Thanks Patrick, I appreciate your astute analysis, it's spot on.
Having lived in the UK since 1998, I’ve had the experience of seeing my native country from the "outside looking in." It was only after leaving that I fully realized how insular and inward-looking America can be. Europeans—Brits included—tend to be far more engaged with world affairs, not just politically but in terms of history and geography as well. I’m often struck by how much people here know about the US, while many Americans seem to have only the vaguest understanding of Europe beyond WWI, WWII, and a few famous cities.
One thing that has always stood out to me is the way American culture fosters a sense of exceptionalism. Films like Independence Day—which portray the US as the world’s savior—might be taken at face value back home, but here in Britain, they’re often met with a mixture of amusement and disdain. There’s a deep skepticism about America’s self-appointed role as the leader of the free world, and I’ve come to share that view more and more over the years.
Watching what’s happening in the US now, with Trump back in power, fills me with utter despair. I had hoped the country might learn from the chaos of his first presidency, but instead, it seems to be doubling down on division and isolationism. Meanwhile, here in Wales, I’ve built a life in a strong, cohesive community, one that feels far more grounded in reality than the increasingly dystopian vision playing out across the Atlantic.
That’s why I take immense pride in seeing the PM, Keir Starmer, leading the charge in defending Ukraine. At a time when America seems to be turning inward once again, it’s heartening to see Britain standing firm on the world stage. I may have been born American, but after 26 years here, I'm grateful to call Wales home.
Thanks Patrick, I appreciate your astute analysis, it's spot on.
Having lived in the UK since 1998, I’ve had the experience of seeing my native country from the "outside looking in." It was only after leaving that I fully realized how insular and inward-looking America can be. Europeans—Brits included—tend to be far more engaged with world affairs, not just politically but in terms of history and geography as well. I’m often struck by how much people here know about the US, while many Americans seem to have only the vaguest understanding of Europe beyond WWI, WWII, and a few famous cities.
One thing that has always stood out to me is the way American culture fosters a sense of exceptionalism. Films like Independence Day—which portray the US as the world’s savior—might be taken at face value back home, but here in Britain, they’re often met with a mixture of amusement and disdain. There’s a deep skepticism about America’s self-appointed role as the leader of the free world, and I’ve come to share that view more and more over the years.
Watching what’s happening in the US now, with Trump back in power, fills me with utter despair. I had hoped the country might learn from the chaos of his first presidency, but instead, it seems to be doubling down on division and isolationism. Meanwhile, here in Wales, I’ve built a life in a strong, cohesive community, one that feels far more grounded in reality than the increasingly dystopian vision playing out across the Atlantic.
That’s why I take immense pride in seeing the PM, Keir Starmer, leading the charge in defending Ukraine. At a time when America seems to be turning inward once again, it’s heartening to see Britain standing firm on the world stage. I may have been born American, but after 26 years here, I'm grateful to call Wales home.