A European here, adding a few personal thoughts. When I was younger, I looked up to the US for many years. It seemed to offer so much that I believed was missing in Europe. I was fortunate enough to visit the US on many occasions in the past, and I hold precious memories of every single trip.
But not anymore. I will never set foot in the US again, and that decision is only partly influenced by the current US administration. Here’s why.
I am now 67 years old, and with age has come understanding. With the exception of Jimmy Carter, every other president has attacked other countries during their time in office. The US alone is responsible for unspeakable suffering around the world—always seeking conflict to keep the war machine going. And I have simply had enough.
The sad thing is that, in terms of foreign policy, it has rarely mattered whether the administration was Democratic or Republican, and the future looks bleak. As long as corporate or ultra-rich donors can effectively buy senators or political parties, the next president will simply continue where Trump leaves off in the not-so-distant future. Money and politics simply do not mix well.
When I read the heartbreaking stories of ordinary Americans and see the state in which the US finds itself today, my heart bleeds. The level of internal deterioration in the US is on par with the suffering its current administration causes abroad.
I think you have captured European sentiment well, judging by what you wrote. A kind of divorce is taking place, and it hurts everyone involved. It’s that simple.
I very much hope that Americans find a way forward—to build a new future, rather than simply electing a new administration in 2028.
Well, one of the most appalling things is the continuous support of the Republicans for Trump in both the House and the Senate; and the continuing support of millions of Americans for him
Most Americans have no idea how ugly, violent and utterly lacking in class and culture they are. They have this deeply held belief that they live in the best country in the World. The rest of the World looks on in total bewilderment.
Great and sad article and I will offer up one thing. As a Canadian I can say with confidence that many, or even most of us, like the Europeans you spoke with, have given up on America. To us it’s more than a boycott. We cannot see the US ever recovering.
How did the US get to this point? Well, the slide began gradually but ...
Electing a fibbing felon as one's president -- not once but _TWICE_ -- is what happens when "tax cuts!" has been the mantra for decades, ever since Proposition-13 and since trickle-down Reaganomics.
The result is that there are now _entire _generations of voting citizens who can't tell fact from fiction because their public school systems were whittled down to just warehousing the children, all thanks to fewer taxes.
Don't expect radical turnarounds in the near future:
upcoming elections will still include those very same unfortunate misled (duped?) voters.
I've lived and served with the American military both in peacetime and wartime ( First Gulf war) and got on brilliantly however after the rantings of Trump and his cabinet, you're on your own.
Trump is your mess, you as a country voted for him three times and elected him twice. The rest if the world is moving on, forging new trade partnerships, relationships and bypassing you.
Maybe after this is all over we can look at rekindling our friendship but l wouldn't hold your breath.
Many years ago when George W Bush was president an American who was visiting Beaune apologised for his country and asked me if we hated Americans. My response was that whilst we may dislike the actions of a country this didn't apply to its individual citizens.
Things have changed. A majority of US citizens voted for the current aberration, displaying a perverted nationalism and contempt for the rest of the world.
Why am I not surprised by expats closing the door to what was their home? I travelled, as a Canadian, to the states so many times, I cannot even count. I won’t be going back, ever. I know that 70 millions only (?) voted for what is going on over the. What about the rest of the American people? Complacent? Two days of “no kings” protests, and a lot of retoric on Facebook and Substack. If it was Europe, you’ve had Revolution on the streets, believe me. So hurt and so disappointed by what’s been going on there for the last two years. And by the way, hands off my Canada!
It is reassuring in some way to read a U.S. citizen acknowledge the deep levels of distrust and disdain with which much of the rest of the world views the country. All too often USians seem to either be unaware or aggressively antagonistic toward other nations. They either don't care or parrot Trump administration lies. The problem is you personally are in the minority. Your clear-eyed observations will only be read by those already in the know. It's going to be a long, tough road to recovery for the U.S. How will the country ever correct the simultaneously corrupt executive, judicial and legislative branches? We have a front row seat here in Canada and from here it seems like an impossible task. The rot seems to be baked in.
