Davis Hanson" to understand what's going on in the usa currently.
I am glad you are reading and watching Thomas Sowell's work and not letting random UA-camrs influence your opinion. I have read peoples opinion on this particular thread and its all half truths.
I'm a Kiwi living in Oz and have a chronic illness that requires me to take at least 22 different tablets/ day, some 3x /day plus EPO injections whenever I get very anemic. So, I'm in and out of hospital quite a bit, at no charge.
In Aotearoa (NZ) I didn't pay for any meds as well as free dialysis and hospital stays. And neither did my mother have to pay for her meds as she also had a chronic illness even though she could possibly afford it.
Sure, the taxes are high in NZ, but we do care for our sick which is the measure of humanity, something the US seems to have lost or never had, which is ironic seeing as it's such a God-fearing country. While Kiwis for the most part are unbelieving heathens who do good without the expectation of sitting at God's feet.
Now I'm in Australia I have to pay several thousand dollars till I reach the safety net, bearing in mind that some of my meds aren't on the prescription benefit fund. Still, I'd be long dead if I was living in the US. I'm also very grateful of receiving a deceased donor's kidney a few years ago.
I think people get communism confused with socialism, when they couldn't be furtherer apart. As far as I can tell, communism is like capitalism benefiting only those with wealth and power as we see in Russia and China, even though Russia says it's a democracy, but no one's buying the BS. While China monitors its citizens so closing that they have no freedom at all. But I'm going off track. The US is great country to live if you lots of money and can turn a blind eye to all the poverty and injustice. This is why the US has such high crime rates. That, and wholesale access to firearms.
In 2019 China had about 120 million leaving the country as tourists. And they all came back....
Obviously some New Zealand ppl will have sour grapes about our country but the truth is were spoilt we dont or haven't seen the hardships in other countries compared to ours we need to be thankful for what we have .....it is way worse in alot of other places
Yes exact.. the whole basis for this channel is that the reality is that NZ does not realize what they have here
@@Kiwiamericans we know.
@Julian Skinner There are a lot of Kiwis who don't and are always complaining about something.
Yeah Norway, like NZ Australia Canada and the UK is not socialist. The state does not own the means of production
It's company and business regulations are less onerous than the us. It's also a major oil exporter....
I really just don't understand this at all , for a country so wealthy it's criminal the way the state's treat those at the lower end of the of financial scale , I have to say we are rather blessed here in NZ , in saying that our groceries prices are get well out of hand and something needs to be done about it . By the way , just like to say , you are a great ambassador for NZ and i'm glad that you and your family are a member of our big family Tara .
Who, pray ask, would anyone want to live there? A better standard of living can be had in Aotearoa / New Zealand.
Another thing is the freedom thing, something Americans think they excel at, but most freedom indexes often rank the US at between 15th to 20th - regularly beaten out by many anglospheric countries, all of Scandinavia and most of Europe.
I've travelled to a lot of countries and I wouldn't put U.S.A. in the top for freedom. It was the only place I felt unsafe, and it had a lot less freedom of speech. You had to be very careful what you said.
I nearly got murdered and other people nearly got murdered for simple misunderstandings.
Oooh good to see you react to this - I saw it ages ago - but only really 'believed' it after watching some of your videos - and the occasional other expat from US. Scary!
Awe thanks for watching
Really this video emphasised why you decided to stay in NZ, probably also why you tell any American that will listen how great NZ is. I'm just glad you were able to find it for your family 👍
Newsflash: There are no socialist nations in developed Europe.
As shocking and jolting this video is, it doesn't take way the fact that in
many ways America is still a great country fill of warm and friendly people
like yourself.
😊
True, so sad most US citizens are handicapped by their brainwashed money ideology from childhood. However, I wish them well.
