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What gun control measures would you place in the U.S.?NFA: Remove SBRs, SBSs, and suppressors from the NFA as well as AOWs except for guns disguised as other objects. Repeal the Hughes Amendment.Carry: States can set their own requirements for open and concealed carry within limits. However, one or the other must be allowed. States cannot ban or unduly burden both as this violates the right to bear arms. Requiring the individual to provide a good reason for carrying constitutes an undue burden. We don’t need to justify our rights.Background Checks: Establish a federal firearms ID system that will serve as an optional alternative to the normal NICS paperwork and allows gun owners to conduct background checks on private sales. Essentially a voluntary “universal” background checks system.The fee would be minimal and serve only to offset the administrative costs.This would be a “shall issue” system.The requirement obtain a FFID would be the requirements to own a gun. Must be 18 and pass a NICS background check.An FFID card allows you to purchase any non-NFA firearm and any size magazine.You can get an NFA stamp on your FFID by going through the NFA process 1 time. After that, you can freely take possession of NFA firearms so long as you notify the ATF of the transfer. This will cut down on burden for the gun owners and for the ATF.Once the application is submitted, the FFID must be approved after 30 days. This is to prevent Congress from defunding the FFID system.From then on, your FFID is good until revoked or suspended. It has a serial number that anyone can reference from a public website for free. When that number is run it will simply tell you whether or not the FFID is still valid (no specifics to protect privacy) and it will show a picture of the individual for identity verification. This gives us a universal background check system that would actually be acceptable and would even be beneficial (since you can now eliminate having to do the paperwork and run a NICS check every time you buy a gun from a dealer).The ATF would once again be funded to review applications to restore gun rights to prohibited persons. To prevent future defunding measures, this would also have a “nuclear” clause. Upon receiving an application, the ATF would have 1 year to deny it, otherwise it is approved.If the system is down for more than 10 days, a sale can proceed without validating the FFID. Again, this is to prevent Congress or the executive branch from defunding the system or simply allowing it to go down indefinitely for maintenance.Judges have the authority to revoke the FFID for criteria that would make someone a prohibited person in accordance with federal law.Judges can temporarily suspend the FFID in accordance with state or local laws. FFID suspensions can be appealed to the federal courts (to limit the potential for state abuse). Suspensions must be reviewed every 30 days and cannot last more than 1 year.Federal law would also allow for temporary suspension of a FFID in conjunction with a restraining order if it can be shown that the individual poses an imminent threat.FOPA: I would provide penalties for government officials that violate FOPA (looking at you NY). I think they might think twice about if the result was a visit from the ATF and defending themselves in federal court.Preemption: Except where explicitly stated, federal firearm laws will preempt state laws.Just for shits and giggles, I’ll throw in some things that aren’t gun control measures but do relate to guns and violence in general:Harden schools. Simple measures like securing the entrances could make a difference. Allow teachers to be armed if they have concealed carry permits and otherwise meet requirements set by the school administration.End the War on Drugs. Treat drugs as a public health issue like tobacco or alcohol.Aggressively investigate and prosecute straw purchasers. No not like California does it…Bring back programs like Project Exile - Wikipedia which was effective in reducing crime by not only handing out harsher sentences but also by physically removing the individuals from their communities.Reintroduce gun safety training in schools. The Eddie Eagle program would serve as the basis for the lower grades. Later on, dedicated firearm proficiency classes would be available as electives.End criminalization of victimless offenses so that we stop turning minor offenders into hardened criminals through unnecessary imprisonment in a system that utterly fails at reform, plus ruining their life and limiting options for a law-abiding life by saddling them with a criminal record. This will also allow law enforcement and prisons to focus on those that actually pose a threat to society.