I agree with your article in most all aspects. Europeans feel almost a sad nostalgia for the US like losing a friend. We Canadians feel rage like an acrimonious divorce.
It is getting very close to the time Canada turns away as well. As the boycotts continue, they become more entrenched. It makes it easier to leave our friends and family. If the USMCA (CUSMA) does not happen then the severance will be complete
A couple of years ago I was offered a job in a small Danish Pharma company in the Boston office. My two teenage children both had genuine worries about school shootings. I eventually turned down the offer.
I cannot imagine what life as a clear headed American, who travels the world, must be like.
I am a Canadian who lives quite literally, a stone's throw from the Canada / US border. I visited the USA almost weekly in the past. My wife and I were military re-enactors portraying the American Revolution / War of Independance. We used to spend every second weekend in the US, for more than twenty five years. We have / had American friends who were also amateur historians.
No more.
I will not return.
I do not sail my boat anywhere close to American waters. I have been borded and detained by US Coast Guard. It turns out that they were training new recruits.
The heavy handed attitude that America has had, since the end of the Second War is finally over the top.
Not going back.
I do feel very badly that decent Americans are caught up in this maelstrom of insanity. As another commenter pointed out; only 40% of Americans support your current government. What are the other 60% doing to reverse this insanity.
Unfortunately, my experience is all to similar. Friends in Germany I have known for nearly 50 years have said they can not come to visit while Trump is in office. Our government is too arbitrary, guns are too prevalent, and Trump and his administration are reminders of their tragic past. I can’t blame them.I blame us. We have done it to ourselves.
Refusal to believe, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, which you call resignation in this case. Those are the 5 stages of grief, and Europe has now landed on the 5th, mostly. Who can blame them?
Meanwhile, we’re stuck with delusion on one side and dumbstruck disbelief on the other.
Thank you very much for sharing this, Elisabeth.
A European here, adding a few personal thoughts. When I was younger, I looked up to the US for many years. It seemed to offer so much that I believed was missing in Europe. I was fortunate enough to visit the US on many occasions in the past, and I hold precious memories of every single trip.
But not anymore. I will never set foot in the US again, and that decision is only partly influenced by the current US administration. Here’s why.
I am now 67 years old, and with age has come understanding. With the exception of Jimmy Carter, every other president has attacked other countries during their time in office. The US alone is responsible for unspeakable suffering around the world—always seeking conflict to keep the war machine going. And I have simply had enough.
The sad thing is that, in terms of foreign policy, it has rarely mattered whether the administration was Democratic or Republican, and the future looks bleak. As long as corporate or ultra-rich donors can effectively buy senators or political parties, the next president will simply continue where Trump leaves off in the not-so-distant future. Money and politics simply do not mix well.
When I read the heartbreaking stories of ordinary Americans and see the state in which the US finds itself today, my heart bleeds. The level of internal deterioration in the US is on par with the suffering its current administration causes abroad.
I think you have captured European sentiment well, judging by what you wrote. A kind of divorce is taking place, and it hurts everyone involved. It’s that simple.
I very much hope that Americans find a way forward—to build a new future, rather than simply electing a new administration in 2028.
Well, one of the most appalling things is the continuous support of the Republicans for Trump in both the House and the Senate; and the continuing support of millions of Americans for him
Don't discount Canads’s response. Yes, we boycott, but the damage to trust has been done and the reaction is visceral.
Most Americans have no idea how ugly, violent and utterly lacking in class and culture they are. They have this deeply held belief that they live in the best country in the World. The rest of the World looks on in total bewilderment.
Most North Koreans also believe they live in the best country in the world
For similar reasons - brain washing and stupidity.
Great and sad article and I will offer up one thing. As a Canadian I can say with confidence that many, or even most of us, like the Europeans you spoke with, have given up on America. To us it’s more than a boycott. We cannot see the US ever recovering.
How did the US get to this point? Well, the slide began gradually but ...
Electing a fibbing felon as one's president -- not once but _TWICE_ -- is what happens when "tax cuts!" has been the mantra for decades, ever since Proposition-13 and since trickle-down Reaganomics.
