Yes, I was accused of being unpatriotic for living abroad when Bush was elected and again when we went to war against Iraq because we needed a scapegoat after 9-11.
Same ole, same ole.
I am a citizen of the world, not a blind nationalist. I care about America because my children and grandchildren live there, and my belief that all countries are interrelated regardless of arbitrary borders on maps.
Snyder has the insular mindset which is underpinned with the American exceptionalism. I think he has a very limited point of view and is not aware that we are an empire in decline made more rapid and dramatic by trump. I think they all protest too much.
Kristen, I have been away from the States since early January. What has struck me is the leisurely pace of just about everything. Day after day, just outside my door here in Córdoba, there are families walking hand in hand, teenagers walking arm in arm, young adults greeting each other with multiple cheek kisses and hanging out in groups of 9-15 for several hours, yakking away. People just don't do that in the US anymore. I buy a baguette here for 65 cents every day.
Our country has the best PR in the world which is our entertainment industry. They sell a version of the US that does not exist anymore. The truth is our nation is run by money and everything is in obeisance to it. Congress is the PR branch of the military/industrial complex.
Well, that's enough, but anyway, I love your writing and more importantly, your thinking and your action taking. Very impressive and inspiring.
So true— many young Italians are shocked that I moved here and then I explain to them what it’s like to live in the US, and they are completely horrified because it’s nothing like the movies or TV shows they watch or what they see w IG influencers
I have often remarked with my wife, “Who can afford an apartment that size in New York, Boston, Philly, Chicago and just wait tables AND have so much time to hang out with friends at coffee shops, in their huge apartment, have new clothes to wear each day? Every “hometown” movie has a gorgeous town center filled with happy people who smile and say good morning and they all know each other and get together at fairs, market, bars dancing, eating, hugging and kissing their days away. That is what we tell the world and what we tell ourselves and we wonder why we’re depressed when our world is nothing like that. God I hate a con job. Thanks for everything Kristen. Last night we saw some flamenco dancers, a spectacular hour long show ten feet away and our dinner with four people, 6 glasses of wine, dessert was 112 euros!
I'm starting to believe that the, "You are with us, or you are against us," mentality that you mention and is seen so often here is one more thing that we've accepted as normal even though it only helps extremists. I just don't believe that this is the way in most other places. I'm probably generalizing a bit here, but it's hard to look around, if you're at all in tune to the global community, and not see us standing alone on this approach to living life. Add it to the list, I guess.
People make decisions for so many reasons. We have the option to move to the UK (spouse is dual US/UK citizen) and we might decide to go. Why? He is a federal scientist who will most likely be canned by Tr*mp. If he is, he will seek a job overseas. I’m ready to retire and live a more relaxed life. Will I continue to try to resist? Yes. I’ve been doing it all my life. I’m tired.
Thank you! I, like many Americans, am devastated that the federal science infrastructure in American is being dismantled. He is a recognized world leader in his field (science of oil spill modeling -- important work) and he can get a job in many places. But he loves what he does and it is so tragic what is being done to NOAA. We will be okay, but will the USA?
One of the more entertaining comments I received when I wrote "Why We Moved to Mexico" was "Good riddance!" I had to laugh because whoever wrote it has no clue that it is possible to live abroad either part time or full time, still be a U.S. citizen, paying taxes and holding a U.S. passport. Different cultures and practices can teach us a lot about our values and priorities. If you're content with living inside your little, sterile bubble, go for it. If you appreciate adventures and change, there are some other choices. We're getting a few lessons right now on what it means to live in a global economy, interdependent, not isolated. We could get more done and be more productive via cooperation and collaboration rather than trying to go it alone.
I know spend most of the year outside of the US for many of the reasons that you shared in the article about your thoughts on why you left the US. I appreciate your observations about dealing with those who suggest we are abandoning the US and doing something wrong. I also find it much more livable in terms of the atmosphere and the attitudes of people, and the level of stress that is so much less here in Europe and Australia, and New Zealand. It helps to find others like you who are in solidarity with those of us who gravitate more toward living outside of the US, than inside of the US, even though we love our homeland.
I think Snyder is being brave going to Toronto, for someone with his profile and work that’s still very close to the US.
I think being judgemental and dismissive is so rampant right now- a lack of nuance fuelled by gossip and superficiality. I realise that I’m incredibly judgemental myself and I’m trying to pause before going on my usual rants. Not that there’s anything wrong with being discerning - it’s just the self righteousness that is part of our judgementalism that’s the issue. But part of our toxic culture.
Kirsten - my opinion is that you voted for yourself to have an adventurous life. I love your story of becoming an Italian citizen and look forward to reading your book. My husband and I went to Mexico recently and got our permanent visas. It's exciting, even at our age, to believe we can still have an adventurous life. We've had many adventures and will go for it as long as possible.
If we make everything yes/no, for/against, then the things that really ARE yes/no lose their bite, become just another internecine battle.
