Lemmings, the puzzling image created by Disney of hundreds of wee mammals running and jumping to their demise. Today, we are made aware that this event was fabricated, but the image is enduring. Due to Family responsibilities, I am currently anchored in Switzerland, and watch with abject horror as the lemming analogy plays out in American Society due to the body politic.
In 1970, one US dollar ($) was worth 4.3 Swiss Francs (Sfr.) In other words, a cup of coffee, then Sfr. 1.5 was about 30c for an American tourist! Last year, 2024, the $ was 0.97c to a Sfr. So a cup of coffee now Sfr.5.50 costed an American Tourist about $6.00
Since President Trump’s sweeping tariffs and now the Big Beautiful Bill the Dollar has careened off the cliff and is now worth Sfr. 0.79c and falling. In other words, a cup of coffee has not, without any other influence but bad fiscal policy of a President, ascended to $7.00 per cup. HOW DOES THAT AFFECT ME IN AMERICA? Valid question!
When you could travel and a cup of coffee cost 0.30c there was no limit to the influence and respect that America had in the world market. USA was the Rich uncle who could afford anything anywhere. At $7.00 a cup of coffee, the image of the rich uncle is severely lost. With the realization that despite untold wealth in corporations, the USA is willing to throw its citizens off the social cliff, removes the benevolent image.
Watching the USA sacrifice the citizens of Ukraine, Gaza and underprivileged (USAID), further removes any image of what the USA, at its core, is (to those of us who know it) Good hearted, caring and hard working.
In this chaos of self-aggrandizement and psychopathic following, this good-natured American is like a lamb to the slaughter! Forget about buying a cup of coffee in Europe, who cares. However, because no nation is self-sufficient, as inflation hits the populace, and necessary services disappear, while media promotes mindless excess, there will come a ground swell from the likes of Jan. 6th insurrectionists, and the peaceful “no Kings” marches will turn into an increasingly complex resistance if not revolution. The excesses of today will be redressed.
So, what am I to do? Be courageous, be civil, be thoughtful, be proactive!
Be Courageous: if you see something that is not correct or feels wrong, speak up, write to your representatives (as useless as we deem them to be) be heard in stating your case. If someone is talking nonsense, in your opinion, listen, hear them out in case you might have missed a point, and offer your opinion. If you need to agree to differ, DO SO. There is no room for acrimony over an opinion.
Be Civil: Words matter, so name calling is not an option! Freedom of speech also comes with the civil responsibility to hear someone out. If you see someone doing any civically offensive deed, politely ask them to redress that. i.e littering, Being overtly obnoxious with noise, etc.
Be Thoughtful: If something happens, reflect, hold back any reactions. Harder said than done. We are mammals, blinded by impulse, however we have been given the power of reflection, practice, make it part of your essence and help make the world a better place.
Be Proactive: “Nothing is lost until you give up!” However, we should also remain conscious that: You can also lose when you have to hurt others in order to win. “The saddest thing a man can own is the thing he had to hurt someone else to possess.” This includes achievement! Think about what is happening around you and in whatever form you come to your conclusion VOTE!
Civil Society is a contract. We pay taxes, taxes are used to support our society in maintaining Laws, Services and our general understanding of wellbeing.
Here in Switzerland, there is much pissing and moaning by the populace about the cost and fees associated with everything. I often joke there seems to be an agent right behind you who monitors if you farted, and then sends you an invoice for contamination. HOWEVER, what no-one can deny coming here is that EVERYTHING works. Roads are maintained, transport is there to get anywhere, even the smallest village. Health services are available; there is no debate about minimum wage. People are paid a living wage.
Indeed there is a system of people working 60%, 80% of a week to maintain level of income needed to balance family life. Most retail is closed on Sundays (and evenings), and a noise ordinance imposed so that Sunday is a day for family or personal activity without external imposition. Upon Arrival here I thought this was draconian. A police state! Maybe, but the difference is within the confines of societal norms, my freedom has expanded.
Families know Sundays is their day! People are not subjugated to Working 24/7, etc. America (USA) is at a major crossroads. We are not helpless in this journey. Find your area of civil responsibility. Let’s show the world we are still better than avaricious egotists.
Sorry for the somber tone. My love for the USA makes me profoundly sad to see a disintegration and misrepresentation of its fundamental goodness perverted by “policies” that are fundamentally counter intuitive.
Thank you for supporting Honey for Healing®. Every household should have our wound cream handy. For children who want to grow up without an unwanted scar, it is a good standby.
Yours Aye, Gjoko
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