So I’ve been to Amsterdam…

We just got back the other day--it appears that the signs of a better life do exist in other places. Don and I spent a great deal of time in Amsterdam this past week and I can tell you there is something beneficial to going to a country which used the US model, but with vast improvements. As the originating democracy, ours emerged out of something but never evolved to accommodate modern life and concerns quite like these guys seem to have managed to do. There was a different kind of spark in that city--and it is not quiet, but certainly doesn't seem to be Vegas either, as I guess both he and I were prone to think. There's emerging pockets of culture all over, and better yet, the ability to buy an apartment for really nothing compared to the past several neighborhoods I have lived in--and there is the reality of what is going on with pre-existing conditions to contend with--if they do what they are going to do, it would mean if you do have employer coverage, you better never quit that job because no way no how will they allow you on without a pretty lengthy grace period ...