I’ve been communicating with people about the Trump victory who live outside the U.S, both those born elsewhere and U.S. citizens. I spent around 4 years living in 3 Latin American countries and 3 years living in Hawai’i, which is quite distinct from the rest of the U.S. As things break down further, some of the U.S. colonies and quasi-colonies may experience more independence.
“Welcome to the 3rd World,” one island dweller said. “We have to live with restraints here, where consumerism does not rule. You will need to adapt.” Another said. “You can no longer rely as much on the government. It is now more up to you.”
Though Trump being elected was unexpected by many of us, it is merely one more sign of the decline of the American Empire, which lost wars against Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Now it’s fueling terrorism throughout the Middle East. It is as if a spell has been cast on many Americans, who live in a bubble.
Those who live elsewhere point to potential silver linings of the Trump victory: the building of a truly mass, democratic movement and more neighborhood dependence, especially as fossil fuels become less available and as abrupt, chaotic climate change worsens life on this Earth.
I do not expect this transition from the no-longer to the not-yet to be easy.