Can You Count, Suckers? Can You Dig It?

By Andy

Lately, I've felt as though I've needed some extra motivation to accomplish things. I got that recently in the form of some Skype video chats with two foreign women, respectively. It's amazing how just seeing a person I've been keeping in contact with for quite a while since our last meeting in person can brighten my mood and renew hope for the next real life meeting. I also believe that what could help myself and like-minded individuals in completing our tasks, accomplishing our goals and traveling abroad without fear, is some inspiration. I recently saw a movie clip, and was moved by it so much that my wishful thinking took command and now, I feel as though The Happier Abroaders need the same kind of inspiration.

The scene in question is from the 1979 film "The Warriors" directed by Walter Hill. In the beginning of the movie, there is a large gathering of gangs in a park. These are various fictional gangs from throughout New York City. They have different names and represent different and various areas of the city. Now, the plot of the movie really has nothing to do with Happier Abroad or its followers, but the fact that several gangs can congregate in a park for a summit kind of represents the diverse community that is Happier Abroad, even though Happier Abroad nor The Happier Abroaders are a gang.

Cyrus, the leader of the most powerful gang in New York City, summons all the city's gangs to convene at a park, where he is also the speaker. The powerful speech that he delivers is what I believe Happier Abroad sometimes needs. Those of us in the Happier Abroad movement are sharing our success stories and are inspiring others any which way we can. But, there are some newcomers out there who are still skeptical and even some more seasoned folks like myself who are kind of in a slump, and lacking that energy, that "mojo." Sometimes we need our own Cyrus to redeem ourselves so that we don't lose sight of our goals.

The script from that scene, written by David Shaber, from the novel by Sol Yurick, has been tailored by yours truly to fit the theme and mission of Happier Abroad. There are no intentions to plagiarize the original work or produce any profits, only to cite it as inspirational and for entertainment purposes. http://www.whysanity.net/monos/warriors.html Watch the video below first, so you can get an idea of how riveting the scene in and of itself is. Now, when that same energy is brought over to Happier Abroad, I think it's the catalyst that our collective needs. By the way, wouldn't that be fascinating if, one day, our numbers were so high, we could congregate in a more formal setting for our own convention?

Hey, everything starts with a dream. In the meantime, enjoy.

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"Can you count, suckers? I say, the future is ours...if you can count! Now, look what we have here before us. You got expats and seasoned veterans sharing their wisdom with aspiring young lads and newcomers to the movement. We've got young and old from all walks of life, different backgrounds, various parts of the country, and all corners of the globe. Nobody is holding a grudge against nobody. That...is remarkable. And remarkable is the way things ought to be. 

You're embarking on a journey that will take you nearly 200 countries. And there's more to that story. I'm talking about countries like Ukraine having 3 million more women than men. I'm talking about six dollars getting you a full, nutritious meal in Thailand. One dollar can get you a beer in Prague, and the cost of round-trip airfare abroad costs much less than a Super Bowl ticket. That's a cheaper, saner cost of living combined with genuine, sensible people you wouldn't even find in your own neighborhood, who would cherish the opportunity just to meet you. Now, the cost of getting a passport is just over $100. Can you dig it? Can you dig it? Can you dig it?

Now, here's the sum total: One group can make a change in this world! One group. Nothing changes overnight, but collectively and individually, we can take steps to making life better for ourselves. We can meet new and interesting people, broaden our minds and set an example of what's right on this earth. Because the world is our oyster, suckers! Can you dig it? 

The problem in America has been feminism turning men and women against one another. For too many years, we were unable to see the truth, because we were too busy complaining, being indignant and fighting amongst ourselves. We threw in the towel, and traded solutions and the pursuit of happiness for a life of bitterness and contempt. That's crap, my fellow brethren! The pursuit of happiness is ours by right, because it's our turn. All we have to do is continue to go against the current of mainstream society by going abroad. We improve our group and ourselves one day at a time. Secure our future...get out in the world and actually live...because it's our world!