Frightened for the destiny of democracy being forged in my country, the USA

An unfinished wall at the Bureau of Elections office inside the Luzerne County Administrative Building in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Oct. 22, 2024. [Ruth Fremson/The New York Times]

The current climate of American life just before the upcoming presidential election is one of general stress, fear of the future, confusion, and aggression in tone and behaviors among regular folk, a mood aggravated by a high cost of living that has unleashed homelessness and crime. Such being the environment, I moved abroad this year. The informed European reception I have received covers a wide gamut, from skepticism to friendly welcomes but all colored through attempts to pigeonhole me whether I am pro Trump or pro Kamela. I qualify my identity as American Expat, as someone who rejects the US foreign policy positions of both presidential candidates when it comes to continuing to strengthen US imperialism and weapons sales that will be used to slaughter non-US innocent civilians. I feel shame and disillusionment with American politics and its economic spoils approach overseas. I...

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