The last couple of weeks have been a little foggy. My apologies for the absence. And thank you all very much for your condolences during this time. It is comforting to hear such kind words from so many of you, most of whom I’ve never met.
London, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have all figured into the mix following the loss of my mother. It’s been fatiguing jet lag, predictable paperwork, and somewhat surprising revelations, as well as an emotional family gathering–all while the rest of life’s demands and work go on pretty much unchanged.
The two weeks we’ve spent in the United States this month were markedly different. The circumstances made me less observant, especially regarding societal and economic changes I’d noticed before. Also, I’ve visited the states 3 times this year, in March, August, and November. So this one wasn’t as ‘new’.
I will note some small, random thoughts, which are as follows…
I think American democracy is healthier than I thought it was, speaking in very general terms, as I was here during the midterm elections. Voting was a safe, routine exercise from everything I observed. Incumbents–ones not ousted last week–are nervous. Challengers are numerous and optimistic. Power players have been sidelined. Political parties have lost and gained seats, and influence, often in surprising ways. All of this points to a healthy, competitive marketplace of ideas, not just rhetoric.
I think Americans are less healthy than they’ve ever been. I’ve never heard so many conversations (from friends, family, and strangers) about knee replacements, hip replacements, back surgeries, and cardiovascular ailments. I’ve never seen so many television commercials for prescription drugs (which I think should be illegal, by the way).
So many of these advertisements offer relief from what I see as lifestyle diseases, a result of diet and exercise choices. They also mention possible side effects, many of which are worse than the original disorder that the drug was intended to cure.
I’m dismayed at the food I see Americans eating, and how much I see them eating.
The economy is no longer something I can accurately assess. Tech layoffs loom large, first at Twitter, now at Amazon. However, what the future holds for the stock market, the real estate market, and the job market is a mystery to me. I think I’ve lived abroad for too long now to comment…or perhaps a certain lethargy is setting in.
Returning to the states to live is, for me, out of the question now. Perhaps to work, for a period of time, but not to reside. Culturally, I’m firmly European, if not completely Parisian. The two weeks here in the states has felt like two months, and not in a good way. I am a foreigner in my own land, as someone once said.
I have no idea when I will return to the United States. I’m not sure if I’m sad about that. I’m keeping judgments and commitments at arm’s length during this emotionally complicated time.
Tomorrow, we return to Paris. I already feel the distance.
- BGT