Politics & Travels

When I decided to leave the usual 9-5 working world (so common in the U.S.) last year after too many years, I never realized that my true life lessons had just begun.  I’m talking about the lessons we learn from other people, other cultures, and the beliefs and values others have.  I am lucky.  During the la st few months, I have been traveling throughout Europe.  This is the first time I have spent a good deal of time away from the U.S. right before a presidential election.  Always, the first question I am asked by my European friends and other Europeans is, “Who will win Trump or Hillary?” Just the question poses an interesting analysis. Trump, his last name and Hillary, her first name. Why do people do that? Is it because she is a woman? Does the world feel more comfortable with her because we feel we have known her for years?  These conversations can go on for hours about the positive and negative aspects of both candidates.  Of course, the more wine consumed, the longer the conversation.  One thing that is completely different in these discussions with Europeans is their ability to disregard the private-life issues with each candidate. Now, I spend most of my time in France, and we all know the stereotypes (which I absolutely hate) about the French…everyone has affairs, speaking of sex is not taboo, flirting is almost always expected.  Remember, the French President had an affair with an actress recently, which was announced to the world through the media, but it didn’t cause the French people to demand his dismissal or denunciation. So, the French don’t get weighed down with topics that are not substantive.  Their conversations are about the true issues, economy, crime, health care, guns, immigration, foreign affairs, terrorism, climate change, etc.  In the U.S, I do not hear these well-thought out conversations about the 2 candidates (maybe because it’s not politically correct to talk about politics??).  In the U.S., most people I know have one or two reasons to vote for the candidate of their choice.  Many times, the reason has to do with the private-life issues.  In Europe, I am continuously and vigorously informed that this is not just an election for a U.S. President. It is an election for the world. I am urged to communicate to the U.S. voters to think of the world when casting that vote. The world issues are life-changing. People of the world are watching and hoping WE make the correct choice.

In my bewitching and charming city of Paris…where I am incredibly fortunate and humbled that I can live part of the year, immigrants and refugees line the rues (streets) in small camping tents, as the temperatures drop. They are not far from Place de la Republique. Some of their tents have a view of Marianne, the 31 feet bronze statue, who, in France, is the national symbol of freedom, liberty, reason and democracy. I had an up-close view last night of these ripped and torn tents sheltering young men and women, old people and families with small children. I shuddered. This scene is not in some far away suburb of Paris.  It is only a short walk from my tiny but comfortable flat. I realized last night that the Europeans are correct. The U.S. can make a difference in the world. We, the U.S. voters, have the fate of the world in our hands. Hmmmm…no pressure.   -October 21, 2016