Hi Lindsey… as a fellow expat living in Paris I can commiserate with that morning feeling of “what fresh hell awaits”.
I too was worried about something “boots on the ground”, old school war like, UNTIL I listened to Macron (our truly disliked French president and head of the EU for another minute) say: (I paraphrase) If the U.S. brings military, boots on the ground, to Greenland… The EU nations will dump their US bonds (tied to the massive US debt) and refuse/turn away all ships arriving with US imports AND cancel all pending US orders.
Basically, the EU has agreed to burn the US economy to the ground. No shots exchanged, no military needed. They have also stated that they “may” simply take over all US military bases in EU countries (certainly Greenland) and send the US soldiers home.
I applaud this. There are many ways to triumph over aggressive bullies… and I love the EU and Macron for this response.
Meanwhile, the UK is in dialogue to rejoin the EU. It has also been suggested that Greenland, Iceland AND Canada join the EU. Which they all technically & legally can.
And while all of this is unfolding, the EU is busy creating new trade partners. In the end, Trump will have isolated the US in a fever dream of fascist exceptionalism.
War, as our parents (or grand parents) knew it is not on the menu. Only the kids menu.
That is truly the assertive and clear response that is called for here; I am glad to hear it. Would you be able to link to Macron's interview/statements? I will make it my French lesson (and calming exercise) of the day
Hello Annilee, I’ve just spent the last 20 minutes trying to find that video clip without success. Sorry. There are just SO many videos. But, there are loads of references to the “cascading consequences” and economic “bazooka” that the EU will put into motion. And, within some of those articles is a link to the document outlining the economic protocol where the 1st step is halting imports. Hope that helps.
It is amazing to see that you are truly deeply affected by what is going on yet are able to clearly and warmly write about what you find good in the world right now. Really, very moving.
Thank you for that, Brian. Being out of the country doesn't mean it hurts less. And I certainly care about the bright, good people (including my friends and family!) on the ground who are worried. I think I just needed to stop fretting about two weeks, three months from now and take everything one day at a time because that's all I can really manage. I do hope you are finding positive things around you!
Great post Lindsey and I so feel you on wanting to write, share and be present but also feeling completely paralyzed by what is happening in the fresh hellscape that we live in. I have felt the same and I appreciate that you both acknowledge what is going on but also offer tips on finding joy because our nervous systems are all shot right now. What is happening is deeply disturbing and I have to wonder how much a country or world can take and it's still fucking january. I have never been more motivated to get my Italian citizenship..
I think if we care about humans, we invariably feel deeply about the current state of our home country. We also know, firsthand, how the decisions there destabilize or negatively impact the countries we’ve chosen. Get that citizenship girl!!!
The most pleasurable article I have read. We are all stuck in this “ fresh hell” not able to turn on the news every day for fear something worse has happened!
We long for our month in Paris this May to shift our thoughts to
The countdown to your change of scenery and thoughts begins! Until then, I hope you can find strategies that work for you and help those around you as you can. xo
Oh, Lindsey… we are in the middle of The Twilight Zone, and you’re certainly right that it’s extremely difficult even from here in France. We all have friends and family in the US living face to face with this insanity. But I am a bit more positive than I’ve been perhaps in a while… my intuition feels some hope. In the meantime, all we can do is take care of ourselves, nurture joy, and then share it. We each can make a difference to someone else! Thanks for your wonderful article. The music was outstanding.
Thank you so much Lindsey, for recommendations of comfort and joy at this time, and, less important overall but important to me, the callout for my recent Guardian piece. And thank you for sharing the Sofiane Pamart video. Music, long walks, getting together with friends, reading novels: these are my top self-care practices right now. I nervously check in on my children in the States. I've never felt the distance across the Atlantic more keenly. I'm working on a project involving looking at family correspondence during WWII between Denmark and the United States, correspondence by letter at a time when travel to see each other in person was impossible. I hope we won't find ourselves in similar straits. And with an internet blackout to boot. Air France just contracted to have Starlink on its flights. The French government just signed a new 3-year contract with Palantir to work with the DGSI. On est con ou quoi??!! Meanwhile, everything creative and nurturing and connective is an act of defiance and resistance. Aux barricades!
I stumbled across the Berthe Weill exhibit last month and it was the highlight of my trip! What an extraordinary woman. I’m looking forward to reading her autobiography!
In the words of artist and activist Lisa Congdon, "Build community, lean into Joy, fight fascism". Lindsey, your words here echo these sentiments. Your work and words are appreciated.
We aren’t going to invade Greenland - if the people don’t want us there, we’ll wait and rescue them from the Chinese, someday. In the meantime, Paris has turned to filth, while you post pretty pics of food. You’re a whacko.
Hi Lindsey… as a fellow expat living in Paris I can commiserate with that morning feeling of “what fresh hell awaits”.
I too was worried about something “boots on the ground”, old school war like, UNTIL I listened to Macron (our truly disliked French president and head of the EU for another minute) say: (I paraphrase) If the U.S. brings military, boots on the ground, to Greenland… The EU nations will dump their US bonds (tied to the massive US debt) and refuse/turn away all ships arriving with US imports AND cancel all pending US orders.
Basically, the EU has agreed to burn the US economy to the ground. No shots exchanged, no military needed. They have also stated that they “may” simply take over all US military bases in EU countries (certainly Greenland) and send the US soldiers home.
I applaud this. There are many ways to triumph over aggressive bullies… and I love the EU and Macron for this response.
