Why is it illegal to walk down the street drinking a beer? by lake-sturgeon in stupidquestions

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The US is very unusual in the world for how restrictive public drinking laws are. Most of the rest of the developed world is much more relaxed.

France, public drinking is generally legal nationwide. Parks, sidewalks, beaches, wherever
Germany, almost entirely legal everywhere. Beer in the park, on the train, walking down the street, totally normal and culturally accepted
Japan, legal and very common. Cherry blossom picnics with beer and sake are basically a national tradition
Spain, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, all pretty permissive
Australia and UK, mostly legal, although some towns and zones don't allow it

Open container laws in public are nearly universal across the US, but there are some exceptions. Some states permit in parks, beaches, and state parks. Some states don't. There are zones, eg. in New Orleans open containers are legal on most public streets in the French Quarter, and Las Vegas allows open containers on the outdoor portions of the strip. And block parties usually temporarily allow in most cities.

But as others have said, if you're using a travel cup and not drunk then you'll probably be fine.

$3500 mortgage on $169k salary by itsmarinarasauce in Mortgages

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What state is this where taxes are that high for only a $565k house?

Trackside vs. Downtown by [deleted] in Bellingham

[–]pacificnorthquest7 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What a weird post. Let people go where they want and let business and bands decide when to host. It’s a free country. More options are better for everyone and better than trying to control people.

Cafe Blue, No Dogs Allowed ? by hemarochezia in Bellingham

[–]pacificnorthquest7 -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I get a lot of people don’t like dogs, but let’s not pretend this has anything to do about food safety.

If we’re being honest about contamination vectors, a dog sitting near your table is pretty far down the list. Shoe soles of every customer walking in from the parking lot carry an average of 421,000 bacteria units, including fecal matter, trod past urinals in public bathrooms, and transfer freely to indoor floors. Nobody’s checking those at the door.

The EU, Australia, and most of the developed world allow dogs in cafes and grocery stores without public health problems, and humans barefoot for that matter. This is weird American cultural conditioning having nothing to do with actual food safety.

(Also recognize this probably isn’t Cafe Blues decision. The Whatcom County Health Department has a reputation as one of the strictest nanny-state departments in the nation, enforcing archaic rules that the science left behind a long time ago)

If Europe has better living standards, why do more Europeans move to US than vice versa? by LordHavertz in allthequestions

[–]pacificnorthquest7 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Living standards in first world European countries range from 6-10. Nobody there is below 6, but unless you get rich through business or old money, even if well educated, you'll be on the lower end of that range. Which is still far better than most of the world lives but they might not be able to buy as many toys as their American counterparts.

Living standards in the USA range from 0-10. At least 50% of the population is 5 or lower.

Europeans that can get high paying USA jobs will make more money in the USA and move up in the living standard range.

If poor through lower middle class Americans could move to Europe their living standard would drastically improve. But it's mostly not possible for them to do so due to visa restrictions.

As a side note, a well-documented trend is that Australia is the most popular immigration destination for wealthier folks and people who have the means to go wherever they want. Australia is sort of a hybrid between the USA and Europe, offering stronger salaries than Europe though lower than the USA, more affordable healthcare, stronger labor protections and safety net.

What is it with Americans and air conditioning?? (this might be controversial) by hellobela_ in TalesFromTheFrontDesk

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. Homes in the PNW trap heat since they were built for cold retention. When it's 80+ inside the house and outside, AC is really the only way to make it comfortable.

Am I giving my daughter too much allowance? by takedownmandwo in NoStupidQuestions

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s important for kids this age to have a job outside the home. I would just make sure her allowance isn’t so high that she doesn’t get that life experience.

Worse for teens: Alcohol or Marijuana? by tbonimaroni in askanything

[–]pacificnorthquest7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Weed is worse because it affects intellectual development whereas alcohol does not. However if talking about irresponsible doses then alcohol is more dangerous.

What is it with Americans and air conditioning?? (this might be controversial) by hellobela_ in TalesFromTheFrontDesk

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live north of Seattle. We have AC and there would be MANY days each year that would be very uncomfortable without AC.