The result is that there are now _entire _generations of voting citizens who can't tell fact from fiction because their public school systems were whittled down to just warehousing the children, all thanks to fewer taxes.
Don't expect radical turnarounds in the near future:
upcoming elections will still include those very same unfortunate misled (duped?) voters.
I've lived and served with the American military both in peacetime and wartime ( First Gulf war) and got on brilliantly however after the rantings of Trump and his cabinet, you're on your own.
Trump is your mess, you as a country voted for him three times and elected him twice. The rest if the world is moving on, forging new trade partnerships, relationships and bypassing you.
Maybe after this is all over we can look at rekindling our friendship but l wouldn't hold your breath.
Many years ago when George W Bush was president an American who was visiting Beaune apologised for his country and asked me if we hated Americans. My response was that whilst we may dislike the actions of a country this didn't apply to its individual citizens.
Things have changed. A majority of US citizens voted for the current aberration, displaying a perverted nationalism and contempt for the rest of the world.
Why am I not surprised by expats closing the door to what was their home? I travelled, as a Canadian, to the states so many times, I cannot even count. I won’t be going back, ever. I know that 70 millions only (?) voted for what is going on over the. What about the rest of the American people? Complacent? Two days of “no kings” protests, and a lot of retoric on Facebook and Substack. If it was Europe, you’ve had Revolution on the streets, believe me. So hurt and so disappointed by what’s been going on there for the last two years. And by the way, hands off my Canada!
It is reassuring in some way to read a U.S. citizen acknowledge the deep levels of distrust and disdain with which much of the rest of the world views the country. All too often USians seem to either be unaware or aggressively antagonistic toward other nations. They either don't care or parrot Trump administration lies. The problem is you personally are in the minority. Your clear-eyed observations will only be read by those already in the know. It's going to be a long, tough road to recovery for the U.S. How will the country ever correct the simultaneously corrupt executive, judicial and legislative branches? We have a front row seat here in Canada and from here it seems like an impossible task. The rot seems to be baked in.
I agree with your article in most all aspects. Europeans feel almost a sad nostalgia for the US like losing a friend. We Canadians feel rage like an acrimonious divorce.
It is getting very close to the time Canada turns away as well. As the boycotts continue, they become more entrenched. It makes it easier to leave our friends and family. If the USMCA (CUSMA) does not happen then the severance will be complete
A couple of years ago I was offered a job in a small Danish Pharma company in the Boston office. My two teenage children both had genuine worries about school shootings. I eventually turned down the offer.
I cannot imagine what life as a clear headed American, who travels the world, must be like.
I am a Canadian who lives quite literally, a stone's throw from the Canada / US border. I visited the USA almost weekly in the past. My wife and I were military re-enactors portraying the American Revolution / War of Independance. We used to spend every second weekend in the US, for more than twenty five years. We have / had American friends who were also amateur historians.
No more.
I will not return.
I do not sail my boat anywhere close to American waters. I have been borded and detained by US Coast Guard. It turns out that they were training new recruits.
The heavy handed attitude that America has had, since the end of the Second War is finally over the top.
Not going back.
I do feel very badly that decent Americans are caught up in this maelstrom of insanity. As another commenter pointed out; only 40% of Americans support your current government. What are the other 60% doing to reverse this insanity.
Not very much, I'm afraid.
I wish you well in the future.
Unfortunately, my experience is all to similar. Friends in Germany I have known for nearly 50 years have said they can not come to visit while Trump is in office. Our government is too arbitrary, guns are too prevalent, and Trump and his administration are reminders of their tragic past. I can’t blame them.I blame us. We have done it to ourselves.
Refusal to believe, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, which you call resignation in this case. Those are the 5 stages of grief, and Europe has now landed on the 5th, mostly. Who can blame them?
Meanwhile, we’re stuck with delusion on one side and dumbstruck disbelief on the other.
I’m hearing the same from my friends in Europe, and rather moving on, they have moved on for good and just reasons.