US Elections - My thoughts on Trump's victory
Shocked as I was at the result of the elections, my first thought was that "what do you expect from a nation who fails to educate their people". But that's not entirely fair, I think.
Because even in the Netherlands, where we pride ourselves on rational thinking, people with a big mouth manage to gain power.
It's not just education, rational thinking, thinking for yourself. It's also tightly knit with feelings and the media. If people feel neglected (politicians never listen to me) and someone speaks out about an issue you feel passionately about, you will probably vote for that guy.
The media attention and the fact most of the media in the US are influenced by investors and ratings, does not help.
In the past few days and weeks I've come across countless people who are happy to help me get started as an independent business. They answer my questions, challenge me to think for myself, and point me in the direction of resources. The difference with when I was unemployed is huge: suddenly people are thinking with me and encouraging me to grow, instead of restricting me and making me jump through hoops (at least: that is what it feels like). I've regained a bit of faith in humanity by reaching out to the people geographically around me, and seeing that we're not all that bad.
For most of the world, the USA is really far away. We watch, we dread, we hope the ramafications don't come to our doorstep. I really feel for the American people, so divided. So please, find people around you to talk with, and find a way to hold onto hope.
Now a radical man with a big mouth is going to hold the wheel. He can be very dangerous to your country and the world. Don't let him silence you. You still have a voice, a vote.
Because even in the Netherlands, where we pride ourselves on rational thinking, people with a big mouth manage to gain power.
It's not just education, rational thinking, thinking for yourself. It's also tightly knit with feelings and the media. If people feel neglected (politicians never listen to me) and someone speaks out about an issue you feel passionately about, you will probably vote for that guy.
The media attention and the fact most of the media in the US are influenced by investors and ratings, does not help.
In the past few days and weeks I've come across countless people who are happy to help me get started as an independent business. They answer my questions, challenge me to think for myself, and point me in the direction of resources. The difference with when I was unemployed is huge: suddenly people are thinking with me and encouraging me to grow, instead of restricting me and making me jump through hoops (at least: that is what it feels like). I've regained a bit of faith in humanity by reaching out to the people geographically around me, and seeing that we're not all that bad.
For most of the world, the USA is really far away. We watch, we dread, we hope the ramafications don't come to our doorstep. I really feel for the American people, so divided. So please, find people around you to talk with, and find a way to hold onto hope.
Now a radical man with a big mouth is going to hold the wheel. He can be very dangerous to your country and the world. Don't let him silence you. You still have a voice, a vote.