[codechad]

You wax poetically about UAE (mostly emotion, little fact), then remind the reader that it is an Islamic dictatorship.

Why would any intelligent person ever set foot there? I'd lose over half of my current rights as it stands.

[_hhkg]

I’m not waxing poetic about anything. I agree that the UAE has engaged (and continues to engage) in several atrocities. Many many horrible things which as mentioned, I’m also combating during my time here.

Also you mentioned little fact, mostly emotion, but i stated things like the Year of Tolerance, the religious temples being built, etc. but I’d hope others can also investigate on their own. We are so quick to paint countries as evil without understanding the full situation.

I’ve met several intelligent people here from everywhere in the world and many here are trying to have a positive impact on the country.

[codechad]

> Also you mentioned little fact, mostly emotion, but i stated things like the Year of Tolerance, the religious temples being built, etc. but I’d hope others can also investigate on their own. We are so quick to paint countries as evil without understanding the full situation.

You are correct. Let me help rectify my transgression by providing a very consolidated list of things I can do in America that you can not do in the UAE:

1. Hold elections.

2. Form political parties.

3. Criticize my government and officials.

4. Have extra-martial or casual sex.

5. Consume alcohol.

6. Consume cannabis.

7. Be homosexual.

8. Kiss my partner in public.

9. Eat, drink, and smoke between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan.

10. Swear - both IRL and online.

Is that enough or do you need more concrete examples? The list is quite long.

[lmm]

It's easy to think you have a lot of rights until you try to do something unpopular with them. I left the west for somewhere where I have a lot fewer rights on paper, but I feel so much freer now, no longer constantly worrying about what the mob thinks of everything I say.

I won't defend the UAE, but the level of freedom you have in actual daily life is surprisingly disconnected from what's written in a constitution or what the government is doing.

[RF_Savage]

Doesn't that just mean that there's more space for one to get arbitrary trouble the moment somebody decides that they don't like you or what you do?

[lmm]

In theory yes, but it's often a distraction in practice, like putting a triple-secure lock on your iron-plated door and leaving the window open. Many of these freedoms are important, but threatened much more by corporations or cultures than by governments.

[codechad]

> It's easy to think you have a lot of rights until you try to do something unpopular with them

Nonsense argument. Lacks details and specifics.

> I left the west for somewhere where I have a lot fewer rights on paper, but I feel so much freer now, no longer constantly worrying about what the mob thinks of everything I say.

That's where you fucked up: Caring about what [random] people think about you. Also I would love to know what country you feel more free in. For some reason I suspect this will not be answered.

> I won't defend the UAE, but the level of freedom you have in actual daily life is surprisingly disconnected from what's written in a constitution or what the government is doing.

More blah blah blah nonsense. Examples, give them. I have numerous freedoms I exercise daily (speech, worship, association, ownership of war weapons).

[lmm]

> Nonsense argument. Lacks details and specifics.

Does this really not match your experience of how things have been going lately? Freedom of speech and association but that doesn't prevent you from being fired for what you say or who you associate with. Free to protest unless there's a risk your protest might have an effect, then a state of emergency will be declared and the police will explain how they can legally kidnap your dog.

> That's where you fucked up: Caring about what [random] people think about you. Also I would love to know what country you feel more free in.

Japan, FWIW. I could be deported if I took part in political activities, there are significant restrictions on my speech (strict libel laws). But I have a supportive local community and strong employment protection, both things that count for a lot.