Guadalajara TodayMay – July 2017The State Capitol of Jalisco MexicoIs Like Living in Any City in The USA,But More Economical!By Carlos TurverIntroduction1. Keeping busy.2. I no longer miss living in the USA.3. US TV in Guadalajara.4. Public Transportation.5. Owning a Car in Mexico.6. Where can I meet North Americans?7. Health care in Mexico.8. A recent hospital experience.9. Assisted living.10. Dentistry.11. What it costs me to live in Guadalajara.12. Staying safe in Guadalajara.13. Emigrating to Mexico.14. Language.Conclusion.IntroductionAlthough I have been living in Guadalajara since 1970, I make it a point to kept myself informed about what is happening in the USA. Quite frankly, with all that has been going on up north, it surprises me that I have not seen any significant increase in the number of Americans retiring to this city.Prior to the two major devaluations of the Mexican peso in September of 1975 and in August of 1982, it seemed that every other automobile had US plates and were driven by fair skinned North Americans. However, when they lost approximately 50% of their assets over night, they cashed in their pesos for dollars and returned home.The following cycle of US plated cars that were in abundance throughout the city, were driven by Mexican nationals who had returned home to take advantage of the increased purchasing power of their hard-earned dollars.Since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a large variety of foreign automobiles can now be purchased here on credit. Consequently, US plated cars are now seldom seen.------My parents retired to Mexico in the summer of 1969. A few months later, my father passed on. Although I was a few months shy of completing my four-year enlistment obligation, the US Coast Guard gave me an early honorable discharge so that I could be with my mother while she was recovering from her loss. Shortly after I arrived, I also made the decision to make Guadalajara my new home.------Soon after my military discharge, I married a Mexican National. I got a job as an account manager for an investment house whose clients were primarily English-speaking North Americans. A few years later I owned and operated two small American style food restaurants that were both named Uncle Sam’s Kitchen. The first was patronized by students from the USA who attended the AMA accredited Autonomous University school of medicine. The second restaurant was initially supported by North Americans and other foreign executives who came to Guadalajara to manage the numerous industries that had been allowed to operate in this city because of NAFTA.Prior to the implementation of this free trade agreement, it was extremely difficult to get working papers. Only foreign-born language teachers and those who were married to Mexican nationals were permitted to work. The exception to this law was for those foreigners who invested a minimum of $100,000usd into businesses that created jobs.Those foreigners who were 55 years old and provided proof of a specified minimum monthly income that was required at that time, could obtain temporary residency, but were not allowed to work. However, after 5 annual referendums, the temporary residency papers were upgraded to permanent resident and foreigner was then allowed to work in Mexico.There was a time when it virtually took a presidential decree for foreign males to obtain Mexican citizenship. However, foreign females who were married to Mexican males could apply. In 1975 a supplement to this law was added that allowed foreign males to become citizens when they were married to Mexican females.As I met this condition and as I had decided to live permanently in Mexico, I applied for and received Mexican citizenship that same year. At the time, it was required that I surrender my US passport, birth certificate, my temporary resident papers and a copy of my marriage certificate. The attorney’s fee was $1,000usd. One month after these papers were submitted, I became a legal Mexican citizen. I was recently informed that it now takes a few years to obtain this privilege.Soon after I received my naturalization papers, I was visited by a US government official who informed me that it was very likely that I would lose my US citizenship unless I could provide an adequate explanation of my actions to the Department of State, as it was called at the time. However, even after I had informed this government agency that it was never my intention to lose my US citizenship, I still received a CERTIFICATE OF LOSS OF NATIONALITY OF THE UNITED STATES that was approved on Nov. 17, 1978. This document stated that I had taken an oath of allegiance to Mexico on Nov. 25,1975. As I had signed a document of allegiance to Mexico that enabled me to receive my citizenship papers, I reluctantly accepted their decision. However, in 1990 the law regarding dual citizenship with Mexico was modified. I applied for and received a new US Passport in 2009 and retained my Mexican nationality.During my non-US citizen years, whenever I visited the United States, I had to stand in the line for foreigners and enter with a USA visitor’s visa stamped in my Mexican passport.Whenever I decide to revisit the USA, I will be required show the Mexican immigration authorities my Mexican passport as proof of legal residency in Mexico. My US passport must be shown to the travel agency prior to the issuance of an airplane ticket, as one is required for all US citizens reentering the USA.