tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post4526558076013754032..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: Adios, Au Revoir, Auf WiedersehnIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-49307170966594472752007-02-25T04:24:00.000+00:002007-02-25T04:24:00.000+00:00Wonderful for His Age says: ".....sorry must clos...Wonderful for His Age says: ".....sorry must close, nurse has just arrived with my medicine."<BR/><BR/>Too bad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-11027506210762250492007-02-25T01:59:00.000+00:002007-02-25T01:59:00.000+00:00Gary Powell: 'rates are almost nonexistent'? If yo...Gary Powell: 'rates are almost nonexistent'? If you mean property taxes, then you are enormously mistaken. It varies significantly from area to area, but property taxes where I live in the US are at least 300% of the UK council tax that I paid in London Borough of Brent, as a proportion of house value.<BR/><BR/>Wage taxation is a little lower than it was in the UK. You do have an NI equivalent, called Social Security, and also you pay medicare taxes. Again, that doesn't total as much as NI in the UK.<BR/><BR/>The exchange rate makes a huge difference. I have no idea how you think that it wouldn't.<BR/><BR/>I am from the UK and I live in the US. Property is generally cheaper here (which is why a waitress can afford a bigger house than you); land is cheaper (it is, after all, a huge country) and up here in the North East, houses are built from wood, so construction is cheaper too.<BR/><BR/>There are a lot of factors at play, and tax is just one of them. The exchange rate is currently a very big deal for those of us who cross the Atlantic relatively often (bigger than the difference in taxation, at the moment, based on historical levels).<BR/><BR/>I have to say, gary, that you appear to be determined to simplify a complex issue into a simple one. For example, when getting your kid through university costs, fees + living expenses, the best part of $200k dollars, that's an issue. That doctor you speak about may have $300k of loans. Also, I know some doctors, and they live well, but not in general better than British film stars.<BR/><BR/>The biggest difference here in terms of taxation is that you can claim back mortgage interest against tax. That inflates house prices, of course, but they're not as crazy as they are in the UK, not in most of the US, at least. San Diego, San Francisco and surrounds, Washington DC and a bunch of other place, house prices are as bad as nearly anywhere. In rural America, houses are waaaaay cheaper. <BR/><BR/>America's a fantastic place, but it's not what you think that it is, Gary, it seems to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-10063618113374694942007-02-25T01:19:00.000+00:002007-02-25T01:19:00.000+00:00And just because I have nothing better to do right...And just because I have nothing better to do right now.<BR/><BR/>I have just come back from a visit to Castros Cuba.<BR/><BR/>My god a more, sick from top to bottom place, is hard to imagine.<BR/><BR/>You would swap the life of a Cuban doctor for that of a black death wish crack head in a Miami geto trailer park, and some.<BR/><BR/>What is more the crack head would not want to be a Cuban doctor for all the rocks he could smoke.<BR/><BR/>If you dont believe me, ask some. Because I have many. <BR/><BR/>Not only this they still love America even though its their freedom that has helped then trash their lives. They do not blame their country for it, only themselves.<BR/><BR/>Feel ashamed? you should do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-88056949194890061832007-02-25T00:53:00.000+00:002007-02-25T00:53:00.000+00:00Just to quash the "its the exchange rate that make...Just to quash the "its the exchange rate that makes the difference" theory.<BR/><BR/>I went to the states when the £ was nearly equal to the $ and the US seemed just as cheap.<BR/><BR/>The relative standard of living for Americans is what matters not what you can buy on your Hols.<BR/><BR/>I have been to the place over 20 times as I have relatives in Georgia and Florida.<BR/><BR/>The relative standard of living of even the poor, non-crack-head working person in the US is higher then a qualified nurse in Britain.<BR/><BR/>The standard of living for a qualified nurse in the US is higher then a doctor in Britain. <BR/><BR/>The standard of living of a doctor in the US is higher then filmstars in Britain.<BR/><BR/>My sister in law bought her own house in Florida just on what she made waiting tables in a pizza house. And its still bigger then mine.