How much for an MRI scan?! I’m so glad im a kiwi! I’ve had to have several here and surgeries and check ups, X-rays, ambulance, staying in hospitals, etc etc you name it. How much did i get as a bill at the end of it all? None. Very fortunate I wasn’t born in USA. I am too sick and accident prone to be there on top of that! Ill bet you are glad you are here? Hope you are happier here. Btw we have the same first name 😂
The guy nailed it across the board! As far as education in the U.S., I can speak to the cost of higher education. I have two sons and both went to 4 year colleges and both decided to go on to get advanced degrees.
When our oldest was in high school they had a college prep night to talk to parents on how to pay for college. We had put some money aside for both sons but was told that because of our income our sons would not qualify for most programs out there to help pay for college. Also the money we had put aside would count against us and would all have to be used before either would qualify for help in the way of most scholarships or grants.
We asked, what can we do? We were surprised at some of the suggestions.
1. Ask your employer to not pay for the last two months of the year until the first month of the next. That would allow us to show a lower income when we fill out forms for assistance programs.
2. In cases of divorced couples you could use the parent with the lowest income on the applications! My wife looked at me and said not a chance!
3. If it's enough, you can use the money you have saved for college to pay off your house. Then you will show that you don't have a large amount of money that needs to be used before qualifying for the programs. Then we were told we could use the money that went for house payments and save up money in there last two years our son was in high school. It would be less than what we had saved before so wouldn't look as bad on the forms.
We were really told these things!
In the end we have been fortunate that my wife has been able to earn more money in the last several years! Her total income and a good part of mine has paid for two bachelors degrees, helped our oldest with living expenses as he pursued his PhD and is currently getting our youngest through Veterinarian school. Thousands of dollars that we could have put toward our retirement.
Oh, we did actually do suggestion #3 but our income still kept our sons from qualifying for most scholarships despite both having nearly 4.0 GPA.
When everything gets bad, you just have to lie as much as you can and hide funds.
Your wife needs to forget ethics. All or most of those politicians have!
Veterinarian ! We need them in New Zealand. Come on down. Could probably complete the education a lot cheaper here in NZ ! (if they cross credit, and I believe vets are one of the most expensive tuition fees in NZ)
@@barrynichols2846 My son and I visited NZ in 2015 and we both loved it. He did look at the school in Wellington but he was offered a place at UC Davis here in California. It is very expensive but a great school. He has certainly given NZ some thought for the future! If the right opportunity came up I think he would consider a move there! I'm looking to retire in the next year and not much chance of being able to relocate or my wife and I would certainly make the move. We are visiting in October though. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful country
Every country has it negatives and positives , my self I liked it very much the their had a great time
Traveled all over; got to see and do lots including driving the Mother Road from East Coast to West Coast and much more
Look forward to returning
It really is sad 😞😥
The term "free health care", is so frustrating to me. It's certainly not free and is reflected in your taxes, particularly if you work 60+hrs a week.
Think of universal health care and the taxes that pay for it as a efficient insurance system. Pay a little each week and get total coverage. The tax that supports health payments is small for each person, but the overall amount means that every one gets good coverage.
I'm really shocked on seeing all the explanations here. Yet I can link all these to the recent talks I had with many Americans and the Philadelphia Street drug overdose video I saw on the news.
Still, many Asians are dying to move to America. That's really a weird concept and messed up from my perspective.
wow, that's out the gate. I find it hard to believe that medical effectiveness is rated as poor. With all the money you pour into health care privately I would imagine top notch care.
Quite the eye opener
Yeah I agree! The insurance companies get it all... nicest buildings I have ever seen
You forget to mention the quality and great service the American Health Care system provides to Americans.
Wow, what an eye opener.
I had a good idea but I was still really shocked by this. I’m a Brit living in New Zealand. I have a son who lives in Canada so I have experience of British and Kiwi standard of living and an awareness and experience of life in Canada.
It appears to me that Americans who haven’t travelled outside the US are being gaslighted or are deluding themselves. I wonder why healthcare and other support systems common in the UK New Zealand or Canada etc were never developed in the US? I’m curious why this is?