------Whenever I am asked why I decided to stay permanently in Guadalajara, I previously gave three reasons. Now I give four:1. The weather. Decades ago I learned that Guadalajara had the world’s second-best climate with Nairobi Africa being the first. Guadalajara was closer.2. The Pacific coast is less than 3 to 4 hours when traveling by car or by bus.3. Guadalajara is known for its beautiful women who concentrate daily in any one of the many modern shopping malls that are located throughout the city.4. As my wife and I own our home, our monthly combined income of $25,068 pesos or $1,355usd more than covers our needs.The reason that brought my parents to Mexico is explained in the Conclusion section of this booklet.Unless otherwise specified, the exchange rate of $18.50 pesos for $1.00usd will be used for converting pesos and dollar currency throughout this booklet. In most cases, the currency conversions will be rounded off to the nearest dollar or peso.------Keeping busy.When I retired 10 years ago, I made my goal to get out of the house every morning for at least a few hours.My daily routine is walking to and from the buses I take to meet friends for breakfast and/or coffee. Current events and a variety of other topics are discussed daily except for sports and personal health issues. However, brief updates these two are permitted.Every afternoon I watch less than one hour of Main Street Media, prepare lunch and then take a one to two-hour siesta. Prior to the evening meal, I turn on my computer and listen to informative documentaries and later read the various points of view offered by the alternative media. Before the day’s end, I spend a couple of hours watching episodes or movies on Netflix and You Tube.My hobby for the past 5 years has been writing booklets about an improvement that I made to the martingale betting system that have also been self-published on Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more. The time spent on the keyboard helps to fill in a few hours of each day and helps to keep my mind distant from the mornings conversations that invariably cover doom and gloom topics.Now that I have written all that I care to about gambling, I have diversified from that subject matter. I recently wrote a booklet that explains a diet that I follow daily titled “A Diet for The Body’s Needs, Not for Its Wants”. After self-publishing this booklet, I have an idea for a non-religious short story that I may title “Life After Death, Eternal Revelations of What Could Have Been”.I hate to admit it, but if it were not for the many hours that I spend on the Internet the days would be very long! The computer has become my main source of entertainment and has been well worth the $389.00 pesos or $21usd monthly fee for the telephone and for modem. Also included with these services are all local, national and international land line calls to the USA and Canada. These services are all included with my subscription to Telmex and Infinitum, Mexico’s largest telephone and Internet network!I no longer miss living in the USA.Since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, Guadalajara offers much of what can be found today in any given metropolis in the USA: Shopping malls, movie theaters, cultural events, gambling casinos, convenience stores, super markets, fast food establishments, restaurants, car dealerships etc. For example:In Guadalajara’s high-end Andares Plaza, there are many familiar brand name stores: Calvin Klein Jeans, Victoria’s Secret, Dockers, Nespresso, Brooks Brothers, Subway, Great American Cookies, Pretzel Maker, GNC, Apple MacStore, Best Buy, AT&T, Steren Shop, Radio Shack, Movistar, Starbucks Coffee, Krispy Kreme, Levi’s, Rolex and others that I am not familiar with as I have not returned to the USA for the past 28 years nor have I lived there for any length of time during the past 47.Throughout the metropolis, there are many other well with known outlets: Walmart, Sam’s, Costco, Office Depot, Home Depot, Office Max, Outback, Red Lobster, Chilis, I Hopp, UPS, Federal Express, DHL, Waldo’s, Dairy Queen, Black Coffee, 7 Eleven, Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep, Mini, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Little Ceaser’s, McDonalds, Carl Juniors, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Applebees, Dennys, Sirloin Stockade etc. And when take out with home delivery is preferred, just call UberEATS.Many American foods can be found in a few stores that specialize only in products from the USA. There are even “As advertised on T.V.” stores that can be found in a few shopping malls. Many US companies that previously exported their products to Mexico, are now being manufactured here: IBM, Flextronics, Hewlet Packard, Herbalife and many others. Several North American products are manufactured in Mexico under licensing agreements with reputable Mexican companies: Pringles potato chips, Mars and Hersey chocolates, Coca and Pepsi Cola, McCormick Mayonnaise, Del Monte Catsup, Kraft Cheese, Campbell´s soups, an assortment of Great Value and Procter&Gamle products, Crosse&Blackwell, Hunts BBQ sauce