Although you are European and, more precisely Dutch, the magic and beauty you found in America is still alive in you.
The artificial things like Disneyland are fun illusions that delight children and even the child within us. But the things you found as you traveled are the true magic to hold onto and believe in.
It’s disillusioning to find the things we thought were real are actually facades. But looking beyond, one can still find the true magic if we persist.
That’s what you do and sharing that magic is your special gift.
In most situations there are elements of darkness waiting a chance to reveal their daunting hate and ugliness. That is what Donald Trump has brought to America. He opened the Pandora’s Box of the worst of humanity, a reflection of himself, and gave it permission to walk boldly among us. It has become the nightmare that haunts everything that has ever been good in this country.
We have a chance to reclaim some of the magic in this election by electing Kamala Harris as President and stuffing Trump back down the hole of hate and evil. I am holding onto hope that wisdom will prevail and we can celebrate a rebirth of what’s been lost.
yes, so much depends on the outcome of this election. Yet, I'm pretty confident it will end well. If that's correct, then another chapter will open but that's for later worries.
Your picture of the Tetons in Wyoming is amazingly well composed and brings back many memories. Thank you.
Folks who have never traveled beyond their immediate confines, or even into an adjoining state or country, will never understand the true meaning of possibilities, like seeing the Tetons in summer or in all four seasons.
I had hundreds of conversations with people in Southern California during the 60 years I lived there who have never been to Yosemite National Park, the Anzio Borrego state park to see the incredible spring bloom of billions of tiny flowers, driven up Hwy 395 to see the Eastern Sierras and the highest peak in the continental US, Mt. Whitney, that is only a few miles from the lowest point in the continental US in Death Valley. All of these places are less than 300 miles from Los Angeles.
Most of those people could not even imagine taking trips to see these places. They are too busy surviving the high cost of being fleeced by corporate America and oligarchs in every aspect of their lives and have no perspective how, or even if, there are other possibilities because that’s how life has been for them and their families for generations. Boiling frogs starting with cold water is similar. They don’t appreciate they’re being cooked until it’s too late to escape.
Then, your comparison of the achieving “The American Dream” in America as opposed to the relatively better prospects in Europe or elsewhere is even more stunning. Americans are more like plow horses than they or popular dogma allows them to see or believe. The job of a plow horse is to pull a plow to eat, have a house, raise children, own a car, etc., on repeat every day. Critical thinking is not part of a plow horse’s job description, nor is travel unless it’s job related.
The proof for my observations is and has been playing out in the 2024 election cycle. Freedom is touted as one side’s goal, but freedom from or about what? Not having to make voting, medical or healthcare choices because those decisions have been or will be made for them? Freedom to elect candidates owned by corporate America and the oligarchs through billions of campaign dollars? Freedom from laws specifically engineered to take away the individual person’s constitutional rights under the Constitution and grant them to corporate America and the oligarchs. Or, merely thinking critically about their plow horse circumstances and contemplating emigration to places where those freedoms are rights and corporate exploitation isn’t allowed.
Your possibility comparisons are poignant and spot on. Again, thank you. I’m hopeful that the younger cohorts of Americans can crawl out of the cooking pot in time to see them and act before being turned into mindless plow horses. If Trump is elected, their odds of escape will diminish exponentially.
And they only have to read Animal Farm to learn how Boxer the plow-horse is dumped once he is no longer productive. Sadly, the time of hope is now over; I couldn't, or refused to, imagine that the majority of the US population would so easily give up their democracy by swapping it for the impulses of an old bullying showman.
P2025 looms over America like the most dystopian vision ever created. Very scary times ahead. I wish there were roadblocks to place in Trump’s way but Lewis Powell’s FEDSOC creation of a corrupt SCOTUS has effectively eliminated them with their inventions of “free speech,” corporate personhood, voter repression, presidential immunity, legalized bribery and denial of the people’s intent under validly adopted laws.
Are there any alternatives for the American people to pursue between now and January 20? After that? As much as I detest saying this, it feels more likely than not that some form of violent civil disobedience may be the only answer.
Violence is never the answer, and on non-violence resistance it’s not for me as a European to express my opinion here. It is America’s democracy and I hope that somehow the country gets back on track as one society, but I have no clue how to achieve that in the current circumstances.
What good idea that this article on american dreams...🇺🇸
"The American Dream" ! A vision of “common well-being”.
In the past, it seems to me that this idealist credo was fundamental in political discourse: democratic equality..
And this hope has also given rise to so many dreams beyond the borders of the America !
And now, what really, deeply and ideologically happened that caused insurrectionists to attack the Capitol, a mob marching against the democratic process ?
