Well, How Did I Get Here?
Back at last. Ten days in France became twelve.
The airline cancelled our return flight. The lesson was learned which I suppose all seasoned travelers know. When reservations are upended by circumstance one thing alone matters, – to hash out the details of an alternate flight yourself. The airline is unlikely to independently reschedule your flight, nor will the tour company bail you out… A lesson, a rule-of-thumb not to be forgotten: act, take responsibility for yourself.
It feels good to be back to my life. The Geneva Starbucks, a cup of dark roast to begin my day with the accustomed writing and some reading. Friends, and family with whom and on whose account I must conclude that I am extraordinarily fortunate.
Also, it is necessary to think and to prepare for what is certain to come. Even as the Brits and French were sharply aware of the darkness rising in Germany in the 1930s, Americans are soon to experience the rivening consequences of the Trump regime.
The Trump-party (Republican) congress will soon pass into law a bill that will anchor his policy for four more years. If you need SNAP (food stamps) prepare to do with less if you manage to meet the work requirements. Millions stand to be eliminated altogether from that program. Do you qualify for Medicaid? Do you have a plan “B” for your health and well-being? Of course not. The Trump party does not believe that their government has any obligation toward poor citizens. Maybe you are here undocumented. You thought America was a refuge from hunger, unemployment, or gang violence in your home country? It isn’t. Additional funding is planned for ICE to remove you. You will be exiled somewhere else far from your country of origin. The bill characterized by the president as his “big, beautiful bill” is in truth an agenda for widespread oppression and plunder.
This future bears thoughtful preparation. Life, your life and my life is to be in the flow-of-change. Or better expressed: to be the river. We will survive what is coming.
Hey, there is always time enough for a song! Once Upon A Time by Talking Heads.
2 thoughts on “Well, How Did I Get Here?”
As somewhat privileged white citizens we will survive whatever this pending legislation may bring. Others will not be so lucky. Many will die, some from lack of healthcare and many by choice to end their own lives. No doubt MAGA die-hards will cheer on the deaths of tens of thousands. Empathy in this group of extremists (if it ever did exist) is completely gone. Great news for the undertakers of America. The people we know who are Trumpists will justify these deaths and the associated cruelty because they can justify ANYTHING! It’s a very, very sad state of affairs.
The ancient Greek Tragedians had it right. The story of homo sapiens is a tragic story. Still, I believe within us collectively is potential to caring for one another, and to care for the earth to which we belong.
In France we visited the burial place of William the Conqueror. As his name indicates he was a bloody bastard. Both descriptors were factually true of him. I learned of William’s demise which is “too good” not to share.
In my opinion the man who wields power now from the Oval Office deserves no less of an end.