<BR/><BR/>Feeling sick? you all should be.<BR/><BR/>Now you might understand why Americans love their country so much. Including those that hate George Bush.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-81046114989891395192007-02-25T00:02:00.000+00:002007-02-25T00:02:00.000+00:00Let's hope they manage to hold onto your luggage, ...Let's hope they manage to hold onto your luggage, Iain. Apparently it's now 1 in every 100 bags that gets lost. Don't think those little barcodes actually get scanned - they're strictly decorative.<BR/><BR/>I should know, BA mislaid mine a week ago. They gave me $200 cash on the spot in an ATM card in an envelope. The clever bit? "By opening this envelope you hereby waive all rights..." etc. Genius.<BR/><BR/>I've saved the $200 though. I'm going to put it towards my next flight with a different airline.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-46103529617320208062007-02-24T23:55:00.000+00:002007-02-24T23:55:00.000+00:00Auf Wiedersehn pet!Looking forward to your return....Auf Wiedersehn pet!<BR/>Looking forward to your return.<BR/>Hope you had a good flight.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-21358518781838795392007-02-24T23:42:00.000+00:002007-02-24T23:42:00.000+00:00US Immigration Cavity search ends in agony..http:/...US Immigration Cavity search ends in agony..<BR/><BR/><BR/>http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/02/05/immigration_search/<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Let us hope that a similar fate does not befall our host...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-50545570088663291282007-02-24T23:38:00.000+00:002007-02-24T23:38:00.000+00:00Hmm..When Dale finds about what happened to West H...Hmm..When Dale finds about what happened to West Ham today, he may choose to stay on that side of the pond..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-56660985314837111672007-02-24T23:28:00.000+00:002007-02-24T23:28:00.000+00:00You assume a lot LT from a few words.I do assume, ...<I>You assume a lot LT from a few words.</I><BR/><BR/>I do assume, because I can't see any possibility of a successful "hub" airport for London being anywhere other than Heathrow or a purpose built new one.<BR/><BR/>My money's on Maidestone. That will suit Mr. Dale!<BR/><BR/>GaryPowell you are right, taxes are a big problem.Old BEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974090439936326476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-42008593625027606932007-02-24T23:13:00.000+00:002007-02-24T23:13:00.000+00:00Auf Wiedersehen, not Wiedersehn. I don't know, the...Auf <I>Wiedersehen</I>, not <I>Wiedersehn</I>. I don't know, the kids of today, can't cope with foreign languages...<BR/><BR/>Kaiser BillAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-69867050737305192302007-02-24T23:04:00.000+00:002007-02-24T23:04:00.000+00:00Iain,This country feels a colder place without you...Iain,<BR/><BR/>This country feels a colder place without you. Come back soon!<BR/><BR/>Having said that, there's no point in going over to the States if the main purpose is to flog your old Audi cabriolet. They drive on the right...<BR/><BR/>and they don't appreciate cars that can go round corners at speed.<BR/><BR/>Ho hum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-72374840652176977282007-02-24T22:43:00.000+00:002007-02-24T22:43:00.000+00:00Now here's an interesting fact. My aged wife and I...Now here's an interesting fact. My aged wife and I no longer choose where we will holiday, rather we choose the airport of our departure.<BR/><BR/>Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead and Luton are not on our list although all are within reasonable driving distance.<BR/><BR/>So we investigate to where we can fly from Birmingham or Coventry (both about the same distance from us as Heathrow ) and then plan our hols.<BR/><BR/>Mind you, at our advanced age, when somebody asks "Where are you going on holiday this year" it's sometimes rather difficult to remember where it is that is 'beyond' Birmingham on Coventry.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand last time we flew from Birmingham there was NO queue at check in or at security. Bliss.<BR/><BR/>Can't remember where we were going, so please don't ask.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I'm not going to America again until they close down that offshore torture prison in Cuba. <BR/><BR/>Still, since it's offshore, I suppose Bush and his cohorts can (technically) rabbit on about 'the land of the free'.