My conversation with the expatriate writer Lindsey Tramuta, who has reported on rising numbers of Americans fleeing a troubled America for rights and security
My late father's greatest gift to me was my ability to get a Canadian passport two years ago. Never thought I would have to use it. But it's nice to have just in case.
As an elder, white male whose father and grandfather have been part of this land since the 17th Century, I am saddened to hear that so many people prefer emigration to resistance. The country needs people who love it enough to stay and defend it. Frederick Douglass is a good historical example of such a person. He was offered and he declined a life of respect and fame in the United Kingdom in order to serve, not just his own race, but his country and, thereby humanity. He exposed himself to vitriol and venom and fought back in writings and speeches,in advocacy and uplift. Those who are aghast at Trump’s policies and behavior should stay, not flee. As Patrick Henry said so memorably, "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, Give me liberty or give me death.”
Personally, I would prefer to live for my country than die for it. But the country needs patriots, not fairweather friends. It needs men and women who are willing to sacrifice some degree of personal well-being so that this country may regain its moral compass and remember the difference between Truth and falsehood, Courage and fear. If good people, who understand and hold dear these distinctions flee the U.S., only those without either understanding or morality will remain. Then neither the nation nor its people will know freedom.
1. Many US citizens who are not wealthy, but have some income, are leaving because of the US cost of living, which is no longer just a coastal problem. This is the biggest group I have met on my travels in Europe.
2. Why is it necessary for us, as US citizens, to have to "stay and fight" for a different world? It's insulting to those who simply want to live their lives in peace and fear of tyranny. Should German Jews or gays have stayed to fight?
3. I am increasingly uncomfortable living in a country that feels so adverse to my beliefs, especially when a significant percentage of US residents, perhaps even half, actually believe in the direction the country is going. If a right-wing Republican, say JD Vance is elected in 2028, this will be a strong and clear message about the preferences of Americans, and it will no longer be a country that I would want to live in.
My late father's greatest gift to me was my ability to get a Canadian passport two years ago. Never thought I would have to use it. But it's nice to have just in case.
As an elder, white male whose father and grandfather have been part of this land since the 17th Century, I am saddened to hear that so many people prefer emigration to resistance. The country needs people who love it enough to stay and defend it. Frederick Douglass is a good historical example of such a person. He was offered and he declined a life of respect and fame in the United Kingdom in order to serve, not just his own race, but his country and, thereby humanity. He exposed himself to vitriol and venom and fought back in writings and speeches,in advocacy and uplift. Those who are aghast at Trump’s policies and behavior should stay, not flee. As Patrick Henry said so memorably, "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, Give me liberty or give me death.”
Personally, I would prefer to live for my country than die for it. But the country needs patriots, not fairweather friends. It needs men and women who are willing to sacrifice some degree of personal well-being so that this country may regain its moral compass and remember the difference between Truth and falsehood, Courage and fear. If good people, who understand and hold dear these distinctions flee the U.S., only those without either understanding or morality will remain. Then neither the nation nor its people will know freedom.
Excellent!
Great topic, very pertinent. Three thoughts:
1. Many US citizens who are not wealthy, but have some income, are leaving because of the US cost of living, which is no longer just a coastal problem. This is the biggest group I have met on my travels in Europe.
2. Why is it necessary for us, as US citizens, to have to "stay and fight" for a different world? It's insulting to those who simply want to live their lives in peace and fear of tyranny. Should German Jews or gays have stayed to fight?
3. I am increasingly uncomfortable living in a country that feels so adverse to my beliefs, especially when a significant percentage of US residents, perhaps even half, actually believe in the direction the country is going. If a right-wing Republican, say JD Vance is elected in 2028, this will be a strong and clear message about the preferences of Americans, and it will no longer be a country that I would want to live in.