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Why would you seek to change the US vs. relocating your person to The Netherlands though? They're both impactful and costly, but the former is almost impossible

Why would you seek to change the US vs. relocating your person to The Netherlands though? They're both impactful and costly, but the former is almost impossible while the latter well within the abilities of a motivated actor.

throw0101b 3y ago
> […] vs. relocating your person to The Netherlands though? Why can't someone want to make where they already are better? Why should someone be expected to accept the status quo?
zachkatz 3y ago
> the former is almost impossible When you understand how quickly the Netherlands changed (it used to be just as car-centric at the US), you might change your view about what's possible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnFYOvcOn_E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnFYOvcOn_E
- estebank 3y ago
  I believe the GP is arguing against change because they like the status quo. It is not "go there to get what you want", it's "go there so you don't bother me".
yowzadave 3y ago
People always suggest this ("if you like it better in Europe, why don't you move there!"), and it's such a facetious argument. 1. All my friends/family/professional networks are based in the US. Do I need to convince all of them to move with me to the Netherlands? 2. I would need to uproot my children from their schooling and friends and move them to a foreign country. 3. I would have to get a job in NL--perhaps doable for me, but what if you don't have in-demand tech skills and don't already speak Dutch? 4. I would have to work in NL for five continuous years before being eligible for permanent residency. These hurdles are indeed not totally insurmountable for some people, but to pretend like it's a viable option for anyone who wants to live in more functional cities is silly. Why can't we just try to make our cities better? Look around at which cities in the world are working better, and learn from them!

throw0101b 3y ago

> […] vs. relocating your person to The Netherlands though? Why can't someone want to make where they already are better? Why should someone be expected to accept the status quo?

zachkatz 3y ago

> the former is almost impossible When you understand how quickly the Netherlands changed (it used to be just as car-centric at the US), you might change your view about what's possible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnFYOvcOn_E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnFYOvcOn_E

estebank 3y ago
I believe the GP is arguing against change because they like the status quo. It is not "go there to get what you want", it's "go there so you don't bother me".

yowzadave 3y ago

People always suggest this ("if you like it better in Europe, why don't you move there!"), and it's such a facetious argument. 1. All my friends/family/professional networks are based in the US. Do I need to convince all of them to move with me to the Netherlands? 2. I would need to uproot my children from their schooling and friends and move them to a foreign country. 3. I would have to get a job in NL--perhaps doable for me, but what if you don't have in-demand tech skills and don't already speak Dutch? 4. I would have to work in NL for five continuous years before being eligible for permanent residency. These hurdles are indeed not totally insurmountable for some people, but to pretend like it's a viable option for anyone who wants to live in more functional cities is silly. Why can't we just try to make our cities better? Look around at which cities in the world are working better, and learn from them!