Well insurance is a big industry and the pharmaceutical companies make $$$. Doctors don't like it but they are forced into it. When I moved back - I had insurance but always asked if I could pay in cash instead of going through insurance and the doctors were overjoyed and always charged a fair price for the service I got.
@@Kiwiamericans I still wonder why the US didn’t establish a universal health care system that covered everyone similar to other developed nations. The NHS in the UK wasn’t established until 1948 and I believe the GPS were apposed at the time. I believe New Zealand established there’s in 1938 but it isn’t as comprehensive as the one in the UK. I wonder why the US government in the boom of the 1950-60’s didn’t follow suit. Was the insurance industry so powerful even then?
New Zealand is slowly going this way
Only if we let it.
yep under one world government
Piff were miles off that ...ive just recently been in hospital everything was free all my scans, the food, a room medical attention, i had to pay for the Ambulance that came to $90 for me
@@lander783 Yes miles away, but you should not still be vigilant. Income and wealth inequality is getting worse. National Party and ACT are planning on excellerating it. Labour are half assed doing the right thing, gutless, just fiddling....
BTW My son was born at 27 weeks, 1 pound 12 oz, (810 grams). I wife was in ICU for a week, and my son NICU, PICU SCBU for 3 months. And it cost us nothing. This was back in 1994, even parking was free back then !! In NZ that is
He had a had several operations in his first few years, and it was all free.
It's a little confusing. In future, it might be better to pause the reviewed video for your comments. It's not easy to hear two people talking at once. Thank you.
While traveling home to the US a few years ago, I fell out of a tree and cracked a vertebrae and a few ribs. Two weeks in the ICU, one week in a regular hospital room. The bill was the price of a house, or the total of my gross salary for three years here at a university in Korea. In the 20 years I've been here, I've not yet spent a tithe of that on all my many hospital visits here, including an emergency gall bladder surgery, a few MRI, PET, and CT scans, and at least one ambulance ride. Americans are being bled white.
We do have some great things here though. I know the point of videos like the one Tara reacted to is to get the viewer to see all the downsides to the USA, but we do have good things here too - nice people, and the diversity of the people too! , the beautiful diversity of landscapes, all the great landmarks you can visit, and we do have higher salaries and more job opportunities for professional careers than other countries, so if that's a personal priority for you then it's something to consider. I've looked at what the pay would be for the career I'm entering, and the salary opportunities are higher here than in Canada and NZ, even factoring in the currency exchange, still more here.
I think that about covers what I'd consider the main positives.
As for the negatives, well that's certainly a list as well lol. The mass shootings on a scale that other developed nations can't even imagine, seriously I don't go out in public anymore if I don't need to, I just stay home. Something else that I don't think gets enough attention in videos like that one is our FOOD ADDITIVES!!! We allow dyes and other ingredients in our food that are completely BANNED in other countries!! That's insane! Our healthcare system is despicable, personally I haven't seen a doctor of any kind in 5 years, I can't afford it and I'm young and reasonably healthy so I just take the gamble with being completely uninsured 🤷🏻♂️ if I got into a major car accident, probably I'd rather just die than have to deal with the financial fallout from that. I don't know if other Americans realize the constant underlying state of *fear* we live in for so many aspects of our lives. No worker protections in jobs, no nationally required maternity leave either. I remember my first year of high school, my English teacher had her baby. She was back in the classroom the next week. The school district didn't allow mothers to take time off with their babies, and she didn't want to lose her job, probably partially because her healthcare was tied to her job and with a newborn baby, that's quite risky to be uninsured. There's lots more I could go into, but I'll leave it here.
Now, here's the thing...
I also want to stress to all my fellow Americans that we're very blessed. There are parts of the world filled with famine and child food insecurity on a scale that we can't even FATHOM, even factoring in our child poverty rates, it is nothing compared to some parts of the world. I also think that we're quite removed from the realities of a true *war zone*. We really have no idea what it's like to see missiles flying overhead, wondering if our family won't wake up tomorrow because a bomb was dropped on them while they were sleeping. So much of the world lacks access to clean drinking water! So many of our fellow human beings have to resort to drinking from rivers and streams that their local community defacates in, because that's all they have. We in the developed world are detached from what all of that truly looks like. It's disheartening to think about sometimes...
