In the wake of the just-completed Presidential election, why is it that I see so many disappointed conservatives threatening to move to Canada? Do they think the move will somehow allow them to escape from the evils of higher taxes, universal healthcare, and gay marriage? I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but before making that decision final, I’d like to present a few facts some people are apparently unaware of.

Canada has universal health care

If you’re hoping to escape from universal health care, abandon all hope. It’s just not happening unless you want to move to a third-world country. All other industrialized nations in the entire world have some form of universal health care. There’s just nowhere to go to get away from it.

Canada has higher taxes

The cash isn’t always greener on the other side, folks. Canada’s taxes (as a percentage of GDP) are about 5-6 percent higher than those in the USA. Just looking at this table, and sorting by 2012 rates, I can’t imagine wanting to live in any of the countries with lower tax rates than those in the United States.

Canada has same-sex marriage

Since 2005 (or even earlier in most provinces), Canadian law has viewed same-sex marriage the same as any marriage, ever. If you still refuse to live somewhere same-sex marriages are recognized, this table might help, but pickings are pretty slim. Afghanistan, maybe? Burkina Faso? Algeria? Take your pick.

In conclusion…

If you still want out of the United States, I hope you have fun with that. Just remember that every expatriate is one fewer vote for your side. If you don’t like the direction your country is headed, then maybe you could stick around and try to change things instead of running away.

Disclaimer: I don’t really care about which party is in charge, I would just prefer that people check the facts behind their hyperbole before they make themselves sound stupid.