etc.The Americanization of Guadalajara gradually began prior to the North American Free Trade Agreement. However, consumers could only purchase large ticket items with cash. Since the implementation of NAFTA, many jobs have been created and the standard of living for many Mexican nationals has improved. Just like in the USA, a considerable percentage of Mexico’s population can now purchase anything that they want on credit.Welcome to the country of the Mexican Dream!US TV in Guadalajara.Twenty-four seven, 365 days of the year, most, if not all, US TV programing can be accessed and watched in the comfort of one’s home. There are several satellite and cable networks to choose from that offer news, movies, sports, sitcoms and documentaries on well-known channels such as Warner, Disney, History, Discovery, Cinemax, Showtime CBS, NBC, ABC FOX, CNN, ESPN and MSNBC, all transmitted in English. And if cable is not wanted, multiple US news channels can be seen at http://www.zahipedia.net.Depending on the company contracted, a basic package, that offers a limited choice of sitcom and movie channels in English, start around $245 pesos or $13usd/month.A few free channels can be watched on http://watch.ustvnow.com “TV for U.S. Military Service Members and Americans Abroad”. A variety of additional channels can be subscribed to for a monthly fee.Netflix is also available.Public Transportation.Regardless of where anyone lives in Guadalajara, a bus stop is usually only a short walk away. Students and the elderly ride for free with special “transvale” tickets. A one-way fare is $7.00 pesos or $0.39usd. For those in possession of a federal INAPAM (Instituto Nacional para las Personas Adultas Mayores) senior citizens discount card, the price is reduced by 50%. As I take an average of 3 busses, my daily transportation expenses total $10.50 pesos or $0.58usd.There are a few bus lines that charge $10 and $12 pesos, $0.54 and $ 0.65usd respectively, that offer more comfortable seating, air-conditioning, fewer stops and more direct routes, but no discounts.Upon presenting the INAPAM card with a pictured ID, traveling to any destination throughout the country is also half the normal price. On a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, the round-trip fare that costs $1,080 pesos or $58usd was only $540 pesos or $29usd.Graffiti free, clean and modern, the above and below ground Metro Buses, electric trains “tren lijeros”, taxis and Uber services provide economical travel to any part of Guadalajara.A 20-mile cab fare to the international airport on the opposite end of town from where I live costs $280 pesos or $15usd. A ride to a terminal that will get me on a bus to P.V. costs $120 pesos or $6.47usd. For $90 pesos or $4.87usd a cab will take me to a closer location where I can access buses to points south of Puerto Vallarta.In a few designated zones on the outskirts of the city, a relatively new form of transportation service is available: Three-wheel motor vehicles that can carry up to 4 passengers, including the driver, for short distances.Owning a Car in Mexico.My wife recently upgraded her 2007 Nissan Sentra to a 2012 Honda Civic. Full insurance coverage on this vehicle for one-year cost $5,666 pesos or $306usd.It appears that an important part of the NAFTA will soon be implemented that will allow foreign oil companies to compete with Mexico’s Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX. As there is currently no competition to this federally owned gasoline monopoly, the cost per liter was recently increased. The PEMEX Magna now costs $16.26 pesos or $0.88usd per liter and the PEMEX Premium $18.19 pesos or $0.98usd per liter. The price per gallon cost is approximately $3.33 and $3.72usd respectively.The annual registration fee for the Honda was for $450 peso or $24usd. There is also a yearly emissions test that usually requires a major tune-up. This once a year expense was for $1,500 pesos or $81usd.Toll roads are much safer, but costly. For example, according to Mexico’s SCT (Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes) the cost for a round trip visit to Puerto Vallarta from Guadalajara for tolls and gasoline is for approximately $1,486 pesos or $80usd for a 4-cylinder automobile.Driving in this city is no longer fun! Total concentration is required to maneuver through Guadalajara’s heavy traffic. Since the implementation of The North American Free Trade Agreement the streets have been literally inundated with automobiles and motorcycles as these vehicles can now be purchased on credit.With so many vehicles on the streets, body shops are doing a thriving business! When involved in any accident, even the tiniest of fender benders, the law requires that the vehicles involved remain exactly where the accident occurred until the proper authorities arrive to fill out the paperwork. This can take a few hours and will pretty much ruin anyone’s well planned day along with those drivers who are unable to get past this potential crime scene.The country’s judicial system continues to be based on Napoleonic law. Whenever any blood is shed, the accident