It's both easy and hard being an expat, it is easy because you have chosen your new country, its hard because of the family you leave behind.
I have applied for French citizenship and will have my interview in due course, I have a PACS with a French national Marie-Louise, and have lived here for 9 years now. I am fully immersed in French culture both linguistically, socially, and economically. My sisters all have their own families now, and have made their choices. I have finally come to mine: I'm an immigrant now, and not an expat, I'm [or soon will be] French. My sisters are as much a part of me as ever, and our problems will be shared on a personal level.
I will be 33 in less than a month's time, I went to school in Edinburgh at the age of 13 as a boarder; and carried on my studies in London until I was 24. The time I spent in the US was therefore very limited. Europe is a world away culturally from the US. Some like to highlight the similarities, however its the differences that I find most striking. The total acceptance of social responsibility is the most obvious, the fundamental belief that people matter is heartening.
Europe and France have their problems, as does the US, and they a strikingly similar, however the reactions to them have been totally different.
Its this difference, that enabled me to make my choice.
This also has consequences on what I want to diary about, how can I shout for universal health care when I already have it, it seems unjust, if not downright méprisant.
Militias preparing for the overthrow of the government, and armed to the teeth because they have unlimited access to weapons, seriously, WTF.
Screams of Fascism, socialism and communism in the same breath, can there really be so little sense, and aiming these at Obama of all people. I mean really, get a grip.
How can a scream against the Tea party, when I just don't get what they are upset about? Their worries make absolutely no sense to me, and the media's obsession with them is just an anathema to me.
How can I talk about religious right wing kooks, and abortion from a country where these are not a worthy topics for political discourse? I can talk about the insanity of the Catholic Church, an organisation that appears to committing a form of sanctimonious seppuku at present.
How can I talk about DOMA and DADT where these have been properly dealt with to the satisfaction of most?
Politically the Democratic party reminds me of the European Right,Nicholas Sarkozy, David Cameron, and Angela Merkel for example. The Republicans make Jean-Marie LePen look timid, and he is considered by a vast majority, myself included, to be on the very fringe of the right wing.
I understand the main theme of Kos is to elect more an better Democratic Party candidates, however it is also so much more.
Therefore as my life, so my diaries:
1] No more meta, shame, but pointless.
2] US domestic policy, I'll give it a miss.
3] Unless the Tea Party romps to power, they are of no interest to me.
So what does that leave?
1] US foreign policy, and who is in charge is of no fundamental importance, only the effects of such policy outside of the US, bear any weight.
2] Problems that face us all, notably climate change.
3] International political and social issues.
More than enough.
So maybe they will not be wreck list worthy, but at least I will feel that they are more in line with the decisions I make in real life.
I don't think I can stop being snarky, who knows, all things change in time. Funny, even English is becoming a second language, as some of you remark. Hey, at least Kos gives me some much needed practice.
Je vous souhaite une bonne journée.
Alessandra.