<BR/><BR/>Talking about rabbiting on........<BR/><BR/>.....sorry must close, nurse has just arrived with my medicine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-32079281352924248602007-02-24T22:42:00.000+00:002007-02-24T22:42:00.000+00:00Iain, I am surprised. I got to the Virgin desk a w...Iain, I am surprised. I got to the Virgin desk a weeks ago in good time and didn't stand in a log queue at all having checked-in online. I think you just got your timing wrong or something.<BR/><BR/>Oh btw New Hampshire was friendly and fun but rather cold...-2C in the middle of the day in full sunshine.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01521305786798062391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-6732669849787245662007-02-24T22:19:00.000+00:002007-02-24T22:19:00.000+00:00At least we can console our selves that you are en...At least we can console our selves that you are enduring some real pain for being a 'climate criminal'...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-7319507227279151872007-02-24T22:18:00.000+00:002007-02-24T22:18:00.000+00:00Londontory said...Delroy: So you are pro-aviation ...Londontory said...<BR/>Delroy: So you are pro-aviation but anti-Heathrow expansion? That means you must support a new Kent or Essex airport then.<BR/><BR/>7:15 PM<BR/><BR/>I am? It does?<BR/>You assume a lot LT from a few words.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-80907911588459178712007-02-24T22:12:00.000+00:002007-02-24T22:12:00.000+00:00garypowell said...delroyWhich history books have y...garypowell said...<BR/>delroy<BR/>Which history books have you been reading.<BR/> If you are maybe you would have liked a job fucking up you lungs half a mile under ground? If not shut up and get a new history book.<BR/><BR/>These industries did not produce any wealth for this country all the time they were state run. They also provided crap wages and conditions for their employees.<BR/>7:22 PM<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your thoughtful, precise insights GazzaP.<BR/>I do read history books but my period is Late Iron Age. Post WW2 I have lived through. <BR/>I'm not convinced it is necessary to want your lungs blown to be a miner, and the wages and conditions were so bad they fought hard to keep their jobs.<BR/>The Tory problem is that they need me to vote for them. I hear nothing that makes me need them however appalling this government is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-942506862858329582007-02-24T21:59:00.000+00:002007-02-24T21:59:00.000+00:00London toryYou make very valid points.However I th...London tory<BR/><BR/>You make very valid points.<BR/><BR/>However I think more important reasons would be.<BR/><BR/>Buying power is far stronger for larger companies selling to a population 5 times greater then ours with much more disposable income. This because we are so highly taxed.<BR/><BR/>Rates are cheaper or almost non exsistant in the US.<BR/><BR/>Tax on wages is far higher in Britain.<BR/><BR/>Regulation which is another form of taxation, is greater more intrusive and more costly to an employer then the US. Have you ever tried sacking someone in Britian without ending up in court? I tried and failed. Even though I won the case it still cost me £20,000 in legel fees.<BR/><BR/>NI tax does not exsist in the US.<BR/><BR/>Tax on fuel and transport is far far higher in Britain.<BR/><BR/>Tax on profits is higher in Britain. Gordons Stazi believe me mean business. Even though they have no idear how to run one. The IRS in the US is a kitten compared to our VAT and tax inspectors. Unless you are a multi-national lining New Labours pockets that is.<BR/><BR/>Sales tax is far higher in Britain. Compared to some states, far far higher.<BR/><BR/>In short its taxes. Unfortuately the British public dont seen to understand as yet that the consumer, which is all of us, in the end pays ALL taxes one way or another. <BR/><BR/>Its a shame that so called educated people cant work out what our middle ages counterparts worked out 900 odd years ago.<BR/><BR/>Come to think about it so had our parents who voted for Thatcher only 28 years ago.<BR/><BR/>Memory can be a very short thing, and common sense is regretibly not commom..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-87040038834481941832007-02-24T21:21:00.000+00:002007-02-24T21:21:00.000+00:00Verity, the biggest single reason that the US seem...Verity, the biggest single reason that the US seems so cheap now is that the dollar is in the toilet, because the markets don't think that it is worth much. Yes, things are always cheaper here, but that margin has been significantly increased by the pound's strength against the dollar, which over the last 6 or so years has meant that a British person with a fixed amount of dough has something like 40% more spending power here than before.