becomes a felony.Where can I meet North Americans?The weekly Guadalajara Reporter at http://theguadalajarareporter.net/ lists the time and dates of many social activities that take place in the city or at nearby Lake Chapala some 50 kilometers or 30 miles south, where many Americans and Canadians have opted to reside.Several expatriates can be found at the luncheons offered by the American Society (AMSOC) on Thursday afternoons. Open mornings Monday thru Saturday from 10am to early afternoon, this nonprofit organization offers a 60-inch TV screen for those who want to keep abreast of world events. There is also a large English book and movie library for its members. AMSOC can be contacted at 312-123-95, [email protected] or at The American Society of Jalisco, A.C.. At Lake Chapala, there is a similar organization called the Lake Chapala Society. There is also an American Legion.Health care in Mexico.Before visiting Mexico, it would be advisable to read your health insurance policy to be well informed of your coverage prior to traveling outside of the USA.Citizens and legal residents of Mexico have several choices for their health care needs. There are many pharmacies in this city that offer a consultation with a licensed doctor for as little as $30.00 pesos or $1.62usd. Once an ailment has been diagnosed, the patient is given a prescription that can be filled at that pharmacy.Guadalajara offers two inexpensive hospitals for those who have no health insurance and are short of cash. Reasonable fees are charged for consultations with specialists, lab work, X rays etc. For example, the following prices are for a few of the services offered by these Jalisco state run Civil Hospitals:Consultation with a specialist: $80 pesos or $4.32usd.Cost per night in a shared room: $600 pesos or $32.43usd.Lab tests: $100 to $1,500 pesos or $5.41 to $81.08usd.X rays and magnetic resonance: $300 to $5,000 pesos or $16.22 to $270,27usd.The Cruz Verde is unique to the State of Jalisco offering inexpensive 911 emergency response medical services. This organization has their own outpatient ward and charges modest fees for their services. The ambulance is free.Since the Vicente Fox administration, any citizen or resident throughout the country can be accepted into the Seguro Popular that is essentially a free health care system. An 80 plus year old lady friend of mine who had registered for this program recently underwent major surgery and chemotherapy at no cost to her.Across the street from the McDonalds that my friends and I frequent, there is a Dairy Queen, Jeffrey’s Pasteleria, a North American owned cake, pie and cookie store, Pizza Hut, a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet, and a laboratory named Salud Digna. Prescription eye glasses start at $180 pesos or $10usd. A second pair can be purchased at a 50% discount. An electrocardiogram costs $100 peso or $5usd; X rays go for $140 pesos or $8usd each; Blood tests range from $130 to $360 pesos or $7 to $19usd.The I.M.S.S. (Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social) that has many hospitals and clinics nationwide, is the working man’s health care and pension program. However, those individuals who work independently can be covered by the same health care program by paying a yearly fee. My brother in law who is 72 years old, recently paid $7,600.00 pesos or $411usd, for one year’s coverage. He is coverage for any contingency with the exception of a precondition. This will be covered when he has been affiliated with this institution for a minimum of two years.The Instituto del Seguro Social para los Trabajadores del Estado, I.S.S.T.E. is primarily for those employees who work for the state government.As my wife, brother in law and a few of my friends who are now older than 65 years of age, have cancelled their private health care insurance policies because of the expensive premiums that are substantially increased every year. A few of them have recently enrolled into the IMSS and a few of them have decided to use the Seguro Popular or the Civil Hospital health care systems.A close friend of mine who is also 72 years old, recently dropped his private health insurance and will opt for the same IMSS coverage as my brother in law by paying a yearly premium of $7,600 pesos. As he has decided that it is very unlikely that he will ever return to the United States, he is in the process of canceling his Medicare part B coverage for $113usd per month as it cannot be used in Mexico. Once cancelled, a portion of this additional income will be used to pay for the $411usd IMSS coverage. In the meantime, he has signed up with the Seguro Popular.To lessen the financial burden upon my demise, every year I renew my funeral expense policy that will cover all costs related to this event except for a burial plot. I recently renewed this policy that cost me, a 71-year-old man, $1,350 pesos or $72.97usd.