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You know what I find stupid?

How everyone's worried about their kids being kidnapped, yet I was born in a country where human slavery (and the kidnappings that resulted in said human trade) was alive and well. Interestingly, I never got kidnapped and neither did any of my siblings, or cousins, or whatever else. Most of their deaths, of those few that died, were due to political executions by the government or "army service"... which was the same thing. Undesirables with undesirable views were always assigned to the unit that got the least training, shittiest gear, and front line service.

So my comment stands. I have valid experience with not being kidnapped in a country rampant with kidnappings and both organ and flesh trade. If you were born, and live in the USA or a "western" country. You do not have such experience. You've lived your whole life in a nice safe haven. It was made so not by government. (If that were true, then China and the former USSR would've been the safest places on the planet.) Safe places are made by the bad guys not knowing when they'll not be coming home. It is also made by people learning NOT to get into a car with or taking candy from strangers. This is increasingly so with so called rich people. Especially when said rich people actually can move their residence on a whim. But hey, better off as cattle than walking without fear.

So suit yourself. You pack your chip, I'll pack my Colt, good training, and good mindset. If we both run into bad guys, and can't escape, lets see which one of us is more likely to make it home. Me with my training and proper mindset, or you with your chip. Hope the badguys don't decide that they're kidnapping you to send you home in a salsa bag as a "message"... otherwise that chip won't really help you much if all they want to do is send a message. As for me, they either take me by complete surprise, and take a chance at having to neutralize a large "neighborhood" where we look out for each other, or they stay the hell away. So much simpler :) And for the record, I don't flaunt my wealth IRL, what little I have. Wealth is for my personal well being, not to flaunt in my neighbors' eyes. I help mine. This is the sticks out here man, if you get missing here, the only thing the chip will help, is to find the wild animal that got you, presuming it actually ate the part with the chip :)

Its you city slickers that need protection by others. Out here, you provide your own, or you don't go home. Most of the folks I met here, whether sticks living for life, or "reformed city slickers", few seem to need someone to "make them safe". We got 3 sheriff deputies, which are still 3 too many, but at least they're nice enough to not interfere with people's lives. Strangely, we don't need SWAT or hostage rescue. Why? Dunno, maybe a different culture out here than some of the places you've been around. AFAIC, I believe you lay your own bed. If you need to be chipped like property to be "safe" or to have your kids be safe, i just hope you don't complain when you're treated like property. Remember, property has no rights. When you take on its likeness, you become it. Hope its to your liking, and know I will be among those who respects your decision and never lifts a finger to help you.

Heh, no, I was actually born here, and I love living in Mexico. Yeah, that tale about the mugging probably gives off a different impression, but considering it's pretty much the only time I've been mugged in almost 40 years, I think that's not a bad record. In fact, I think Guadalajara is a remarkably nice place to live, though I don't think I can explain the "attraction". I could hardly be objective about it anyway.

I've got American and British friends who live here (as you may know, there's a big expat community in Guadalajara, and in Ajijic near lake Chapala). I've never asked them about this, but I will now. What I can tell you now is, I don't think there's any particular objective advantage. I mean, neither luxury homes nor sex are cheap (I assume you meant good looking hookers there). Beer probably is, though, heh. Look, I'm not really up to date on the cost of living in the States. I guess Mexico may be a bit cheaper, but I'm sure it's not much cheaper.

I also don't think there are serious disadvantages: we've got all the utilities and public services you're used to in the US, from highways to sanitation to very decent health care. You'll find all the amenities too, say shops, restaurants, entertainment... in fact, most are the same chains and brands, only a bit cheaper perhaps. And of course we've got broadband everywhere, which is probably the most important thing for /. people.

So I guess it boils down to personal taste. Some people just like it. Maybe it's the locations, or the weather, or the slower pace. Perhaps healthier and tastier food? You know, we're famous for that shit. Or meeting friendly people with an interesting culture. Who knows?

Oh, and about that last item: there certainly are gringo haters. From your experience, it seems that's the kind of people you've been meeting here. I'm sorry 'bout that, fwiw. There's also gringo lovers, that goddamn malinchista pricks, I find them really annoying, haha. But I've got to say, I'm convinced that most of the population is just sensible people no worse or better than in the US or elsewhere, and you can probably make good friends if you give them (and yourself) a chance.

Say, if you ever find yourself stranded in Guadalajara, bored enough to overcome the natural distrust, drop me an email, I'll take you to a couple cantinas, and perhaps the lucha libre. And if you really behave yourself I may introduce you to some ladies. Maybe then you'll get the "vibe" or whatever it is. Or maybe you won't, but you'll probably have a laugh anyway. And no, I won't give you any shit about dumb gringo chumps, but I won't take any shit about smelly beaners either.

Cheers.