I guess my point is, even factoring in all the negatives that I mentioned - and they are valid issues worthy of criticism - I just want everyone to please remember to practice gratefulness. Even with the issues in mind, there is some very serious suffering in this world, suffering on a scale we can't imagine. We are fortunate in a lot of ways. If you go to sleep tonight knowing you have a fully-stocked pantry, knowing you have electricity and clean running water, then you have *something* to be thankful for. Stop and think for a moment...I'm serious here, take a moment for reflection: to anyone reading this, have you ever had to face the reality that you didn't know when your next meal would happen or where it might come from? I'm not talking about diet restrictions, food preferences, or food allergies, I'm talking about *hunger*, *real hunger*. Have you ever, just once in your life, actually had to face that reality?! If your answer is no, then you, my friend, have so much to be grateful for in this moment.
Be grateful, even when there's a lot to be angry about, be grateful anyway, for all the little things.
No doubt some jobs pay better there BUT some are along way behind as well.
I can testify to pipe welding as years ago that's what I did.
15 years ago I was paid way more than current rates in America and supplied no gear whereas they are turning up with $150k's worth at least and not charging it out.
ai coming in clutch 😂
The point of this video isn't to hate on the US. It isn't to say the people of America are bad. It is to say your Government is messed up, that you are being exploited and abused, but have been conditioned to accept it. We want Americans to wake up, to see how those benefitting from all that wealth isn't even remotely equitable.
@@lokeloke3363 ? I'm not sure what you meant by your comment lol
@@stephendickson9000 thanks for sharing! 👍☺️
I can see why you came back for a second time Tara. I have just financially helped a young woman I met in Wellington a few years ago who has set up a Go Fund campaign to help pay for her medical costs for a problem that began while she was here at Victoria University.
😮😮😮😮😮. Glad to live here.
I think I've watched that video in the past, but of course when it doesn't directly relate to one, one forgets. I'm impressed again as to how shocking it is in so many aspects.
You have the best in many ways, just not many can access it- and survive the ordeal in the whole and so, not many do access it? Is that how it goes?
How do you know if it doesn't work unless you see it?
Thanks you! This scared me ! Welcome 😁
I’m not American and don’t live in either the US or NZ but from my experience traveling there I found it an attractive country, in spite of the taxes and horrendous health care costs. There is so much diversity in scenery, lifestyles and people that it’s impossible to generalize. Sure there are lot of bad things about the US, but from a different perspective there are probably an equal number of good things.
Personally I wouldn’t live there because of so many people with a lack of moral standards, a lack of self control, ridiculously expensive healthcare, and most of all an extremely high crime rate.
Amen to your entire comment and especially the second paragraph. I live here and believe me, people like my governor, moRon DeathSantis, try to lie and change the numbers on everything to make things look so much better than they really are. However, Fl born natives like myself and much of my family can attest to the fact that this state is super high in crime, homelessness, poverty, no healthcare, VERY low wages, the list goes on. Meanwhile this idiot is trying to run for president after literally destroying the 3rd most populous state in the country. SMH. Absolutely HORRENDOUS.
All those positives just can't beat the negatives though. Those negatives are far too much.
Ugh, the cost and complexity of the health care in the US is so frustrating! My husband just got accepted to do a doctorate degree in New Zealand and we have to complete a medical screening for the visa. There is only one place in the state who does them for New Zealand and they cost over $500 per person. Our insurance won't cover it. That's $2500 I wasn't planning on (we have 3 children). That's after just paying off a big old medical debt from last year. I really hope the health care in NZ is more reasonable!
