Lecturing in his Social Issues and Movements class, University Adjunct Sociology Professor Chuck Hunt explains why he plans to move to Canada after he retires.
Chuck Hunt is no stranger to Canada.
In 1973, Hunt, who is currently a University adjunct sociology professor, moved up north to escape the perils of the Vietnam War. There, he met his wife, Kathy, before returning to the United States in 1985 to pursue a doctoral degree from the University.
Now, at a time when thousands of Americans say they are considering relocating to Canada because of President Bush’s re-election, Hunt says he will be returning. But his reasoning isn’t as simple as his timing makes it seem.
Hunt said the sociology department is “phasing out” adjunct faculty positions so retirement is imminent and the cost for both he and his wife to stay on a health care plan would be almost $1,100 per month.
“Given that situation, I had no choice,” Hunt said.
Hunt said President Bush’s re-election only served as a reinforcement to a decision that had already been made.
“We have an international war criminal as President, following policies that are against international human rights and international treaties of laws,” Hunt said.
Hunt said he will retire in June 2005 and move to British Columbia with his wife soon after.
Had Sen. John Kerry won the election, Hunt said he would still be leaving, not just because of health care costs but because Kerry did not run on an anti-war platform and made no overt denunciation of the torture of Iraqi prisoners taking place under the current administration.
“The only thing I heard him say was he was willing to do anything, with no limitations, to defeat terrorism,” Hunt said.
If Hunt did have access to an affordable health care plan he said his decision would “probably not” be any different.
“I’ve been fighting for change in this country since I was 12,” Hunt said. “I’m tired of beating my head against the wall.”
Unlike most Americans considering a move to Canada at this time, Hunt said he will have no difficulty returning to the country he lived in for 12 years despite his lack of Canadian citizenship.
“I don’t think Canada’s going to tell Kathy she can’t come back in,” Hunt said, referring to his wife’s Canadian citizenship. “I’m part of her furniture.”
Hunt said one of the reasons his wife never gave up her Canadian citizenship was so the two could easily relocate.
He said he will still retain his U.S citizenship as he did when he first lived in Canada, just in case he ever feels the need to flee the country.
Hunt said there is always a possibility of a country becoming unlivable for someone who values democracy and freedom, but said he always suspected the United States would be the first offender.
“I had little doubt about which direction we would flee,” Hunt said.
Sophomore Sophie Bloch, a student in Hunt’s Social Issues and Movements class, said she is saddened by Hunt’s decision but not surprised.
“He really sees the world for what it is,” Bloch said.
Bloch said Hunt mentioned his possible retirement and move to Canada in a class last year.
Hunt made it clear that his decision was a result of Canada’s superior health care system combined with the “overall conscientious difference” of Canada compared to the United States, Bloch said.
Associate sociology professor Michael Dreiling said Hunt’s retirement will definitely be a loss for the students, faculty and staff at the
University.
“Chuck has left an incredible legacy,” Dreiling said. “He reminds people to stay on that kind of critical edge.”
Bloch agreed.
“He has a very powerful role on campus,” Bloch said.
Hunt said he is not abandoning the progressive movement and will be actively involved in some pressing environmental issues in Canada.
Canada is light years ahead of the United States in the progressive movement, Hunt said, but there are still many issues that deserve attention.
Though Hunt admits he is saddened at the thought of leaving his country, he said leaving is really the only thing he can do, financially and morally.
The current buzz about an American exodus to Canada is not unprecedented, Hunt said. While under apartheid rule, South Africa experienced a steady exodus of people upset with the overtly racist practices of the South African government.
“That’s the kind of context you can see this in,” Hunt said.
Hunt said the United States has been on a downward spiral for years and has reached a point where a move to Canada may seem to some like the only livable option.
“I would recommend it,” Hunt said.
