Fussing and fighting

There’s no escaping the reach of American politics these days and flying thousands of miles away is not sufficient distance to feel removed. It’s a crazy time and, during our time in Italy, one of the first questions we’ve gotten, delivered in the most hesitant and polite manner, is wtf is going on in America?

Damned if I know.

My inability to interpret and understand the Italian language is easily eclipsed by my inability to understand the appeal of DJT as a representative of the country I’ve lived in my entire life. I spent some time trying to interact on social media with supporters of the twice impeached, leader of the January 6th insurrectionists and made no headway.

When I questioned the convicted felon’s supporters about how they could conclude that he was a wealthy and tremendous mogul after all of the times he has defaulted on his financial commitments, I was told that bankruptcy is a financial tool. As if I don’t know it’s a means of gaming the system and shrugging off debt and obligations to pay people what they are owed.

I don’t think I’ll ever understand MAGA folks who are completely nonplussed by DJT’s repeated abuse of the system, yet are ever so pissed about student loan forgiveness or social services provided to those who are struggling to stay afloat.

It doesn’t make sense to me.

The other night there was an older, American couple at the table next to us at dinner. I eavesdropped, as they explained to the diners at the table next to them that DJT might not be the most admirable president there’s ever been in their country, but he was a “great businessman.” They added that Kamala Harris was unqualified for her position (at the time VP) and that she was only where she was professionally because she “slept her way to the top.” So the guy who declared bankruptcy a minimum of 4x is a great businessman and the woman who actually has a successful career is undeserving of the opportunities she has grasped…

I had to be restrained.

Once again, I find myself exhausted by the conflict in the world, in the country where I was born. Tired beyond belief by the lack of faith in anything being reported, the skepticism that far exceeds “healthy.” It feels like I’ve been holding my breath again, just waiting for the next media event and added stress. It’s relentless.

Maybe you have some similar emotions? Different ones to share?

I’ve been reading a novel, Apeirogon, by the masterful Colum McCann and absorbing the story of two Middle Eastern men who each lost a beloved child to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It has provided me with both a decamping from the issues at home, as well as lessons to bring home about the dehumanization of those with whom we disagree. Apeirogon is one of the saddest stories I’ve ever read, but it is also one of the most beautifully written ones.

It will not be over until we talk. Colum McCann

To talk, we need to have a common language. Our words and our facts are concrete, not open to alternative explanations. wonder which words I’ll find faster – the new ones in Italian or the ones which make conversation possible with those on the other side of the political street?

It’s hard to talk to people who don’t see the same things as you. The gaslighting that has been perfected by media strategists and political consultants has created an environment where nothing feels certain. January 6th traumatized me on a level close to 9/11. I know what I saw occur and to hear it glibly described as a tourists visit, offends me. I am also guilty of feeling dubious of whether the oldest presidential candidate in U.S. history did, indeed, get shot. I want a medical report, people.

No rush on that document, by the way. I’ve still got some time remaining in Italy before I return to the States. Ciao for now – Silvia