I watched (in the fifteen minutes of TV news I allow myself) Pete Hegseth tap dance while talking, and I thought: why is this even a discussion? Ain't no nuance here.
But with people who aren't sociopaths (Snyder, et.al.), there is, generally, much more to the situation than a declarative sentence.
What a great piece, Kirsten. I haven’t read Packer’s article but I agree with you, not him, as an American who has chosen to move to Spain (closer to my two half-European daughters) and yet remains very concerned about her country which she loves. Thank you for this much needed perspective.
The self-defeating purity test to act in certain ways and have certain beliefs in order to qualify to be part of the opposition to trump.
I wrote about that with regard to wealth in my last post after I read a NYT interview with a professor whose very point was to endorse big tent approach to opposition. But then she effectively said that anyone with wealth was the enemy.
What ever happened to ‘mind your own business’? We all make decisions, hopefully that are best for us and our family, but others can be quick to villainize and judge why without simply trusting or asking. It’s exhausting. I made the decision to leave a well paying job because of I was stressed-out from a toxic environment. Because I didn’t have a new one in-hand, people reacted with suspicion as though there is more to the story. It sounds like you’re happy with your decision, so I’m happy for you. I, for one, am content to take a much needed break and feel almost human, and my daughters are relieved.
Loved what you said about the "stay and fight" contingent - By experiencing life elsewhere (whether temporary or permanent), we can see what other countries are doing well and then bring those ideas back to the US.
I didn't even leave because of political reasons, I left because I was sick of having to drive a car for every single thing.
Now I'm on a mission to get more cycling infrastructure to US cities and help promote micromobility options so future generations aren't so spread out and isolated from one another.
Gloria - I'm with you. We have to rally the troops to get out and save our democracy. I think Fox News will face big karma for lying to their viewers (my family) for so many years. Anyway, I'll proudly wear my shirt for John Lewis.
I too went through the “why leave and what is better there?” when we moved to France last year. We hoped to be able to continue to participate by voting in American elections but are disappointed in the Save Act passed by the House in March as it would make voting overseas very difficult and expensive. https://www.thelocal.com/20250304/new-us-bill-could-restrict-voting-rights-of-americans-abroad
Yes, I was accused of being unpatriotic for living abroad when Bush was elected and again when we went to war against Iraq because we needed a scapegoat after 9-11.
Same ole, same ole.
I am a citizen of the world, not a blind nationalist. I care about America because my children and grandchildren live there, and my belief that all countries are interrelated regardless of arbitrary borders on maps.
Vote with your feet.
Nothing ever changes it seems
Snyder has the insular mindset which is underpinned with the American exceptionalism. I think he has a very limited point of view and is not aware that we are an empire in decline made more rapid and dramatic by trump. I think they all protest too much.
Kristen, I have been away from the States since early January. What has struck me is the leisurely pace of just about everything. Day after day, just outside my door here in Córdoba, there are families walking hand in hand, teenagers walking arm in arm, young adults greeting each other with multiple cheek kisses and hanging out in groups of 9-15 for several hours, yakking away. People just don't do that in the US anymore. I buy a baguette here for 65 cents every day.
Our country has the best PR in the world which is our entertainment industry. They sell a version of the US that does not exist anymore. The truth is our nation is run by money and everything is in obeisance to it. Congress is the PR branch of the military/industrial complex.
Well, that's enough, but anyway, I love your writing and more importantly, your thinking and your action taking. Very impressive and inspiring.
So true— many young Italians are shocked that I moved here and then I explain to them what it’s like to live in the US, and they are completely horrified because it’s nothing like the movies or TV shows they watch or what they see w IG influencers
I have often remarked with my wife, “Who can afford an apartment that size in New York, Boston, Philly, Chicago and just wait tables AND have so much time to hang out with friends at coffee shops, in their huge apartment, have new clothes to wear each day? Every “hometown” movie has a gorgeous town center filled with happy people who smile and say good morning and they all know each other and get together at fairs, market, bars dancing, eating, hugging and kissing their days away. That is what we tell the world and what we tell ourselves and we wonder why we’re depressed when our world is nothing like that. God I hate a con job. Thanks for everything Kristen. Last night we saw some flamenco dancers, a spectacular hour long show ten feet away and our dinner with four people, 6 glasses of wine, dessert was 112 euros!
I'm starting to believe that the, "You are with us, or you are against us," mentality that you mention and is seen so often here is one more thing that we've accepted as normal even though it only helps extremists. I just don't believe that this is the way in most other places. I'm probably generalizing a bit here, but it's hard to look around, if you're at all in tune to the global community, and not see us standing alone on this approach to living life. Add it to the list, I guess.
It’s very Western (western religion reinforces it) but as with all things the US takes it to another level
People make decisions for so many reasons. We have the option to move to the UK (spouse is dual US/UK citizen) and we might decide to go. Why? He is a federal scientist who will most likely be canned by Tr*mp. If he is, he will seek a job overseas. I’m ready to retire and live a more relaxed life. Will I continue to try to resist? Yes. I’ve been doing it all my life. I’m tired.
