Changes in the US will affect Europe

[Pauline]

We’ve all been quiet lately as we digest the US election results. My first instinct was to go offline. I’m coming back to life now but these are difficult times.

In the UK I hear a lot about it on the news, mostly about how it will affect this country. I did have the idea to avoid talking about it with strangers by claiming my original citizenship - Canadian - so no reason to ask me what I think.

I guess we just go on as usual perhaps understanding as we travel in Europe how much American politics affects Europe. NATO, tariffs, the war in Ukraine. Europe is having its own problems with populism and strong anti-immigration sentiment, so it isn’t just the US.

 

[Ian Sutton]

I reason that I can't influence elections in the US, so I shouldn't worry about the consequences... that's on the US electorate. They are responsible for the politicians they elect.

 

[JMichael]

Some of us are responsible for the politicians that are elected. However, please remember that not all of us necessarily voted for those individuals. Realizing my values are in the minority has been a difficult pill to swallow.

 

[Pauline]

Yes, we vote in the US too.

 

[BryanS]

We voted absentee from Italy, not necessarily an easy process but important.

Since the day after the election we have had numerous people in our small village ask us in Italian - What is wrong with America?!

 

[Ian Sutton]

Some of us are responsible for the politicians that are elected. However, please remember that not all of us necessarily voted for those individuals. Realizing my values are in the minority has been a difficult pill to swallow.

Definitely not pointing any fingers. You voted (and no matter who for, that's the important thing).

 

[BEERMAN]

I'm currently working on trip reports and photo's to avoid all the news talking heads. Fyi, my desktop gave me a fit trying to store photo's, now editing is slow as molasses!

Whichever side people are on, I hate seeing the same behavior where people are willing to divide and even sever friendships over the knuckleheads that control both sides. Until a strong moderate makes a name for themselves the cycle will continue. Hoping my daughters generation finds such a person.

 

[Pauline]

I'm currently working on trip reports and photo's to avoid all the news talking heads. Fyi, my desktop gave me a fit trying to store photo's, now editing is slow as molasses!

I keep my photos on an external drive. Maybe that would help? I’ve been going over photos too!

 

[phirhon]

Here in Australia, we have compulsory voting. If you do not vote you get a show cause letter and if you do not have a good reason, there is a fine. Of course, some are prepared to pay the fine, but why not vote. If you do not vote, you cannot complain when the result does not suit you.

We are watching with interest what is happening. If tariffs are brought in and China's economy suffers, it is going to have an adverse effect here as China is one of our big trading partners, despite some recent issues. This will flow on to us as self funded retirees . We are always affected by what happens on Wall Street, so not looking forward to losing money.

I worry about what is happening in the world with these men in charge, and now another one joins them, who are like dogs involved in a you know what competition.