------A recent hospital experience.A few weeks ago, a close friend who had been suffering from chronic back pain, acute anemia, type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer, was unable to answer his telephone or to open his front door. Fortunately, he had disclosed the hiding place of a spare key to a mutual friend who was accompanying me that day. Upon entering the house, we found him sprawled on the floor where he had fallen several hours earlier. As he was too weak to stand he was unable to access his phone to call one of us or 911. He knew that both of us were coming over for coffee that morning so he impatiently waited for our arrival.We called an ambulance and 45 minutes later he was in the emergency room at the nearby Arboledas Hospital. The ambulance service charged $1,100 pesos or $59usd. As he had no health insurance nor a credit card, a $15,000-peso or $811usd cash deposit was required for his admission to a private room.An endoscopy procedure for $9,500 pesos or $514usd and $1,000 pesos or $54usd for the anesthetic resulted in a stomach ulcer discovery. A back-X ray that cost $590 pesos or $32usd, detected a vertebral hernia. He also had two blood transfusions for $5000 pesos each or $270usd. The overnight charge for a private room was for $1,650 pesos or $89usd.His blood sugar levels were far from normal when he arrived but after a two-night stay for $44,135 pesos or $2,386usd, his blood sugar count was back to normal, the stomach ulcer was healing and the pain killers for his back kept him comfortable while he regained enough strength to be discharged.His internist prescribed the following medicines that were purchased at a nearby branch of Farmacias Guadalajara. The doctor’s consultation fee at the hospital totaled $4,000 pesos or $216usd during my friend’s recovery period of approximately 45 hours. Future consultation fees at the doctor’s office would be for $700 pesos or $38usd each.1. Glucerna SR powder400gr $335.98 or $18usd.2. Ulsen PCS 40mg 14 capsules $275.10 or $15usd.3. Paracetamol 500mg 20 tablets $12.50 or $0.68usd.4. Tradol 50mg 10 capsules $270.75 or $15usd.5. Metformina 850mg 30 tablets $13.49 or $0.73usd.6. Galvus Met 50mg/850mg compressed 30 tablets $397.67 or $22usd7. Two liquid Enemas of Fosfato Fosfanema (Phosphate) 133ml each having a of cost $76.08 or $4usd. These 8 items totaled $1,382 pesos or $75.41usd.------Last week, my friend had a relapse.Since his release from the hospital, we noticed that his strength was slowly diminishing. When we were informed that he had fallen two times the night before, we returned him to the same hospital where he spent 3 nights. The cost for this visit that included three blood transfusions was slightly above $32,000 pesos or $1,730usd.On the day of his discharge, he was able to walk confidently with the aid of a walker. The following day, we took him to a urologist who charged $700 pesos or $38usd for the consultation. He prescribed the following three medicines for the prostate treatment:1. Zoladex 10.8mg, one every 3 months. $10,940 pesos or $592usd.2. Calutol 50mg tablets, one/day. $1,653 pesos or $89usd.3. Zometa 4mg solution, one/month. $6,717 pesos or $363usd.These three items totaled $19,310 pesos or $1,044usd.Assisted living.Although he was improving at a noticeable pace, his three children flew in from Toronto and Utah after they had been notified of his condition. They insisted that he spend at least one month in an assisted living facility until he regained his strength. He is now staying at the Casa Eugenia, [email protected], another property of theArboledas Hospital owners that is located one block away.A private room at this facility cost $1,000 pesos/night or $54usd for short stays, $16,000 pesos/month or $865usd for a semi private room, $21,000 pesos/month or $1,135usd for a private room and $23,000 pesos/month or $1,243usd for a slightly larger private room.Dentistry.Yesterday at our Saturday morning coffee/breakfast gathering, I saw something that I had never seen or heard of before. A bite guard. The granddaughter of one of our group had just recently been fitted for this thin transparent bite guard. I asked the young child’s grandmother what it was for. She told me that it was for giving support for a loose tooth.This device was exactly what I needed as I also had the same problem. She told me that it cost $500 pesos or $27usd.On the way home, I stopped at Especialidades Odontológicas, that can be contacted at http://especialidades-drrex.com. While there, I asked the receptionist for prices. My bite guard was going to cost $800 pesos or $43usd. Fillings cost $600 pesos or $32usd and a root canal for $3,500 pesos or $189usd. An X ray cost $200 pesos or $11usd and a bridge for one front tooth is going to cost $2,500 pesos or $135usd.