From my experience living abroad (a couple years in Central Asia), a lot of American expats try to take America with them when they move to a foreign country. Suffice to say, most, like this author, become incredibly cynical as a result. Yes, local culture can be infuriating. And it's true that the hypocrisy of the state can seem more glaring when it's backed by arbitrary religious fiat. But come on-- complaining about local dress, taxi driver hygiene, or the lack of sweet, sweet cable tv?

Yet the author's original message is actually a good one. Life in the US is pretty damn good, and that's why we all pay a premium for it. There's usually a reason why a given place has a lower cost of living-- you pay for it in other ways instead.