Re: Question for North America/ Toronto-based Guppies
Fret, I am not sure if I am getting through to you, so this time let me type very slowly.
UN development indices etc aren't the sole guide for people when deciding where to live - infact I don't think many people even look at these when they are deciding where to live. They are usually after the fact, feel-good thing. There are many other factors that people consider, including personal considerations. Poverty, life expectancy and childbirth may be important factors for you, but they are not for me. I think where I live is one the best places for me to live, and for many other people; but its not the place for everyone. Its very expensive. I understand that. And may be you should understand that about Montreal too. Its good for you, but its not for everyone. Extreme cold weather may not be a problem for you, but it can be for other people. Speaking French may be second nature to you, but not for everyone. Maybe you like shoveling snow, but others may not want to. You may have a great job in Montreal, but others may find that to be a problem. See, every situation is different. You have to understand that, and not keep waving the index, without understanding context of a discussion.
I already gave my personal opinion on why I selected the place I live in. No one said that those living in Monrtreal are in a rats hole and are damn fools for being there. So, please get out of this super-sensitive and defensive mentality.
As long as people are happy where they are, no one should have a problem with that. You can be extremely happy living in Baghdad for all I care. You can post tens of reasons why you believe that Baghdad is the place for you to live, and I'll say "You go, man! Good for you". I wouldn't say, "oh, but in the UN development index, Baghdad is rated so low, and I am trying to educate you because I know so much more about your personal situation than you do!!" It doesn't just sound stupid, it actually is. :)
Did I get through to you now, or are you still waving the index?