------What it costs to live in Guadalajara.A few years before I received my first benefit check from the Veterans Administration in June of 2007, my wife received an inheritance that was used to purchase our home. Our combined monthly income from Uncle Sam and the Mexican Social Security pension program is more than enough to cover our needs. We each receive a monthly deposit of $2,721 pesos or $147usd from the Mexican government. I receive a monthly income of 1,061usd or $19,629 pesos that is deposited to a Texas bank. From this amount, I give my wife $4,767 pesos or $258usd that gives her a combined monthly income of $7,488 pesos or $405usd.With a declared total monthly income of $25,071 pesos or $1,355usd, less my wife’s monthly income, a balance of $17,583 pesos or $950usd remains for our fixed and miscellaneous expenses.When there are no major household or auto repairs, occasionally I have been able to save up to $2,500 pesos or $135usd in one month. There are some months when I have increased my Mexican peso savings by taking advantage of a strong dollar and weak peso rate of exchange.These savings pay for restaurant outings or for short inexpensive trips to Puerto Vallarta, Cuyutlan, or Barra de Navidad, all located on the beautiful Pacific coast only a few hours away by car or by bus.The Mrs. saves most of her monthly income for car upgrades that takes place every few years.Based on the above numbers, the combined fixed and miscellaneous expenses average $27.17/day totaling $815usd/month.Monthly expenses:Telephone and Internet:$389 pesos or $21.03usd.Cellular phone:$60 pesos or $3.24usd.Gated community maintenance fee:$580 pesos or $31.35usd.Electricity: $157 pesos or $8.49usd.In our residential area, the government owned electric company CFE, Comision Federal de Electricidad, subsidizes 85% of the cost.Natural Gas: $183 pesos or $9.89usd at $7.07pesos/liter. This expense will increase by approximately 14% when the tank is refilled this year as the price is now $8.08 pesos/liter or $0.44usd.Four days per month maid service:$1,125 pesos or $60.81usd.Basic cable service for two TVs:$245 pesos or $13.24usd.My wife’s income:$7,488 pesos or $405usd.Yearly expenses:Water: $750 pesos or $41usd ($62.50 pesos/month).Property tax on our one million pesos or $54,054usd house: $486pesos or $26usd ($40.50 pesos/month).We carry no household insurance.Auto collision and liability insurance: $5,666 or $$306usd ($472.17 pesos/month).Tune up with emissions verification: $1,500 or $81usd ($125 pesos/month).Auto registration: $450 or $24usd ($37.50 pesos/month).Gross monthly income = $25,071 pesos or $1,355usd.Less the Mrs.’ income = $7,488 pesos or $405usdNet monthly income = $17,583 pesos or $950usd.Total monthly expenses = $10,965 pesos or $593usd.Miscellaneous expenses = $4,110 pesos $222usd.Average monthly surplus = $2,500 pesos or $135usd.Staying safe in Guadalajara.In my personal situation, my wife and I have resided in a gated community for the past 4 years. We have 24/7 security guards that work closely with the local police. Our home security consists of two chihuahuas who bark at any noise.For those of you who are concerned about the violence in Mexico, you are not alone. As much of it appears to be drug related, simply avoid those areas where that kind of trouble occurs. When we do find ourselves at the wrong place at the wrong time, it is just part of living that can happen in any city, state or country that we choose to visit or to live in!When driving, it is advisable to keep the car doors locked and the windows rolled up. When walking, stay on the main streets. An evening strolls depends on the security of the area. I find it best to avoid this nocturnal activity. The rule of thumb of course, is to always use your street smarts.------Depending on the emergency within the Guadalajara Metropolitan area, calling 911 will send the police, firemen or an ambulance.The American Consulate can be contacted at 326-821-00 for advice on handling other problems.------Emigrating to Mexico.I am by no means an expert in Mexican immigration law. Therefore, it would be advisable, and in some instances necessary, to first contact a Mexican Consulate and/or an immigration attorney for a consultation concerning your specific needs and who can also offer assistance in obtaining resident, working or citizenship papers.According to “Mexico On My Mind”, at https://www.mexicoonmymind.com , to become a temporary resident in Mexico one needs to present proof of income for approximately $2,000usd for an individual, $3,000usd for a married couple and an additional 25% for each family dependent.I have heard that these amounts can vary when an applicant is married to a Mexican National, owns a home, or choses to reside in a small or medium size town.For approximately $22usd, a 180-day tourist visa can be obtained upon entering Mexico. I have been told that this amount is included in the airline fare or is paid separately when crossing the border by car or by bus.Prior to making any decision about permanently moving to Mexico, I strongly suggest using the full six months of a tourist visa. Since 1970 I have known several expatriates who have gotten frustrated with the different aspects of the Mexican culture after having gone through the immigration process. I have always suggested that any major decision such as buying a home or marrying a Mexican national should not be made until a minimum of 6 to 18 months have been spent getting familiar with the ways of the people and getting to know what the country has to offer. Mexico is not for everyone!Since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement