An Expat’s Guide to the US Debt Problem

So who do I have to sleep with to get some Reese’s in this country?

I have actually asked that question.  I kid you not.  Although we (luckily) have peanut butter and Hershey’s products here in the ROK, I have yet to find Reese’s.  But there is an actual answer to my question – sleep with someone on base.  A military base that is.  Apparently that is where the stashes of all unobtainable US goods are held.  Imagine me standing in front of the base gates with a cardboard sign and black permanent marker: WILL DATE FOR CHOCOLATE.  Sure, I’d get some takers no problem, but that solution just isn’t going to work for me and my moral compass.

It’s not just about the chocolate though.  It’s about all the things that are difficult to find here…sour cream, salty chips, pretzels, limes, OTC drugs, anti-frizz hair products, pre-made cookie dough, decent deodorant, etc.  And in countries ’round the world, expats everyday are obsessing over their cravings and need for whatever products are not available in their country.

Here’s my answer, which I think is a rather good win-win situation.  The US government should start putting small import stores for civilians just outside of the bases.  Not ON the bases because then we can’t access them unless we are with someone, but close enough to the base to still be governed by the US.  Then, tax the goods and send the taxes back to the US to help them out of debt.  Sure it may seem like a mere pittance to the US, but consider it like your piggy bank.  Every penny counts right?  And it will mean the world to your civilian expats.

Think about it Mr. President and hit me up when you make it happen.