It’s so great you have that option! I’m sorry tho that your husband might lose his job
Thank you! I, like many Americans, am devastated that the federal science infrastructure in American is being dismantled. He is a recognized world leader in his field (science of oil spill modeling -- important work) and he can get a job in many places. But he loves what he does and it is so tragic what is being done to NOAA. We will be okay, but will the USA?
One of the more entertaining comments I received when I wrote "Why We Moved to Mexico" was "Good riddance!" I had to laugh because whoever wrote it has no clue that it is possible to live abroad either part time or full time, still be a U.S. citizen, paying taxes and holding a U.S. passport. Different cultures and practices can teach us a lot about our values and priorities. If you're content with living inside your little, sterile bubble, go for it. If you appreciate adventures and change, there are some other choices. We're getting a few lessons right now on what it means to live in a global economy, interdependent, not isolated. We could get more done and be more productive via cooperation and collaboration rather than trying to go it alone.
Cluelessness seems pretty rampant on this topic 😍
I know spend most of the year outside of the US for many of the reasons that you shared in the article about your thoughts on why you left the US. I appreciate your observations about dealing with those who suggest we are abandoning the US and doing something wrong. I also find it much more livable in terms of the atmosphere and the attitudes of people, and the level of stress that is so much less here in Europe and Australia, and New Zealand. It helps to find others like you who are in solidarity with those of us who gravitate more toward living outside of the US, than inside of the US, even though we love our homeland.
I think Snyder is being brave going to Toronto, for someone with his profile and work that’s still very close to the US.
I think being judgemental and dismissive is so rampant right now- a lack of nuance fuelled by gossip and superficiality. I realise that I’m incredibly judgemental myself and I’m trying to pause before going on my usual rants. Not that there’s anything wrong with being discerning - it’s just the self righteousness that is part of our judgementalism that’s the issue. But part of our toxic culture.
Kirsten - my opinion is that you voted for yourself to have an adventurous life. I love your story of becoming an Italian citizen and look forward to reading your book. My husband and I went to Mexico recently and got our permanent visas. It's exciting, even at our age, to believe we can still have an adventurous life. We've had many adventures and will go for it as long as possible.
Good for you! It’s never too late for some adventure 💜
Binary thinking, no nuance. (Packer, not you!)
If we make everything yes/no, for/against, then the things that really ARE yes/no lose their bite, become just another internecine battle.
I watched (in the fifteen minutes of TV news I allow myself) Pete Hegseth tap dance while talking, and I thought: why is this even a discussion? Ain't no nuance here.
But with people who aren't sociopaths (Snyder, et.al.), there is, generally, much more to the situation than a declarative sentence.
Keep going down this path!
What a great piece, Kirsten. I haven’t read Packer’s article but I agree with you, not him, as an American who has chosen to move to Spain (closer to my two half-European daughters) and yet remains very concerned about her country which she loves. Thank you for this much needed perspective.
Thank you Amy 💜
The self-defeating purity test to act in certain ways and have certain beliefs in order to qualify to be part of the opposition to trump.
I wrote about that with regard to wealth in my last post after I read a NYT interview with a professor whose very point was to endorse big tent approach to opposition. But then she effectively said that anyone with wealth was the enemy.
That’s very narrow minded — nothing will change of wealthy ppl don’t want it to change
What ever happened to ‘mind your own business’? We all make decisions, hopefully that are best for us and our family, but others can be quick to villainize and judge why without simply trusting or asking. It’s exhausting. I made the decision to leave a well paying job because of I was stressed-out from a toxic environment. Because I didn’t have a new one in-hand, people reacted with suspicion as though there is more to the story. It sounds like you’re happy with your decision, so I’m happy for you. I, for one, am content to take a much needed break and feel almost human, and my daughters are relieved.
Loved what you said about the "stay and fight" contingent - By experiencing life elsewhere (whether temporary or permanent), we can see what other countries are doing well and then bring those ideas back to the US.
I didn't even leave because of political reasons, I left because I was sick of having to drive a car for every single thing.
Now I'm on a mission to get more cycling infrastructure to US cities and help promote micromobility options so future generations aren't so spread out and isolated from one another.
Brava.👏🏻
Gloria - I'm with you. We have to rally the troops to get out and save our democracy. I think Fox News will face big karma for lying to their viewers (my family) for so many years. Anyway, I'll proudly wear my shirt for John Lewis.
I too went through the “why leave and what is better there?” when we moved to France last year. We hoped to be able to continue to participate by voting in American elections but are disappointed in the Save Act passed by the House in March as it would make voting overseas very difficult and expensive. https://www.thelocal.com/20250304/new-us-bill-could-restrict-voting-rights-of-americans-abroad
Hopefully it won’t become law 🤞 Dems say they will filibuster