<BR/><BR/>Fortunately, US sales taxes (which are levied by states, so vary from 0% to over 8%) are lower than VAT but bear in mind that, unlike UK prices which are generally quoted VAT inclusive, US prices are quoted without the tax, which is added at the register.<BR/><BR/>Britain, however, is damn expensive compared to the rest of Europe; if it shared borders with other countries inside the same trade zone, one presumes that there would be more pressure on prices, but as it is, it's pretty much a market to itself and less competition means higher prices.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-88899960128670863122007-02-24T20:04:00.000+00:002007-02-24T20:04:00.000+00:00i just came back the other way - though from the l...i just came back the other way - though from the liberal haven of Vermont not the seething powerhousse of DC. Have fun Dale.Lettermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09572427955948494269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-81693356549761749362007-02-24T19:22:00.000+00:002007-02-24T19:22:00.000+00:00delroyWhich history books have you been reading.We...delroy<BR/>Which history books have you been reading.<BR/><BR/>We have never lead anything with state run industries. With the possible exception of the royal navy. Even that was run more like private enterprise.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps you are refuring to the Motor cycle, steel, coal mineing, ship building, and transport industries. If you are maybe you would have liked a job fucking up you lungs half a mile under ground? If not shut up and get a new history book.<BR/><BR/>These industries did not produce any wealth for this country all the time they were state run. They also provided crap wages and conditions for their employees.<BR/><BR/>This countries wealth has been produced and is maintained in most part by the city of London. Using capital and expertise created well before Marxism had ever been inflicted on the working man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-82472612290919615182007-02-24T19:15:00.000+00:002007-02-24T19:15:00.000+00:00Delroy: So you are pro-aviation but anti-Heathrow ...Delroy: So you are pro-aviation but anti-Heathrow expansion? That means you must support a new Kent or Essex airport then.Old BEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974090439936326476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-14676523927124156682007-02-24T19:13:00.000+00:002007-02-24T19:13:00.000+00:00America is not the land of the free any more.America is not the land of the free any more.indigohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12016153810542371398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-66286252542750212682007-02-24T19:01:00.000+00:002007-02-24T19:01:00.000+00:00Londontory said...Also, given that lots of the loc...Londontory said...<BR/>Also, given that lots of the local population work at Heathrow I'm not sure they would be impressed if in Delroy's socialist utopia <BR/>3:10 PM<BR/><BR/>You've got me wrong LondonTory.<BR/>I'm English living in England; never been near a socialist utopia in my life.<BR/>Started voting when Ted Heath was PM and it has been Conservative here ever since, but let's preserve this world leading industry because we have destroyed all the others.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-53605086682463920742007-02-24T18:24:00.000+00:002007-02-24T18:24:00.000+00:00Britain is mainly a rip-off because our land is no...Britain is mainly a rip-off because our land is not used very efficiently. Most of our land is kept unused (we actually pay people not to use the land in the most efficient way). The state prevents people from building houses and transport infrastructure meaning that housing costs are huge and things take much longer to get from factory to customer than they should.Old BEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974090439936326476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-29629264788411619392007-02-24T17:50:00.000+00:002007-02-24T17:50:00.000+00:00Just about everything's much cheaper in the US. B...Just about everything's much cheaper in the US. Britain is a rip-off. And groceries in the US are much cheaper, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com