Don’t Run Away
Even if You-Know-Who gets elected
If Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, I expect a lot of new American neighbors will be joining us here in Brittany. According to numerous polls and anecdotal reports, many Americans say they’re fed up with the orange moron and more people than ever want to move to another country.
If you’re thinking the same, I’m here to tell you: Don’t.
Do not move to France, or any other country, just because you can’t stomach another dose of Trump.
It’s a given that, with Trump in the White House and MAGA stooges running the show, things will get worse. The economy will tank, women’s rights will disappear, white supremacy will thrive, the environment will crumble, the poor will suffer, gun laws will be repealed, public education will be abolished, the independent news media will be shut down, books will be banned, elections will be rigged, labor unions will be outlawed, insurance companies, banks and oil companies will suck every last damn dime out of your pocket, and dogs will be shot on sight.
You scoff at that last one, but I wouldn’t put it past him – not when he speaks openly of using the military to kill his political opponents who, given the evidence, must surely include our canine companions
I digress, but only to underscore that there are so many reasons for Americans to get the hell out of Dodge.
Still, you need more than a reason to leave. You need a reason to arrive.
As Theresa and I considered our move, we didn’t sit down and make lists of the various things we disliked about America. As much as I loathed racists in my neighborhood and aggressive drivers on Henry Avenue, I never hated them enough to run away, for that would also mean I was running away from my family and friends.
Instead, we made lists of what we loved about France, the qualities that drew us here.
In other words, cheese the pace of life.
We talked about it every time we returned from vacations, how we wanted to bring a piece of France back home to Philly, to duplicate the ease of a morning walk through a Burgundy vineyard, the casual afternoon coffee in a Montparnasse café, a calming weekend with friends in the Pyrenees. Eventually, the pull was too much for us to ignore.
We’ve had our share of frustrations, believe me. I’m still having problems with the passive unhelpfullness of French functionaries who can admit no mistake.
And sometimes I need reminding of what drew me here.
Not long ago in an expats group I follow on Facebook, someone asked why so many Americans seemed to be moving to Brittany. “No offence [sic] intended. Just curious,” the member wrote.
We all know by now there’s no such thing as an innocent question on Facebook, and this Brit’s posting did not fail to ignite a firestorm. More than 300 comments ensued, the majority of them pointing fingers at the future occupant of the White House, regardless of who wins the election.
I couldn’t help but feel a pang of despair, as if every expat in Brittany was here only because he or she was running away from troubles in America.
But throughout the Facebook thread, there was a smattering of positive vibes: A woman who fell in love with Brittany after her spouse was transferred here for work; a local climate that reminded another of her home in Seattle; a healthcare system that treats everyone equally, regardless of ability to pay; a public transportation network that frees one of the necessity of a car; great restaurants and fresh food at the weekly market; a safe, largely gun-free environment; a less-divided society; open space; quality education; friendly people; cheap wine. And, yes, thank the blessed cows: kilos of fromage.
I could go on, but you get the point. It’s not enough to have a reason to run away from Trump’s America. Instead, you need a reason to move to France, to Ireland, to Mexico, to wherever. Otherwise, vowing to move will likely be nothing more than a bitter, empty threat, not a dream you intend to fullfill.
Once you find your reason, the thing that pulls you to a new country, you can’t help but make the move. And if you choose Brittany, we’d love the company. Especially if you bring your dog.
One thing I wish I had added to this piece: Millions of immigrants around the world unfortunately must flee their homelands because of the risk of personal harm or extreme poverty. Unlike me, they don't have the good fortune or opportunity to pick and choose a new home. These desperate people have to run away.
Agreed. We didn't move to France because we were worried about who was going to win the next election. We moved, like you did, for all the things we love about life in France, most of which have been fulfilled. It was all the things we came to love about the south of France, Paris, the French people, the food, the fresh vegetables, shopping at the outdoor market, the music, the language, the culture. I must admit, however, having come from what used to be (I understand changes are coming) a strong "red state" (so glad we don't have any of that red state, blue state nonsense here in France!) and we were literally surrounded in Naples, Florida, by many well known "maga followers" (Senator Rick Scott, for one, lived less than 10 min away and a few of the people who attended the Jan 6 "day of love" as Trump puts it, came from within a few mile radius of our home). There were really annoying "Maga flags/anti Biden" flags hanging on both the front of the house next to us and flying on their boats. And quite a few times, we'd sit on our lanai, on a weekend morning, and watch boats cruising down our canal, headed for the Gulf of Mexico, with their DeSantis or Trump flags flying, to participate in the latest "boat parade". We had to be careful what we said out loud in public, just having a conversation at a downtown restaurant, with friends, for "fear" (yes fear) of pissing off one of DJT's followers proudly and openly carrying their firearms. THIS was not the America where we I was raised (growing up in Levittown, America's first "planned community after WWII", and a suburb of Philadelphia) . Back in Naples, we didn't dare put out signs supporting any Democrats, on our front yard, in Florida. We had to be "closet" Democrats. We had to keep our opinions quiet and to ourselves. It was no way to live. So, no, worrying about who would win or lose wasn't on the list of reasons we left the US, but somewhere on the bottom of the top 5 reasons WAS, getting away from the political climate, the feeling of division and hate, the fact that we couldn't just live happily among our neighbors like we used to, back when we were growing up, in the 60's and 70's. And from the comfort of our terrace, here in Nice, we do wonder what will really happen if Trump wins and what Trump and his followers will do if he doesn't win. I have concerns because I'm still an American, no matter where I live. We have already voted, online/by fax. Everyone, no matter where they are in the world, has to vote this time, to make sure that our democracy remains and the US we left, will always be a US that we want to return to --- if and when the opportunity allows.