A DECISION MUCH CONSIDERED—WHICH I AM ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH—
TO RETUN TO EUROPE
One of the great ambition of my life was to live in the U.S. for a while, but—strangely enough, and subject to brief periods of temptation—I have never particularly wanted to be an American, or even to settle in the U.S..
I identify with the country to a significant extent, and am a decidedly interested (if frustrated) supporter and observer—but I have never been seriously tempted to become a citizen (although I have certainly thought about it).
I guess I like the feeling of independence being a European brings me, my values are European, and I am entirely out of sympathy with the current U.S. business model—and the Right Wing in general.
In truth, it is more than that. Blatant social injustice and racism upset me—and they remain widespread in the U.S. That concerns me more than I can express. I was brought up to be socially aware by my much loved grandmother—herself a very wealthy woman—and I have never lost that sense of obligation. I just don’t believe in rugged individualism and blatant social inequity.
I think the richest nation in the world could, and should, do a better job of looking after its own people—all its own people. I think the fact that it doesn’t should concern a great deal more people than it seems to.
That said, I shall miss my American friends greatly—though hope we shall remain in touch. Still, it is my experience that inward-looking Americans are no great shakes at correspondence if the other party is physically outside the U.S. It’s a psychological thing.
We shall see.
I flew out from Seattle late afternoon—looking forward to a new adventure.
The last one had its ups and downs—what adventure does not—but, overall, worked out pretty well.
Thank you, America.
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