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Small-Scale Question Sunday for May 17, 2026

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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You know, you've given me a lot of reasons to feel depressed and these are better than any that came before.

Fortunately, I don't own any property in India. At least none that I know of. Second home? I don't even own a first one, at least not till my parents hand theirs over. Which they won't, for the next 30 years at the least (which I am perfectly happy with, because the alternative would be that they've passed away). My mother was seriously contemplating buying a nice little house in India in my name, which I turned down because I have no concrete plans of moving back. Not if I can help it.

I don't wish to look down on the average Britisher. I don't. I detest their government, which has delusions of grandeur, or at least of empire. If you have an economy that stagnant, a system this unsustainable, you shouldn't be fucking up a high speed rail network or building tunnels for bats. You shouldn't be doing your utmost to make the best and most talented avoid you. I dare not call myself the best, let alone the most talented, and that's why my sorry ass is here. Could be worse. It could also be much better.

My general advice is to speak softly or carry a big stick. The current UK's political class are loud-mouths with limp dicks. I pity the average citizen, and I'm sad that I actually have it better than they do. At least I can pack my bags and leave if it gets too much to handle. Such squandered potential. It would be so easy to love the country, all I can really say is that its people don't deserve what they're going through.

You mentioned Ireland, and I've actually considered it as a perfectly viable alternative. Compared to Scotland? Similar weather, similar alcohol intake, and I suppose I can learn to love redheads instead of fake blondes. I'm a little more iffy on the EU and its value proposition, but I'll take more cash in hand most days of the week. I'm not sure why you're still there, but I suppose finance works differently.

What’s the property rights regime like over there? I’ve heard the level of bureaucratic congestion is endlessly Byzantine and outright corrupt in some certain areas; it’s pretty bad. What are your objections to perhaps retiring there in good standing, later in life?

Assessments of economic freedom/property rights: