This is not my perception.
A friend in England writes to me on Whatsapp: "Just heard Trump saying an enormous amount of BS at the UN summit. Basically said climate change doesn't exist, it's a scam, block borders, he brought peace in the world (fake), and America is doing better than ever. The problem is that he is going to influence those that think the same. "
Then later, he continues: "Is anyone going to stop Trump? People used to get worried about for Obama wearing a tan suit, not this government just went back 100 years and is influencing Europe too. They restricted travel to European Commissioners for something about digital protection, since Trump wants to know whoever said anything bad about his government. I don't know how he was voted."
Then, a Swiss friend sends a whatsapp message with a video: "Donald Trump just flew over my head." (throw up emoji). On his way to World Economic Forum in Davos, she explains. I do a google search and locate a YouTube video of Trump at the forum, blabbing on with his usual drivel about how great he is for the US and his country, a jumble of absurd lies.
Lastly, a friend from Scotland sends a funny voice text via Facebook Messenger: "I thought Trump just liked orange but turns out he also likes green."
No, the rest of the world isn't laughing at us. Instead, I perceive compassion, as much bewilderment and fear as we in the USA are feeling, and the need to laugh at such absurdity. For too long now, the general sense in the states has been this mentality of US versus THEM coupled with the wild notion that America is the best country in the entirety of the world. Then, there are some US citizens who see the atrocities of our government both within and without our borders and believe the laughter and derision from the rest of the world to be an accepted response. However true that is, it is still a belief in our separation from the THEM.
Yet, those on the outside looking in, residing in countries both allied and enemy, recognize the global significance of the United States as well the reality that the political strivings and machination of all governments is not the fault of the citizen.
Perhaps this is our time in the Grand Ol' USA to experience the repercussion for harm done, yet again to be shaken awake from our numb slumber, to the real power of assiduousness that has always been present. Yet in our suffering and striving to overcome the darkness, know that we are not alone, not a byline by others outward, but compassion is held, empathy and hope given, striving together with us for a better future, not for individual countries, not for the governing powers, but for We The People, citizens of the world, for that is truly what we are.
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