Meanwhile, the UK is in dialogue to rejoin the EU. It has also been suggested that Greenland, Iceland AND Canada join the EU. Which they all technically & legally can.
And while all of this is unfolding, the EU is busy creating new trade partners. In the end, Trump will have isolated the US in a fever dream of fascist exceptionalism.
War, as our parents (or grand parents) knew it is not on the menu. Only the kids menu.
Boy do I hope this comes to fruition! What is sure, this won't look like identical to the past (although that doesn't make it any less unnerving!)
You are 100% correct. Unnerving, distracting, and all the other accompanying aggravations.
That is truly the assertive and clear response that is called for here; I am glad to hear it. Would you be able to link to Macron's interview/statements? I will make it my French lesson (and calming exercise) of the day
Hello Annilee, I’ve just spent the last 20 minutes trying to find that video clip without success. Sorry. There are just SO many videos. But, there are loads of references to the “cascading consequences” and economic “bazooka” that the EU will put into motion. And, within some of those articles is a link to the document outlining the economic protocol where the 1st step is halting imports. Hope that helps.
Thank you for taking the time to search for it--much appreciated!
Check this out:
https://newsnotnoisejessicayellin.substack.com/p/europe-aims-trade-bazooka-at-us-to?r=aqa9m&utm_medium=ios
She’s doing a public service. 🙏
Outstanding, thank you!
Of course!
It is amazing to see that you are truly deeply affected by what is going on yet are able to clearly and warmly write about what you find good in the world right now. Really, very moving.
Thank you for that, Brian. Being out of the country doesn't mean it hurts less. And I certainly care about the bright, good people (including my friends and family!) on the ground who are worried. I think I just needed to stop fretting about two weeks, three months from now and take everything one day at a time because that's all I can really manage. I do hope you are finding positive things around you!
Lovely! Your post cheered me. Thank you for intelligently acknowledging the horrific crisis, then providing antidotes. Much appreciated.
Worth a try, anyway!
Thank you for sharing these most timely thoughts. I will focus on joy.
However you can!
Thanks for putting into words what I’ve been trying to reconcile lately ☺️
A work in progress!
Great post Lindsey and I so feel you on wanting to write, share and be present but also feeling completely paralyzed by what is happening in the fresh hellscape that we live in. I have felt the same and I appreciate that you both acknowledge what is going on but also offer tips on finding joy because our nervous systems are all shot right now. What is happening is deeply disturbing and I have to wonder how much a country or world can take and it's still fucking january. I have never been more motivated to get my Italian citizenship..
I think if we care about humans, we invariably feel deeply about the current state of our home country. We also know, firsthand, how the decisions there destabilize or negatively impact the countries we’ve chosen. Get that citizenship girl!!!
The most pleasurable article I have read. We are all stuck in this “ fresh hell” not able to turn on the news every day for fear something worse has happened!
We long for our month in Paris this May to shift our thoughts to
Art and beauty. Merci beaucoup.
Judy Grover
The countdown to your change of scenery and thoughts begins! Until then, I hope you can find strategies that work for you and help those around you as you can. xo
Great piece and so much rings true to me. Also, love the recommendations. I will be getting one of those galettes asap!
A galette is definitely a temporary pick-me-up xx
And PS: thank you for the galette recommendations and the Orangerie exhibit which I will be seeing this next week thanks to you. 🙏
Oh, Lindsey… we are in the middle of The Twilight Zone, and you’re certainly right that it’s extremely difficult even from here in France. We all have friends and family in the US living face to face with this insanity. But I am a bit more positive than I’ve been perhaps in a while… my intuition feels some hope. In the meantime, all we can do is take care of ourselves, nurture joy, and then share it. We each can make a difference to someone else! Thanks for your wonderful article. The music was outstanding.
Hoping you find moments of joy in the smallest of places this coming week.
❤️
And you, too!
Thank you, Lindsey. I live in the US and truly appreciate the lovely recommendations. All of it is quite overwhelming and unbelievable!
Stay strong, Sheila!
Thank you so much Lindsey, for recommendations of comfort and joy at this time, and, less important overall but important to me, the callout for my recent Guardian piece. And thank you for sharing the Sofiane Pamart video. Music, long walks, getting together with friends, reading novels: these are my top self-care practices right now. I nervously check in on my children in the States. I've never felt the distance across the Atlantic more keenly. I'm working on a project involving looking at family correspondence during WWII between Denmark and the United States, correspondence by letter at a time when travel to see each other in person was impossible. I hope we won't find ourselves in similar straits. And with an internet blackout to boot. Air France just contracted to have Starlink on its flights. The French government just signed a new 3-year contract with Palantir to work with the DGSI. On est con ou quoi??!! Meanwhile, everything creative and nurturing and connective is an act of defiance and resistance. Aux barricades!
I stumbled across the Berthe Weill exhibit last month and it was the highlight of my trip! What an extraordinary woman. I’m looking forward to reading her autobiography!
I'm so glad you could see it!
In the words of artist and activist Lisa Congdon, "Build community, lean into Joy, fight fascism". Lindsey, your words here echo these sentiments. Your work and words are appreciated.
We aren’t going to invade Greenland - if the people don’t want us there, we’ll wait and rescue them from the Chinese, someday. In the meantime, Paris has turned to filth, while you post pretty pics of food. You’re a whacko.
Sharon, I'd love to know why you're here then.