Our public healthcare means you pay virtually nothing. Most I’ve paid for medicine is $20 and that was because it was an asthma pack so each item was $5. Most prescriptions are publicly funded too. There is a cost for ambulance in some places but it’s nowhere near the cost in the US for an ambulance. There’s also a beneficiary systems for any citizen who finds themselves jobless. Our bill of rights guarantees everyone good food, shelter and water. All because the government works for its people. It ain’t all peaches and cream her but it’s a start.
I fail to understand why some feel the need to run down and compare their country, car, and lifestyle in snarky terms. Is it a need to make yourselves feel better? I came here to learn about my son's newly adopted country, and all I hear is how bad others think my life is. There is good and bad in everything. People should live how and where they want on this planet without judgment. It is OK if you don't want to live in the US, but don't judge me because I do......
Just did some quick research online.
25.6 million millionaires - 39% of the world's total millionaires. Wow!! That's a lot.
NZ has about 350,000. Just on 0.5%.
This is true on so many levels. I was out west last year and the homelessness is unprecedented. I honestly felt like I was in the middle of a third world country. Our systems are failing the people.
If I could make a suggestion... pausing the reviewed vid so you could elaborate on points would improve the viewing experience. It would also be nice to have a link to the vid that you reacted to so people interested in the content could get more of it.
One thing not mentioned is that America is one of the largest arms manufacturers & distributors in the world. That coupled with a constitution that guarantees the right to bear arms (not have enough weapons to wipe out ZIP codes mind) plus a powerful NRA with loads of money pretty much assures that America will have social problems far into the foreseeable future.
Also not mentioned is the concept of "American Exceptionalism". Given the reviewed vids contents, that's clearly a fallacy... unless one includes having poor healthcare, low levels of service and nil social responsibility.
I wont go into too many deets: During the last election process; I think it was a dem nomination debate and one of them disagreed with the others saying a free healthcare system should be the goal.
His argument was all lies and errors on his part: He argued that if America followed any of the other proven systems around the world, that the costs would equal I think he said - US$8trillion a year which would be more than the insurance system. He is correct if there are no savings taken.
And as pointed out, phama costs come down significantly by a HUGE amount. (insulin example in vid etc).
Its done by and large, by a central Govt tender office and pharma companies have to out bid each other for the chosen drugs to be used. That entity weighs up cost vs efficacy and so on. And instead of $8 trillion in drugs it might come down to $1 trillion in drugs for America. Plus 10% of the administration costs.
AND if you are well to do: you can still have private insurance on top of that.
America really does have the worst health system possible.
One example I remember during Covid times, was two friends in Houston went for a covid test and one of them used his insurance and one used cash.
The man that used cash was charged around $150 and the insurance was charged by the hospital US$1700+ for one test.
Yes yes yes exactly! When I moved back to usa from NZ I had insurance but always paid cash at the doctor if they let me and they were more than happy to do that.. it was a fraction of the cost. I went in to get an MRI and they said w insurance it was 1200. So I said I couldn't afford it. Called my doc and she said the clinic would do it for $150 cash 🤔
@@Kiwiamericansyes! I’m a kiwi living in USA. A topical cream I need in NZ cost me less than $10. Here, it was $700 with insurance, but only $90 without insurance. How nuts is that???!!
@@NN-iy6go how is that cost discrepancy even possible? Are you sure you didn't mean $70 ?
There are a lot of things he isn't telling.... such as how Canadians come to the US to pay to get MRIs without the 9 month wait.
Yes agree... the underlying intent is clear and certainly doesn't cover the issues exhaustively
Yes Canadians. However in much of the rest of the world that is just not true. You cannot even for a second argue that the US has even a SPEC of a good healthcare system. If you can, you're really lying to yourself and everyone else.
Tell me. How much would brain surgery cost you in the USA? $20,000? $200,000?
I had to have brain surgery in Canada (I would have died if I didnt - my sister died of the same brain cyst) and I never got any bill, because the Canadian health care system paid for it!!
