(02-06-2019, 06:14 PM)lastonealive Wrote:

(02-06-2019, 08:51 AM)B2hibry Wrote: Um, no matter how you slice it...GDP or GNI, Australia falls way behind many in "richer countries" status, including US. And you know that $1.60 is per litres right? So roughly $82 to fill 30 gallons in US to $180 to fill 30 gallons in Australia. Yep, huge bargain.

Can you clarify the "voting against your own interests" comment?

Actually fuel is about $1.20 currently. Probably about half what it is in some European countries.

I thought you lot acknowledged that higher wages leads to higher cost of goods. Isn't that why you go holiday in Mexico? The average Australian is far wealthier than the average American it doesn't matter that as a CEO you would make more in the US or that GDP is higher. 

If you are born into wealth sure the US is great and I can understand why you are happy with voting status quo. Everything is geared to benefit the richest including health.

Care to cite some facts regarding this?  The definition of "wealth" means a lot of different things to people.  I personally consider myself an "average middle class" U.S. citizen.  Some might say that I'm "wealthy" based on what I purchased in the last year and my spending habits, but I certainly don't consider myself "wealthy" when it comes to economics.  As far as my life in general?  Yes I am certainly "wealthy" by some people's standards.  What I consider "wealth" is the fact that I have a really good family both immediate and extended.  I have a good job which I enjoy and make a pretty good living.  I purchased 35 acres of property and am in the process of building our "retirement home"... something that I've worked for over the years and I purchased it in cash.... no mortgage.  I purchased a couple of tractors as well as some other tools that I use to develop the property on my own.


I don't HAVE to work since I have no bills to speak of.  My current home has been paid off for several years and the vehicles that my wife and I drive were bought with cash.

The thing is though, it wasn't always like that.  My wife and I once lived in a rented mobile home with one crappy car that we owed money on with 3 children.  Our "kitchen table" where we ate our meals was a 4x4 card table.  Our "furniture" in our living room consisted of boxes covered with afghans that my wife made.

I'm not white and certainly wasn't "born into wealth" or money so you can throw out the whole "white privilege" argument before you even start it.  We saved and worked during our younger years to achieve what we have and what we are doing.   That's the difference.  We are an example of the American Dream and what is possible if a person is willing to put down the cell phone and actually work, sacrifice and save.

The Jaguars owner Shad Khan is another good example.  He was a LEGAL immigrant to our country that arrived with very little, yet worked hard and accomplished many great things.  Is he "wealthy"?  Most would say yes because he has made a lot of money.

My point is though, "wealth" isn't always about money.

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