Let me introduce myself....

[Pototan]

39. I have found there is a difference between the Government and

the culture.

In a country that has a dominate demographic, there isn't much room for rascism. So far, everyone I have met has been kind and are deffernetial because of my age.

There are some problems with press freedoms, but they had a verified free and fair election and a peaceful transition of power. I feel safer here than in the States. They have never had a school shooting involving students. There are reasonable restrictions on guns. The President is limited to one 6-year term and the Supreme Court must retire at 70. They have national health care (PhilHealth) and they are the kindest people I have ever encountered.

Election day is a holiday, and the Senate is elected at large. There are no restrictions on social media, so control of the press has less impact, as you can get info unrestricted, as evidenced by this post. The Philippines has enumerated rights in their Constitution, but just as in America, powerful people will attempt to restrict them. They love Americans. A 2015 Pew Research poll headline stated the Filipinos love America more than Americans love America. America had a 96% positive result from Filipinos and a 92% positive result from Americans.

But there is one overriding advantage to living in the Philippines. There is no Donald Trump and there is no one here who I have found who likes him.

I do not discuss Philippine politics, although I make myself aware of it. I understand their history and their culture. After all, I've been married to a Filipina for over 20 years.