And the only reason my operation was delayed for 4 months was so I could complete the employment contract I was working on at the time.
Because brain surgery takes 6-12 months to recover from!!!! NO JOKE!!! I even had Employment insurance while I was recovering!!!
That was 16 years ago and I have never had any further problems in my brain. The doctor did a great job!!!
These are all interesting points but we dont have a constitution or a real democracy here in NZ, you have that at least in the states depending where you are there and that means you have rights and protections which are strongly gaurded, here its a neo - socialist state and getting worse in terms of rights and freedoms.
One of the tragic things is that the USA does not have a comprehensive welfare state unlike other developed countries such as the UK, New Zealand, Norway etc. It is so short sighted not to have a comprehensive welfare state which provides unemployment benefits, sickness benefits, greatly subsidised health care . The USA is a fascinating country and I totally love meeting Americans, but sadly without a comprehensive welfare state there is a massive victim toll. People who have accidents, get sick suddenly, lose their jobs suddenly have no protective umbrella unless they are insured to the hllt, and millions of people cannot afford the very high cost of such insurance.
Sadly also the US government needed to crack down hard on gun use from the time of the first mass shootings in the 1980s. However, tragically this type of repeal is blocked by the selfish powerful gun lobby in America.
Tara, you are out of date. Compared to 8 years ago, it is much worse. There is soooooo much more homelessness and overt signs of rampant addiction and poverty. I've been told it's worst where I live, the Pacific Northwest, but it seems generally worse nationwide.
USA: HIGH COST OF LIVING - LOW QUALITY OF LIFE ! Thanks for this well done video. 28 MAY 2023
New Zealand is not the country it used to be. Due to various governments bungling the economy, the waiting times for non urgent medical attention has become ridiculous in some areas of the country. We can do a lot better.
Why are you in NZ?
Just in the last three months, 15 million people have been thrown off Medicaid (health insurance for poverty wage earners) and 30 million poor people have had their food stamps slashed. Some families suffered a $200/month cut. This occurs with food inflation still sky high. Both of these measures were tied to the $1.1 trillion in spending for defense (war), policing and intelligence in the 2023 omnibus spending bill. The US is preparing to fight a two front war against Russia and China. The 2023 defense budget is the biggest war budget in human history. The congress literally gave $40 billion more than he requested. Lastly, as part of the phony "debt ceiling" crisis, the Democrats & Republicans have agreed to slash social spending further by placing limits on budgets for social program. Fear not, the defense department has been assured that all its financial needs will be met, as we move closer to world war.
Unfortunately the health care in the UK isn't as good as it was. The brexit government is defending it and heath care works from other counties are leaving.
Thankfully France and other EU countries still have great health care.
Living in the Netherlands i don't have to worrie about needing surgery. Ive had a c-section and it didn't cost me anything.
Somewhere needs a revolution...🤔
We get to vote every three years,
Three years?
@@billwilson1320 Our elections are every three years, i support 4,
America does not suck, as a kiwi thats spent 40years travelling back and forth it is a fantastic place, its really 50 countrys under one roof and with 330M people everything seems extreme(yeah they have plenty of problems), but we have enought problems here in NZ(crime, shootings, etc) with just 5M people, its about all perspective(and numbers)
New Zealand is heading towards the US system. From 1984 to 2017 we had successive neoliberal governments that sold off assets and privatised government services. They were also responsible for introducing poverty, homelessness and a large section of our society that has disassociated itself - hence the increase in crime. The current government has found that it's impossible to turn around 30 years of social degradation in 6 years.
I cannot believe how much NZ has changed since I have been here and the introduction of alot of American things
@@Kiwiamericans
you should have been here pre 1980's when everyone had a house....
True. That's why I would never vote National
@@julianskinner3697 Surely you don't think Labour has done well on the housing crisis? Absolutely hopeless and inept. As usual, politicians promise the earth to get elected and then don't deliver on the promises.
