…that would be because I have both passports and the only thing that keeps me from living back in the alps are my dogs( not fit to fly long) and my dog sitter ( wife)…

Oh boy, here’s something you and I definitely disagree on. I don’t think any person should ever have two passports but that’s just me, I know I’ll be pounded here by the many of y’all who do. To me it’s sort of like working for two airlines simultaneously, waiting to see which one has the best health insurance and retirement package before you totally commit.

Also, technically no one is supposed to be a citizen of a different country once they become a US citizen; since you are a US citizen I’m sure you’re familiar with the Oath of Allegiance for Naturalized Citizens and in particular this part: "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic;…”

I know no one follows this rule but I meant it when I said it – two weeks after my ceremony I’d surrendered my old passport. Again, I know no one does it but personally I think it’s morally wrong to "double-dip.” ( I just opened up a new can of worms didn't I? ) That’s all.

It seems to me europeans work to live, while americans live to work ( why enjoy life when I can work my butt of to buy the monster home in suburbia ?)

It is a very true statement!

is their way perfect? hell no, is our way perfect hell no.

I agree with you again.

do i see pink when you see red? probably, and i'm glad for it

So am I. LOL

i still would like to see more of a European QOL and benefits here for all workers ( not just airline). there you have my 2 pink cents.

This is where you and I differ – I wish they lowered taxes in Europe instead, benefits is something you should earn not be “given” by the state (and then taken back in the form of raised taxes). My blue 3 €¢. As far as colors and politics, I find it ironic that the meaning of the colors in political context seems to be reversed here from what you see in Europe. Over there, blue has always symbolized the Conservative, aka Republican point of view whereas red has been the symbol is the left and the Socialist/Communist movement. Yet here, the Republicans use mainly red color while the Democrats use blue.