I have been told that it has become much easier to acquire papers to work in this country. However, there are still several hoops that need to be jumped through.An immigration lawyer will prove to be invaluable for obtaining legal status in Mexico. If the plan is to start a business, a good accountant will also be needed!Language.Do not be too concerned if you do not speak Spanish. Most residents of Guadalajara have a fair knowledge of English. Spanish courses are readily available throughout the city for a reasonable per hour price.In Conclusion.Both of my parents were born in the State of New York. My father taught high school biology and every summer he would take my mother and myself on a two-month cross country drive to California.My grandfather was of Spanish- Mexican decent and graduated from the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City when it was a military academy. He graduated in the late 1800’s or in early 1900’s and then deserted.For graduation, his parents bought him a round trip steamer ticket to New York City. Instead returning to fulfill his 8-year military obligation that he owed Mexico for his schooling, he cashed in the return ticket and taught Spanish and fencing in NYC.He married a woman who had recently arrived from Spain by the name of Martha Fox and then moved to Buffalo, NY. – I have always wondered if his wife’s family was related to Vicente Fox, a fairly recent president of Mexico.As this story goes, I was told that my grandfather asked my parents to visit Mexico to look up his relatives and let them know that he was alright. He had not communicated with them since his desertion for fear of being tracked down by the Mexican authorities. If found, he could have been forced back to Mexico, stood trial for desertion and would have probably served a long prison sentence.I was probably 8 years old when my parents first visited Mexico in 1953. Our first stop was Guanajuato where my grandfather used to live. I mention this only to point out that the family of the former president Vicente Fox was also from Guanajuato.After locating his relatives in Mexico City, we traveled throughout Mexico and discovered Guadalajara. Until their passing some decades ago, every summer vacation was spent in this city. We lived here for two years from 1956 through 1958 when my father took a two-year leave of absence from his high school teaching position. While I was completing my four-year enlistment in the US Coast Guard, my father retired in the summer of 1969, sold our home and brought my mother to live permanently in Guadalajara.My father passed on during the following month of October. I was given a four month early honorable discharge and returned to Guadalajara to be with my mother. I have been here ever since.Guadalajara has been my home for approximately 50 years and I have never regretted leaving the USA nor for having made the decision to live here permanently. When I initially moved here, there were a few things that I missed from the USA. These can now be found in Guadalajara. What I do not miss is the cold, rain, sleet, snow and constant overcast that prevailed in my hometown of Endicott, New York!The author can be contacted at: [email protected]

From https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/dl_info#idcardIdentification (ID) cardsDMV issues ID cards to persons of any age. The ID card looks like a driver license, but is used for identification purposes only. A regular ID card is valid for six years, and a senior citizen ID card is valid for 10 years. To qualify for a senior citizen ID card, you must be age 62 or older.Reduced-fee ID cardYou may pay a reduced application fee for an original or renewal identification card if you meet income requirements from a public assistance program. If you are eligible, the governmental or non-profit program will give you a completed Verification for Reduced Fee Identification Card form (DL 937) to take to DMV to apply for your reduced fee identification card.See your local public assistance program agency for information about eligibility requirements and obtaining a DL 937 form.How to apply for or renew an identification (ID) cardDMV issues two types of ID cards. A regular ID card valid for six years, and a senior citizen ID card valid for 10 years. To qualify for a senior citizen ID card, you must be age 62 or older.To apply for an ID card you will need to do the following:Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service).Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44). An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.Give a thumb print.Have your picture taken.Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.Verify your birth date and legal presence (you may use your California driver license). If your current name no longer matches the name on your BP/LP document, see "True Full Name" and "How to Change Your Name" for more information.Present your acceptable residency documents if you have never had a California driver license or California identification card.Pay the application fee. (No fee for a senior citizen ID card.)