I returned to New York yesterday after a few days in Paris. This country always looks different from abroad, and people I meet still speak of NYC with a certain awe, expressing their dream to go to visit our chaotic metropolis. But more and more, I hear disgust with the US. We are violent, drug addicted, obese and turning into a scary oligarchy.
France has its crazy politicians. But the far right in France doesn’t compare to the crazy maggot – uh, sorry – MAGA right. Gotcha politics have left little time for improving daily life for regular people. Gun deaths for 2023 were just under 41,000 when I left the city six days ago. That number is already above 42,000. Deaths in vehicle accidents are slightly higher – and deaths from drug overdoses are more than those from guns and cars combined.
But even worse is the level of apathy. My own included. I don’t want to fight anymore. I don’t want to hear about Trump’s ratings or likelihood to win in 2024. I can’t understand how millions of people could be serious about following him. A bully and a baby, a stammering street thug in a custom suit.
I wish Biden weren’t running because ageism is rampant in our country. I don’t agree with everything he’s done, but he has been a decent president – standing up for unions and working people; bringing manufacturing back to the US, investing in infrastructure.
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