@@Kiwiamericans Yes, Kiwiland has become more dog eat dog, which is a shame. I had a wonderful childhood growing up here in Godzone in the 50's and 60's. Tree huts, building trolleys, slingshots, eel fishing in the numerous creeks, stealing apples from the local orchard and we lived in a suburb of Auckland.
I may not live in one of the developed countries (interesting side note, there are developing countries which are mostly on par with some of the most developed nations, but I have come to realize that if you are part of the global south, well, inconsequential since no mention is made), yet, how ironic since from personal experience having a family member who is a Dentist and a friend living in the UK who's family resides here and always will do dental related matters here. No reason for me to focus on political and economic related matters since many countries are experiencing problems relating to such. I will say however, the USA's national debt is 43 trillion USD, currently the global currency backed by nothing. Should that change, given that the global currency once used to be the British Pound things will get real bad real quick for the USA. The reason I will never consider immigrating to the USA is related to the sheer amount of issues going on.
.. welcome to New Zealand .. a bit belated, true .. 😂
I watched your reaction video and I can't help feeling sad for your fellow countrymen.
My earliest memories of the USA came through the tv I thought America is a beautiful place to live.
Then came the internet and all the masks were taken off ,so much hate and fear, so much division and intolerance.
Aotearoa is not perfect but for the most part we are friendly and welcoming.
I fear that wouldn't be the case in the USA.
I'd probably be killed by a Cop for my brown skin and them not understanding my accent.
I love USA.
lol loved it
18 Millionaires? There's more then that in The US,that's surely an audio mistake.
Just own a house in Australia, and your, a millionaire.
@@robertmurray8763 I put the wrong country down,and I have edited it.
yes.. approx.22 million millionaires, and approx. 770 billionaires in the US
Wasnt it 18million millionaire’s
So sorry .
Also, they are now in debt 33.5 trillion owed to the federal reserve, which is privately owned by shareholders, including China 😂
Sorry, i am not comfortable with this clip. But that's the way it is. But thank you for sharing
Cute koala in the photo..
MERICA ... NUMBER ONE !!!
Dunno! Not a big supporter of immigration. Hearing more and more of young people not being able to afford homes. The percentage has noticeably risen. I can put it down to two things. A nation of landlords and immigrants. If you are both - well, there's the door. Both aspects need a lot of work and reining in. I need an "Immigrant Landlords Go Home," T-shirt!
Thank God for New Zealand. Can you imagine paying $30k to give birth & the kid turns out to be a giant asshole, in OZ the government pay $6k to women after they give birth.😂
Can an American who has paid 30K to give birth, please comment?
I'm American, have never met anyone ever who has had to pay more than a couple hundred for any health service.
Please comment.
Her family should be able to sue walmart- but that costs of course, but someone needs to achieve that?
And, it seems US may have reached peek insanity this year . . . On many many issues.
yup tampons in the men's room
All those millionaires, and not one of those losers decided to become Batman.
Love this
America has its fair share of issues that’s for sure but every country does, there is NO utopia.
Wow in *freedom what freedom too much is spend on becoming a marcho nation, but the people are so poor wow, wow really enjoy following your vblog
What is funny but sad is to have people from the US claim that we in NZ are not free... sure, okay.
It's sad to see Americans have been so indoctrinated so as to believe, among other things, that socialised healthcare is a bad thing. This belief is highly detrimental to the country.
I'm sure Americans love their country, I love my country, but they need to realise they can do much better for their people when they break through the pretense.
Here in NZ we can also do better but I believe we are improving.
Yes exactly - the complete unawareness about how good healthcare could be!
In summary, it is called crony capitalism.
My father in law that lives in New Zealand, had to have triple bypass surgery and he had to wait for two months to have a surgery. That is socialized medicine. New Zealand is a beautiful country but I’m not sure I would want to retire there, even though my wife is a kiwi, and we can move there indefinitely.
