[John Lee]

Thanks so much for all who have replied about the possible México community I mentioned....I certainly understand that such a thing would not be everyone's 'cup of tea'...that's the beauty of real 'diversity', individuality, and free choice.....it's also why, in the Post title, I used the expression "for a Few Good Men & Women".

It's good to hear also that many still feel welcome and potentially safe in the US. My own experience has made me feel differently, but that's my experience and I am glad it has not been shared by everyone else.

Also, for me I have had the very mixed blessing of having to live outside the US in pursuit of a career in manufacturing during much of which time manufacturing was shutting down in the US and going off-shore. My Spanish, personal temperament, and prior experience have kept me on the front-lines of this through many years...not always the most pleasant place to be!

Working and living in such circumstances has been tough at times...certainly makes a person appreciate what has been, can be and sometimes still is great about the US. It also removes all romanticism and possible naiveté about a sunny México, or the tropical paradise of Thailand or an ancient and mysterious China.

But, having lived in these and many more places, I have grown to have a realistic respect for the pros and cons of them all and to have a calm confidence in the flexibility that a non-US base can provide for me and others who may have the interest and temperament for it....again this is certainly not for everyone, nor do I suggest it is THE thing to do, the BEST place or anything but a possible choice for certain individuals.

What I offer/propose is to help a few such people by providing experienced assistance in making what Carol pointed out is, in fact, a big step to pull up roots and move anywhere, much less to another country! If someone feels lead to do that and the chemistry is right, however, I can certainly be the catalyst to help make it a reality.

Carol is also right on the money that what I am talking about is not some sort of a turn-key comfy Cancún resort.....time, money, and effort will be required to move forward...And, although this is not for the faint of heart, I have, in fact, spent years and thousands of dollars in developing the basic infrastructure of this place, as well as learning how to do it so that the right people wanting to participate now would not have to deal with these daunting and costly issues....

There is a lot of talk about Ecuador, no doubt a great place and a place I personally would have no fear of tackling...however, I would not assume the issues I have had to deal with in Méxcio would be any quicker, less costly or less daunting there.....

I will say this, for anyone thinking of going out of the US but who has never had to build a factory or a home in a foreign country, there is a danger, though completely understandable, of tending to assume that things happen in other countries the way we've become used to in the US....rarely so!

In any case, I certainly welcome anyone interested to look at the México pictures...many are rather artistic in themselves in capturing some of the natural beauty of the place...a place about which a Mexican artist once commented, "In México, one sees the face of Creation"....it is true.

I am however having a little trouble simply posting the link here or directly in an e-mail...seems I have to send an "Invitation" either from Picasa or from my regular e-mail to a regular e-mail....so, if you'd like to see the pics, just e-mail me at jleerskov@gmail.com and I'll get the link right to you.

Best to all!!

John Lee'