Many events can very probably explain this drift in this sad direction...
But let us hope that America will find its way back to The dream, towards the democratic ideal.
But the clocks could be reset sooner than we imagine…
Soon, D.Trump will likely be criticized for the same reason J.Biden was blamed: his advanced age and declining cognitive abilities... It's the law of the genre in this unforgiving environment.
Is it in his temperament to anticipate and prepare his succession, to agree to legitimize someone other than himself ??
Alexander, thank you for your visions of America, likely more objective having your island retreat secured. What a lovely thought; security. Watching at intervals the TV coverage but it’s truly too early to pontificate. Only 18:33pm EST. So very tired from nine years +/- of Trump EVIL. Could be days before we know unless a little fairy Kamala dust drops as precincts close, different hours all night. Not physically possible for me to endure the whole overnight event and more likely. And yet so hard to look away and miss the critical moment. Rachel Maddow just reading a piece from Barack and Michelle Obama advocating for patience to allow the process to run its course! So true. Will likely fall victim to naps, short and long. No work to do now; just hope the Russians and oligarchs are held at bay. Yes, thoroughly convinced Vladimir is here in mind if not body minding our business to enhance his own. Channeling Navalny; I will not fear! ❤️🇺🇸🕊️
I couldn’t understand the embrace of ugly by the GOP. The party gave him power instead of censure. Our checks and balances were out the window. Trump is such a selfish human that destroying America before death makes it easier to leave. Madam President has such a nice ring to it. ❤️🤍💙
Yes, the contrast between the two of them couldn't be larger; two opposite visions for America, and also two completely different visions about whom you serve as president.
A wonderful recollection of a life well-lived. I hope these beautiful memories will help you to focus in the hours and days ahead. Living here, but able to travel, both in the States and abroad has been happy and productive for my family and me until the political climate changed
dramatically. Your island life sounds sublime to me at this chaotic time…I fully expect that you and I will get very little sleep tonight,
be it from excitement or gloom. I eagerly await your next post🤞
Thank you Anne, if I find the time to write, I may skip the US elections completely and just write about beauty and nature. But the outcome of the elections my throw me into another direction.
Living my whole life in the "northern mouse that sleeps beside the elephant", I have watched the political life of the USA closely for 6 decades now. I have often wondered how the history of the world would have differed if their National Anthem had been "America the Beautiful", a song that praises the natural magnificence of that country, rather than "The Star-Spangled Banner" whose lyrics commemorate America under military attack. Sadly (I think) every American school child memorizes and recites daily the lyrics about the rockets' red glare and wondering if their flag is still there. If they were reminded instead of the beauty of their surroundings the populace might be more inspired to work together and obey the sense of that third verse:
For a few years, I joined you in that balcony. So many differences with the audience in the grand hall. We watch the same play, and yet, we see something else.
You describe the America that was mine too. I am heartbroken for our country—and the world. As a descendant of Polish immigrants, I understand the memories they brought, the struggle, and the promise that provided a different life for me and provided hope for all I care about.
The words heartbroken and devastated are more on my screen today then ever before. I don’t know a single person who is happy with this election result; there is a lot of fear for what this will mean for the future; so many aspects are involved: women’s rights, minorities, immigrants, democracy, freedom of the media, the legal system, international relations, the list is too long to write out. I’m deeply worried for the long-term consequences of today’s vote.
Listening to Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin gives me hope history will reward empathy over cruelty and Democracy over Fascism. From the Civil War to WWII, America's ideal has endured. It would be devastating to see it die.
I love this country. From the grandeur of the SW to skyscrapers of New York, America shines. Route 66, the PCH and bridges to Key West give an unforgettable snapshot of the diverse beauty of our landscape.
Europe is spectacular. I am in awe of your culture, history, art and architecture; yet I always come back to nature's cathedrals, our Indigenous lands, stunning vistas and canyons carved through the desert bathed in magical light.
The possibility of losing this natural beauty to someone who plans to build on public lands, sees nature as "drill baby drill" and climate change as a hoax, is unfathomable. Your bond with nature reflects your lifelong connection and concern for the United States.
Wonderful story. Disney Land was my first solo trip. It was and is magical.
Although you are European and, more precisely Dutch, the magic and beauty you found in America is still alive in you.
The artificial things like Disneyland are fun illusions that delight children and even the child within us. But the things you found as you traveled are the true magic to hold onto and believe in.
It’s disillusioning to find the things we thought were real are actually facades. But looking beyond, one can still find the true magic if we persist.
That’s what you do and sharing that magic is your special gift.
