scientists part deux

Just to clarify the rather long and incoherent post from last night. I am mainly just surprised at my own feelings about pursuing further carreer goals here in the US vs Europe. Certainly 8 yrs ago I would not have felt that way. Neither 4 yrs ago nor even 2 yrs ago. Somehow, though, after enough exposure to conservative commentators--and there are more now than there ever have been--bashing France and Germany, I've begun to think well hey, they aren't spending hundreds of billions of dollars (or Euros) making themselves even more unpopular in the muslim world for reasons that have continued to shift over time. Though taxes are etrocious there, they actually have free health care and education and decent retirement options; what will I be able to offer my future family here in the US?

Anyway, before it becomes too rambling again, I'm simply surprised at my thoughts on the matter these past days and weeks.