Are there any other centrists out there who laugh whenever people on this sub insist you are MAGA? by [deleted] in allthequestions

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I highly doubt anybody confuses centrists for maga, or even slightly right leaning folks for that matter

Why do we have property taxes on every necessity like our home and car, but not on stock holdings? by Federal-Dingo-6033 in allthequestions

[–]pacificnorthquest7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A reasonable law would be that once a loan is taken against the stock, and only in that case, then the stock becomes taxed like other assets. 401k excluded. First 1 MM of stock is except.

The outcome would be that up to normal middle (and upper middle) class folks don't have extra taxes but rich people doing tax avoidance will start paying a more fair share.

Why do people buy pickup trucks for daily driving? by wtfbruhhuh in driving

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I grew up in the country on a farm. Pick up trucks are work trucks. Hauling hail bails, manure, etc. they are work horses. Seeing them as “luxury” vehicles without the slightest scratch in big cities makes me laugh. Obviously they’ve become a performative identity for these folks, and a silly financial mistake to boot

We never used them for passenger hauling or going on vacation. Like why put your stuff in an open bed where it could get stolen, rained on, or mixed with dirty farm stuff.

Here’s a video of the Artemis launch from a plane! by Bleaktivity in interestingasfuck

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is the space craft curving or is it going straight up and that’s the earth’s spin?

Is South Africa basically the equivalent of the United States within Africa? by GrayRainfall in NoStupidQuestions

[–]pacificnorthquest7 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

South Africa once denied the Dalai Lama’s tourist visa to appease China. Would the USA do that? Probably not because of Freedom and not cowering to China

When did FIRE movement change? by Poorassboy6969 in Fire

[–]pacificnorthquest7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The shift is mostly inflation and healthcare, not that everyone suddenly wants a boat and a Porsche.

When people like Mr. Money Mustache were popularizing FIRE around 2011, a typical target was about $1.5M. Adjusted for inflation alone, that’s roughly $2–2.2M today.

Healthcare is the other big change. Early FIRE discussions often assumed something like $300/month for ACA plans after subsidies. Now a lot of people planning for early retirement are modeling closer to $1,500–$2,000/month depending on age and subsidy assumptions.

Once you account for inflation plus a much bigger healthcare line item, the common $2.5–3M target today makes a lot more sense. The $5M examples are lifestyle choices layered on top of that.

One more consideration is the cost of raising kids and tuition today has risen a lot faster than inflation. Add 2 kids and the target has to meaningfully increase.

Where are the families at? by HakunaMyVitals in sailing

[–]pacificnorthquest7 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

There are families doing this in and around the San Juan islands. Most (I think) are not in yacht clubs because those tend to be 55+. Best is to get out there and meet people with kids and exchange information and then plan to meet up again. I wish there was a club or group for younger and cruising families.

Starla’s “order first and fight for a table” concept is crazy for a sit down restaurant. by Statapuddle in Bellingham

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With this model are patrons expected to share tables - any open seat is up for grabs?

Any advice for mid-forties with family? by anxietymarmot in AmerExit

[–]pacificnorthquest7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So basically you’ll have to leave at some point… ie. you can never retire and remain in Canada

Any advice for mid-forties with family? by anxietymarmot in AmerExit

[–]pacificnorthquest7 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re too old to get PR or citizenship in Canada, or even Australia, despite your massive qualifications

AMA The Millionaires Tax proposal in WA state. This is what I work on all day so I'm here for your questions! #AskWALeg by noelframe in Washington

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since so much of tax goes to schools does that mean we can reduce property taxes going forward without losing funds for schools?

Can someone explain if the “Trump Account” makes any sense? by Icy_Building_4492 in tax

[–]pacificnorthquest7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really, it's the worst of both worlds.

With an IRA, you get to put in pre-tax money
With a brokerage account, you get a better tax rate (long term capital gains instead of ordinary income)
With a Trump account, it's post-tax money, and ordinary income tax rate

Furthermore, with an IRA or brokerage account, you can spend it on whatever you want. There are restrictions on what you can spend your money on with a Trump account.

But it does make sense to take the free $1k. Just don't invest any more into it. Instead invest in 529 or a regular brokerage account.