In most situations there are elements of darkness waiting a chance to reveal their daunting hate and ugliness. That is what Donald Trump has brought to America. He opened the Pandora’s Box of the worst of humanity, a reflection of himself, and gave it permission to walk boldly among us. It has become the nightmare that haunts everything that has ever been good in this country.
We have a chance to reclaim some of the magic in this election by electing Kamala Harris as President and stuffing Trump back down the hole of hate and evil. I am holding onto hope that wisdom will prevail and we can celebrate a rebirth of what’s been lost.
yes, so much depends on the outcome of this election. Yet, I'm pretty confident it will end well. If that's correct, then another chapter will open but that's for later worries.
Hoping America will one day again be magical
It has the potential: talented people in a beautiful country.
Your picture of the Tetons in Wyoming is amazingly well composed and brings back many memories. Thank you.
Folks who have never traveled beyond their immediate confines, or even into an adjoining state or country, will never understand the true meaning of possibilities, like seeing the Tetons in summer or in all four seasons.
I had hundreds of conversations with people in Southern California during the 60 years I lived there who have never been to Yosemite National Park, the Anzio Borrego state park to see the incredible spring bloom of billions of tiny flowers, driven up Hwy 395 to see the Eastern Sierras and the highest peak in the continental US, Mt. Whitney, that is only a few miles from the lowest point in the continental US in Death Valley. All of these places are less than 300 miles from Los Angeles.
Most of those people could not even imagine taking trips to see these places. They are too busy surviving the high cost of being fleeced by corporate America and oligarchs in every aspect of their lives and have no perspective how, or even if, there are other possibilities because that’s how life has been for them and their families for generations. Boiling frogs starting with cold water is similar. They don’t appreciate they’re being cooked until it’s too late to escape.
Then, your comparison of the achieving “The American Dream” in America as opposed to the relatively better prospects in Europe or elsewhere is even more stunning. Americans are more like plow horses than they or popular dogma allows them to see or believe. The job of a plow horse is to pull a plow to eat, have a house, raise children, own a car, etc., on repeat every day. Critical thinking is not part of a plow horse’s job description, nor is travel unless it’s job related.
The proof for my observations is and has been playing out in the 2024 election cycle. Freedom is touted as one side’s goal, but freedom from or about what? Not having to make voting, medical or healthcare choices because those decisions have been or will be made for them? Freedom to elect candidates owned by corporate America and the oligarchs through billions of campaign dollars? Freedom from laws specifically engineered to take away the individual person’s constitutional rights under the Constitution and grant them to corporate America and the oligarchs. Or, merely thinking critically about their plow horse circumstances and contemplating emigration to places where those freedoms are rights and corporate exploitation isn’t allowed.
Your possibility comparisons are poignant and spot on. Again, thank you. I’m hopeful that the younger cohorts of Americans can crawl out of the cooking pot in time to see them and act before being turned into mindless plow horses. If Trump is elected, their odds of escape will diminish exponentially.
And they only have to read Animal Farm to learn how Boxer the plow-horse is dumped once he is no longer productive. Sadly, the time of hope is now over; I couldn't, or refused to, imagine that the majority of the US population would so easily give up their democracy by swapping it for the impulses of an old bullying showman.
P2025 looms over America like the most dystopian vision ever created. Very scary times ahead. I wish there were roadblocks to place in Trump’s way but Lewis Powell’s FEDSOC creation of a corrupt SCOTUS has effectively eliminated them with their inventions of “free speech,” corporate personhood, voter repression, presidential immunity, legalized bribery and denial of the people’s intent under validly adopted laws.
Are there any alternatives for the American people to pursue between now and January 20? After that? As much as I detest saying this, it feels more likely than not that some form of violent civil disobedience may be the only answer.
Violence is never the answer, and on non-violence resistance it’s not for me as a European to express my opinion here. It is America’s democracy and I hope that somehow the country gets back on track as one society, but I have no clue how to achieve that in the current circumstances.
Thank you for your heartfelt response. If we were younger, moving to Amersfoort would be a great idea. Lovely area and we have friends there.
Oh love Amersfoort as a city and the area to walk in. Yes, I think you would enjoy living there
What good idea that this article on american dreams...🇺🇸
"The American Dream" ! A vision of “common well-being”.
In the past, it seems to me that this idealist credo was fundamental in political discourse: democratic equality..
And this hope has also given rise to so many dreams beyond the borders of the America !
And now, what really, deeply and ideologically happened that caused insurrectionists to attack the Capitol, a mob marching against the democratic process ?
Many events can very probably explain this drift in this sad direction...
But let us hope that America will find its way back to The dream, towards the democratic ideal.
Sadly, they just took the wrong turn; it may take a long time to find their way back.
Yes, it's so disappointing!
