If you know me well, you know my politics. I’m an independent who leans to the liberal side of the spectrum in regard to human rights, and to the conservative side in regard to fiscal policies. I’m not a “radical.” I’m not an alarmist. But we have a major problem in the USA.
I’ve been managing websites and writing about everything from minimalism to blogging to writing to music for nearly 15 years. Throughout that time I’ve done my best to keep politics off my sites. But I can no longer remain silent.
Something Dramatically Changed on 9/11
I’ve witnessed over a dozen presidents and administrations in my lifetime. It’s only been since 2020 that I’ve been extremely concerned, however, I think something changed on 9/11 that has led us to where we are.
I love my country, but after 9/11, I saw a wave of patriotism like I’d never seen in my lifetime. Like anything else, anything in excess is dangerous. That includes patriotism, especially when you tie it to religion and far-right ideologies.
Things simmered down for a while, but the seed had been planted. And now here we are in 2025 in a country that feels like it’s very close to the edge of losing its own soul. What we are witnessing today is not normal. We are seeing the abuse of power, disregard for the constitution, and the alienation of our friends around the globe.
It Doesn’t Matter Where You Go
In 2022, I moved to Maine to deal with some family matters. I thought that I also might find a deeper sense of peace in the Maine woods. I didn’t. The politics and chaos of a nation followed me. Last November I moved to Tennessee for a job. Again, I thought I might find a greater sense of peace. Nope.
I’ll admit to being a bit of a restless soul. But this is different. I don’t feel extreme discontent with any of the places I’ve lived in the past 20 years. It’s more like I need to escape something. I’ve come to realize that it’s not myself as an individual I’m trying to escape. It’s this collective thing we call America. I can’t seem to find peace here.
I suppose if I were to live way out in the woods, disconnect from the Internet, ignore the news, and focus only on myself, I might find a bit of relief. But I shouldn’t have to do that simply to feel at ease in my homeland.
Too Many People Are Remaining Silent
Today, there seems to be a sense of fear and defeat. Sure, we are seeing some protests against what Trump and the current administration is doing. But from where I sit, it’s not enough. There are too many people who likely know that things are wrong, but will not speak out. I’m afraid that may lead us into a dark place in America.
I can no longer remain silent.
My one small voice, however, will likely not do much to change our trajectory as a nation. So, I will remain on high alert. I will ready myself to leave America if needed.
I Don’t Want to Be an ExPat, but…
I don’t want to have to leave this land I grew up in, this land I love. But it’s quickly moving toward something I can’t fathom. I’m feeling, more than ever, like a slave, like a prisoner. The cost to live in this country is exceeding the affordability. Many of our cities are dealing with increasing homelessness and crime.
Trump is not fixing anything. He’s stirring the pot. And he’s acting like a dictator. If something doesn’t change soon, it will not end well.
For now, I’ll keep writing songs and poetry and hoping that our nation does not go completely off the rails. I’m getting very close to being set up for full retirement. I still own a condo in Maine. But the taxes and cost of living are very high there. I consider the Great Plains for more affordability. But the daily drama of living in America will still be here.
I’m a bit afraid to leave America. But I need to be prepared to go. As much as I hope to stay living somewhere in the USA when I retire, I am researching and remaining open to other options. – dse
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