Larry Croft served his country as an aviation electronic technician in the U.S. Navy during the period 1955-1959 and, after returning to civilian life, has worked as a computer programmer, accountant, auditor and fraud analyst in the transportation, forest products, insurance, advertising and banking industries.
In addition, he pursued his interest in aviation by earning a commercial pilot license with both flight instructor and instrument flight instructor ratings.
Why Ecuador?
I get this question a lot. Here’s why.
People say this about America: If you don't love it, leave it. That’s where I am.
More specifically, I’m fed up with the direction the country is going – a direction brought about by the growing infestation of liberalism.
My wife and I visited Quito, Ecuador in 2005 and still like everything we remember, especially the low, low cost of living.
American voters will continue sending What's in it for me? politicians to Washington.
After Trump leaves the Oval Office, whether one term or two terms, American voters will enthusiastically send an ultra-liberal replacement with high hopes that the government will grow more than ever with costly social programs.
Metaphorically speaking, the country will be like a house without a dog; it will not be a home.
I have paid federal and state income taxes since 1955 – age 17, 63 years ago – and since retirement, I realize I get customer service quality from Washington ranking a mere 1 on a scale of 10, about the same as from private sector customer service call centers. Not a good return on investment over a 63-year period.
People tell me the Ecuadorian government is no better than the flawed United States government and I will not better my lot in life. These are people who, without exception, belittle Ecuador just before snickering and walking away without extending to me the courtesy of an intellectual discussion.
Perhaps they are right but I’ll take my chances. I have followed United States politics at the national level since retiring. I strongly believe I am much more informed than the typical person on the street regardless of his or her station in life. I have researched the Ecuadorian government structure as well.
I have been rewarded very well living the American way of life with veteran and social security benefits, including Medicare, along with the conveniences, safety and security we all enjoy. Employment in the private sector has rewarded me well for the most part too.
However, in my blissful ignorance and like many people today, I paid absolutely zero attention to current events in and out of politics.
If ignorance is bliss for me in Ecuador as it once was in the United States, then, good for me.
Larry Croft
September 28, 2018