Election Thoughts

Living abroad as an American during this election has been frustrating. Trump acts like a thug, yet it's obvious that he has the support of millions of Americans. New Zealanders keep wanting me to explain how this could be, and I'm at a loss. I feel very sad at the way this election, and, in particular, Trump's candidacy, has shaped attitudes about what America values. 

I feel that the local outrage about Trump colors how I'm perceived as an American. Yesterday a gas station attendant asked about my accent. When I told him that I am an American, he asked, "Trump supporter?"
"No."
(shaking his head) "137 million Americans are supporting him, though. How is that possible?"
I've had ongoing variations of this conversation with New Zealanders for months.  The day before the gas attendant, it was a man with a baby in Bunnings, a hardware store.  The day before that, it was another mom as we picked up our daughters at dance class.  

The average New Zealander doesn't know any more about the philosophical differences between Republicans and Democrats than most Americans know about the difference between Britain's Labour and Conservative parties, so all they see is that Trump stands for personal indulgence, bigotry, and anger and that millions of Americans support him. These are not American values. American values are freedom, optimism, creativity and hard work.

Many conservative Americans are inflamed about Clinton, but outside the US, Clinton seems like a typical career politician - someone who's made compromises, but who is experienced and canny and dedicated to her party.   No one has ever asked me about Clinton at the checkout counter when they hear my American accent.  

Why do New Zealanders care?  I've asked this questions, and the answer always is, "America is the most powerful nation in the world.  Of course, what happens there affects us here in NZ."  New Zealanders hear about the election every day on the news, just like most Americans.  In New Zealand, most international news comes from international news sources (mostly from the US and the UK).   

A couple of weeks ago I attended the speech finals at my boys' high school, and 4 of the 12 students jabbed Trump in their speeches.  Oak might have, as well, if I hadn't advised him against getting some easy laughs at someone else's expense.  One of the boys' speeches was entirely dedicated to Trump and why he would be bad for the world.  

Meanwhile, other family events from the last few weeks:

Danny and I spent the weekend in Nelson.  Very fun-  Another Prokofiev performance, an English essay, some hiking, a street fair, the World of Wearable Art.  

We billeted for 3 nights with the symphony's clarinetist and her husband.

Instead of flying home with me, Danny flew to BB Nationals in Palmy.

I happily gave in to Sue's insistence that we dig up a winter's worth of weeds in front of our house and put in a veggie garden.

Before and after shots

some strawberries, too

 It's finally warm enough to start up the Sunday afternoon volleyball again.  We have only played once since Noah left for Bulgaria in February.  Lucky for us, Mercy has grown a heap taller AND completed an actual volleyball unit at school since Noah left, so we can still carry on a family game. She may be playing in Noah's spot on the court, but she still has a long way to go to match Noah's ability to talk smack or gloat after a big play...  

Mike's idea of a game for family home evening last week.  

Some of the best lesson ideas don't take any prep.

Oak took the photo