The Life in My Years

At the end of this short post is a link to another short blog written by Jane Fritz, an American expat, now a Canadian citizen. Her piece and the op-ed included in her piece describe what I feared would happen with the election of Donald Trump

The “king” on his throne boasted of “a golden age.” “The golden age of America begins right now,” said the newly minted “king.”

Let’s pause to reflect on some recent ages in American history.

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Post-World War II: America had helped to save the world from tyranny. Lady Liberty had beaten back the villain and was helping to rebuild Europe. America could do no wrong. Granted America had plenty of problems of its own but by and large it was as close to a future president’s vision of a “shining city,” as it could achieve.

Vietnam and the 1960’s and 1970’s: The luster had worn off. America, in its paranoia of Communism, meddled in the affairs of sovereign nations around the world, while waging an unpopular war in Southeast Asia. I remember those days. I remember the massive demonstrations, complete with burning flags and effigies, amassed in front of U.S. embassies. It was iffy for Americans to travel to certain areas of the world. “They hate us,” we used to say.

September 11, 2001: It took some time to put a shine back on a tarnished image. America had regained some respect around the world, but she was still not the most popular kid on the block. And then on that horrific morning of September 11, 2001, America learned that it had friends aplenty. Friends that offered aid and comfort. During the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attack, thirty-eight planes carrying over 6,000 passengers were allowed to land in various airports around Canada. Americans were given shelter and comfort. It was called Operation Yellow Ribbon.

A short time later, many of our friends and allies offered more than safe harbor. They offered their lives, their national treasures and their reputations, taking part in two endless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (in the latter they even humored President George W. Bush’s bogus claim of WMD).

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And now through the irresponsible actions and belligerent rhetoric of its “king,” who was chosen by a small minority of the electorate, and is backed by a feckless party of forelock tuggers and bootlickers, America has embarked on a course bullying and isolationism. Despite what the “king” proclaims, America is more vulnerable than it has been in decades, maybe in its entire history. America’s “king” has appointed a cabinet of worthless and unqualified sycophants, particularly in the areas of defense and national security. Another 9/11 is easily within the realm of possibility and if and when that new assault occurs it is also within the realm of possibility that our former friends will tell us to ‘go kick rocks.’

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Once again, we can sadly say, “They hate us.” Some in MAGA wear that as a badge of honor. America as the Western anti-hero, the world’s Clint Eastwood portraying, The Outlaw Josey Wales. There’s no honor or heroism in being hated.

My wife and I have been travelling during our retirement years. We’d planned a trip to Vietnam but we’ve scrapped those plans. We cancelled partially because of money concerns, but also because we’re mortified over America’s disgrace.

Because once again, “They hate us.”

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I’m angry. But more so, I’m saddened. Americans who travel abroad, either for business or for pleasure, will carry the stain of its monstrous “king.”

I suppose that at some point, America will regain some measure of respect and win back some of its friends. Just as in any relationship, trust has to be earned back. It will take decades. It will take hard work. And it will take a large – a gargantuan – dose or humility. And truth be told, the trust and friendship may never return.

Should we have expected anything different from a “king” who has, throughtout his lifetime, mistreated his friends?

From the bottom of my heart – I am sorry, world.

Something I think Americans really need to read