But the clocks could be reset sooner than we imagine…
Soon, D.Trump will likely be criticized for the same reason J.Biden was blamed: his advanced age and declining cognitive abilities... It's the law of the genre in this unforgiving environment.
Is it in his temperament to anticipate and prepare his succession, to agree to legitimize someone other than himself ??
📜
I love your long note!
Thank you Alexander 🤗
🌻 🌻
Alexander, thank you for your visions of America, likely more objective having your island retreat secured. What a lovely thought; security. Watching at intervals the TV coverage but it’s truly too early to pontificate. Only 18:33pm EST. So very tired from nine years +/- of Trump EVIL. Could be days before we know unless a little fairy Kamala dust drops as precincts close, different hours all night. Not physically possible for me to endure the whole overnight event and more likely. And yet so hard to look away and miss the critical moment. Rachel Maddow just reading a piece from Barack and Michelle Obama advocating for patience to allow the process to run its course! So true. Will likely fall victim to naps, short and long. No work to do now; just hope the Russians and oligarchs are held at bay. Yes, thoroughly convinced Vladimir is here in mind if not body minding our business to enhance his own. Channeling Navalny; I will not fear! ❤️🇺🇸🕊️
I couldn’t understand the embrace of ugly by the GOP. The party gave him power instead of censure. Our checks and balances were out the window. Trump is such a selfish human that destroying America before death makes it easier to leave. Madam President has such a nice ring to it. ❤️🤍💙
Yes, the contrast between the two of them couldn't be larger; two opposite visions for America, and also two completely different visions about whom you serve as president.
A wonderful recollection of a life well-lived. I hope these beautiful memories will help you to focus in the hours and days ahead. Living here, but able to travel, both in the States and abroad has been happy and productive for my family and me until the political climate changed
dramatically. Your island life sounds sublime to me at this chaotic time…I fully expect that you and I will get very little sleep tonight,
be it from excitement or gloom. I eagerly await your next post🤞
Thank you Anne, if I find the time to write, I may skip the US elections completely and just write about beauty and nature. But the outcome of the elections my throw me into another direction.
Living my whole life in the "northern mouse that sleeps beside the elephant", I have watched the political life of the USA closely for 6 decades now. I have often wondered how the history of the world would have differed if their National Anthem had been "America the Beautiful", a song that praises the natural magnificence of that country, rather than "The Star-Spangled Banner" whose lyrics commemorate America under military attack. Sadly (I think) every American school child memorizes and recites daily the lyrics about the rockets' red glare and wondering if their flag is still there. If they were reminded instead of the beauty of their surroundings the populace might be more inspired to work together and obey the sense of that third verse:
"America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law."
One can only hope.
For a few years, I joined you in that balcony. So many differences with the audience in the grand hall. We watch the same play, and yet, we see something else.
You describe the America that was mine too. I am heartbroken for our country—and the world. As a descendant of Polish immigrants, I understand the memories they brought, the struggle, and the promise that provided a different life for me and provided hope for all I care about.
The words heartbroken and devastated are more on my screen today then ever before. I don’t know a single person who is happy with this election result; there is a lot of fear for what this will mean for the future; so many aspects are involved: women’s rights, minorities, immigrants, democracy, freedom of the media, the legal system, international relations, the list is too long to write out. I’m deeply worried for the long-term consequences of today’s vote.
I am too. The world over.
Listening to Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin gives me hope history will reward empathy over cruelty and Democracy over Fascism. From the Civil War to WWII, America's ideal has endured. It would be devastating to see it die.
I love this country. From the grandeur of the SW to skyscrapers of New York, America shines. Route 66, the PCH and bridges to Key West give an unforgettable snapshot of the diverse beauty of our landscape.
Europe is spectacular. I am in awe of your culture, history, art and architecture; yet I always come back to nature's cathedrals, our Indigenous lands, stunning vistas and canyons carved through the desert bathed in magical light.
The possibility of losing this natural beauty to someone who plans to build on public lands, sees nature as "drill baby drill" and climate change as a hoax, is unfathomable. Your bond with nature reflects your lifelong connection and concern for the United States.
Wonderful story. Disney Land was my first solo trip. It was and is magical.
As Woody Guthrie wrote:
There was a big, high wall there that tried to stop me.
A sign was painted said "Private Property"
But on the backside, it didn't say nothing
This land was made for you and me.
"Good morning America, how are you? Say don't you know me? I'm your native son."
Those Guthrie boys can sing. We need their tunes right about now.
Fingers crossed!
From your keyboard to G*d’s screen, Alexander Verbeek!
😊
Thank you. Gentleness and kindness are rare jewels in our society.