I am an immigrant to the USA. I came to the United States of America while employed by Lufthansa German Airlines. As it turned out, by the time my visa was approved I actually started to work for Air France when I arrived in the USA. This was because Air France needed a French speaking employee. It’s a long story so I’ll spare you the details.
One of the first actions I took on arrival was to register myself (required by law) for the draft. My draft number was 252. Later I received a letter to tell me that my draft status had changed due to prior service in NATO and that I was now head of family. The Vietnam war however, continued.
It took me a while to settle in to the American way of life. There were many wonderful things to get used to.
I should mention that did not opt to leave the U.K. for discontent, simply that I was sked if I would like to go where I could be helpful. I had previously worked in Hamburg for the same reason.
Now to the point f this posting; America was a Great Country, a world leader, a great participant in world affairs and a great contributor and supporter of Democracy and the fight against Communism, poor health and poverty.
So it was with some reason to wonder why Don the Con launched his presidential bid with the slogan to Make America great Again.
Looking back on the events of this past week clearly demonstrates that this was ot his goal. In fact, the opposite has happened during his presidency: the USA is the laughing stock of our former allies throughout Europe and Scandinavia in NATO. The USA is the talk and mirth at vodka drinking parties hosted by Vladimir Putin about how that managed to compromise a a future resident to the point of treason. Donald Trump is a disappointment! He is clear and present danger.
And yet I have friends who still say things like, Yes but what about Hilary Clinton’s emails and one who says, what about ANTIFA – anti first ammendment.
I have reached the regrettable realization that I may have squandered my life. I did a quick count recently and figured that I have visited about 66 countries, and lived for more than 3 years in 3 of them. During this time I completed 14 corporate moves (relocations) and have changed my address more than 23 times. I should have settled on a profession that would have kept me in one place with no packing and unpacking.
When I think of the time I have spent bundling my life into and out of boxes. Ah well, it's all water under the bridge. But I am grateful for the experience. At the end of the day I will be able to say with a certain authority, "been there, done that".
A note about this site’s Header Image The Header image for this site is of the Smith Avenue High Bridge. The bridge was built in 1889 and carries Minnesota State Highway 149 across its span of 2770 feet, 160 feet above the mighty Mississippi River. The picture was taken from the river looking to the north-east and downtown Saint Paul. The bridge is about 1040 miles from New Orleans.
One of the reasons I like this view is that I come from a city which has a spectacular bridge. It’s the Clifton Suspension Bridge http://www.ikbrunel.org.uk/clifton-suspension-bridge which spans the Avon Gorge and the River Avon in Bristol, U.K. It’s about 1350 feet long and stands 245 feet above the river below. Sadly it has claimed the lives of more than 400 people who have committed suicide by jumping from the bridge. As a side note, not all attempts were successful. two small girls thrown off the bridge by their deranged father survived the fall when they were fished from the river by the crew of a passing pilot boat.
The bridge was opened in 1864 and was designed by the 24 year old architect, Isambard Kingdom brunel. It took 35 years to complete.
I believe the nail has been firmly hit upon it’s head.
Unfortunately there is so much fake news out there and many people are desperate to grab hold of something that will continue with their belief system, however flawed that may be, which is why so much fake news does so well.
I think it will take a quite a while for the USA to make good it’s presence on the world stage again, and I don’t believe Biden is the man to do that either but we shall see what unfolds in the next few years.
The bigger you are the harder you fall seems to fit quite well.
Head in hands. The country you left behind is also crippled by a far right, intolerant bunch of Sovreign Individuals who bypass a feeble government to get whatever they desire. The huge irony is that this anti-elite anti establishment bunch have become elite in the extreme and sadly succeeded the establishment.
Interesting to hear how you ended up in the US. I’m one of those people who never believed D T was presidential timber. But I never imagined he would bring about the violence of last week.
Ina, thanks for your comment but, just for the record, I haven’t ended up yet. I hope the senate convicts him so we won’t be threatened by his lies again.
Fa - the Green Dragon 
January 12, 2021 at 5:19 am
I believe the nail has been firmly hit upon it’s head.
Unfortunately there is so much fake news out there and many people are desperate to grab hold of something that will continue with their belief system, however flawed that may be, which is why so much fake news does so well.
I think it will take a quite a while for the USA to make good it’s presence on the world stage again, and I don’t believe Biden is the man to do that either but we shall see what unfolds in the next few years.
The bigger you are the harder you fall seems to fit quite well.
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January 13, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Head in hands. The country you left behind is also crippled by a far right, intolerant bunch of Sovreign Individuals who bypass a feeble government to get whatever they desire. The huge irony is that this anti-elite anti establishment bunch have become elite in the extreme and sadly succeeded the establishment.
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January 14, 2021 at 4:42 pm
Interesting to hear how you ended up in the US. I’m one of those people who never believed D T was presidential timber. But I never imagined he would bring about the violence of last week.
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January 14, 2021 at 6:26 pm
Ina, thanks for your comment but, just for the record, I haven’t ended up yet. I hope the senate convicts him so we won’t be threatened by his lies again.
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January 15, 2021 at 5:47 am
SO DO I !
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