Yes, his surgery may have been delayed but the docs probably calculated it's urgency and decided he'd be fine to wait. There are also private hospitals he could have gone to if he wanted it done asap but as a NZer he probably decided the wait was worth it than to pay out of his own pocket, so call it what you like, we're happy with our way of living 🙂
You see, thats the main issue with Americans. They are always so IMPATIENT. They want everything and they want it NOW NOW NOW. They turn into whiny children. (Why does that sound familiar? Oh yeah. One of the girls from the original Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Movie The one who went down the chute to the garbage room, I think. The last word she ever said was NOW!!!) And when some entitled brat hears the word NO, well that is usually when the school shootings start. Because someone said NO to the shooter!!
Same here.
My husband is a Kiwi, I'm American. We've lived in NZ for the past 3 years.
Our experience with the NZ health system:
One of my Kiwi relatives got told they had anemia for 6 months, when they actually had cancer. The doctors had to be harassed and pestered for months to look deeper.
Another relative had an organ removed unnecessarily because the ER doctors used an ultrasound when they should have used an MRI. This caused them to totally misdiagnosed the patient's condition. The staff has officially apologized.
My husband got diagnosed with a heart condition in the ER, followed up with his GP to get a referral for a cardiologist and was denied. Only after my husband pleaded with the Ministry of Health, did his GP give him a referral, because he was forced to.
My son had a broken finger, the ER doctor literally looked at his finger and said it was fine. The Dr went to wrap it with a bandage, and my son screamed in pain only then did he suggest an xray, which by the way, took them 2 weeks to actually give me the results, because they didn't think I had the right to know!!!!
Finally, my husband's grandma got misdiagnosed for months. She had severe stomach pains and was told for months that she was seeking attention, as this is common with the elderly. Well, it turned out she had a tumor the size of a grapefruit in her colon. In all those months not a single doctor mentioned any type of imaging.
These cases are a mix of public and private NZ Healthcare. So it's not like one is better than the other.
My husband, the kiwi, will not retire here. He can't trust the NZ medical system. He lived in the states for 15 years, has had very serious injuries and conditions treated with 5 star diagnosis, care, and follow up. Health Insurance was always affordable, and we've never had a bill over $40.
You just can not compare the 2 health systems.
In my experience American's really struggle to understand these concepts.
Yes agreed - it is like if we could just use different language to explain it.
@Kiwiamericans I think as a nation they are indoctrinated from such a young age in institutions like the pre-eminence of the American way of life and Christianity that when they are told otherwise it causes an existential crisis. But then there are those like yourself that get out.
How sad
American life is not No. 1!
About time a woman president for US, to change for the better American, American dream is a big 0
Point number 1. David Cross is a hard core liberal. I am sure he was more than delighted to make this video.
Point number 2. Why are so many people desperate to get to the US? We have problems for sure. But we have something that few other countries do not. The US is still the land of opportunity. There are many foreigners who come to the states and become very successful. I would consider more seriously some of the points in the video if there were proof of massive numbers of Americans moving to more socialist type countries. I am pretty confident that those numbers do not exist. If they did the liberal media in the US would be reporting those numbers daily.
Not sure about everyone desperate to come to the USA, those escaping from where they are,? its only the internal border FSS, and entertainment wanabees
Hey Richard, please show just one point that David Cross made that is not correct. Instead of trying to shoot the messenger and listen to the message. The average American does not move out of the US because they have been told so many times every day that the US is "the best at everything".
the american goverments just spend all the tax doller on nuke's.
Hi good video. Can you either stop the video when you comment or make comments at the end of the video. I can't hear what you are saying and it's a little painful to try and watch and then try to hear what you are saying. The only thing is the video and people who say Nordic countries are socialist. There not Socialist and neither is NZ even the Labour party in NZ are trying hard to turn NZ into a communist State especially Adern.
Yep... just getting the hang of it
Hi, your previous vlogs were much, much better in quality.
Yes just getting used to reaction videos
Not voting in Bernie was the first mistake
Your not going to like the one on business and work life balance.
Totally eye opener national long way to go Kia ora