My partner is a Danish national and she has a residency renewal (every ten years) in what will be a Trump administration if he wins. She will also be drawing Medicare and SS (paid into it, entitled to it) but it will simply be easier and save America money if they just deny it and put her on a plane back to Denmark. Since my two kids were born of a non-citizen, their US citizenship would also be in jeopardy, especially since they are also both Danish citizens. We have family in Denmark who would welcome all of us… except the grandkids are here and there are three other families attached to them who are all natural born Americans with deep histories of citizenship. Now what?
One thing is certain, though, if cruelty is the goal, then my family is a prime target. See what we can do to even the white* people? Y’all better fall in line.
*My partner was born in South Africa in the middle of apartheid where all the birth records were ordered destroyed if you were born in the “wrong” hospital. Yeah, things get pretty hairy pretty quickly, even as she presents as lily white — blonde, blue eyes — as any Dane, her mother was “coloured” or the more polite, Afrikaner. Her biological father was Danish… anyway, I’ve said too much, but guaranteed a second Trump admin would have his brown shirts packing away these “animals.” This election is intensely personal.
I don't trust the trump administration. I, nor my mom, have birth certificates because Korea didn't issue them back then. When my dad was still alive, I made sure that all our passports, IDs, etc. were up to date and didn't lapse. I didn't want to risk anything. I get stopped at the airport without fail, every time I re-enter the country as is.
My 50th birthday is on the 1st. And, while I am excited for the family reunion I have planned for the next day, I am both fearful and hopeful about the conversations that will undoubtedly take place that day. I hope that we can be civilized to each other, but there are many family members who have drunk IQ45’s koolaid. We shall see.
The word that comes up for me is “abhorrent.” It describes so many facets of what will be implemented if we don’t persevere. And the one issue voters in my neck of the woods (Catholic Maryland) are not to be deterred.
I think AI has its place. I enjoyed seeing my image as a Viking warrior when that was all the rage, but I strongly object to realistic images being created in the same way that I object to photoshop. Show me YOUR work, not the brilliance of a computer program.
Tensions are high, and I'm so glad for the distraction of beautiful weather, at least where I am, because I could easily spiral into a place or gloom and doom. Wishing you an early 50th birthday! Enjoy the family reunion - don't let the election spoil what is a beautiful milestone celebration.
You've captured my thoughts and feelings today beautifully. Though I look out my door and see the green of suburbia in the South, I imagined myself walking through Central Park as I read your words. The promise of comfort and peace that autumn brings, mixed with anxiety and uncertainty for the coming election. Thank you for sharing your talent.
It boggles the mind. I started to really dig in because I really wanted to understand. It’s the single issue, with the economy on top. You really wonder why any person of color would vote for him. Money and protection of wealth. Individualism vs collectivism.
Yep. On my calendar, a long time ago, I put "Harris/Walz win in a landslide", in an attempt at manifesting a positive outcome, and I smile every time I see it. Its hard to sit in this, I'm going to say it, liminal space right now before the election when either choice seems viable. We are all going to need a real break after it unfolds.
I am in the process of filling out my mail in vote as we speak. I had a whole paragraph written about how the talk about immigration is really just a cloak for racism. And the amount of extraodinary fake news that people believe is real is mind-boggling. However I deleted it because I have too much say with too much emotion. It makes my brain hurt. We had come so far and done so much. All I have right now is... We understand the assignment. Let's do this everyone!!!
Yes immigration is a cloak for racism, but he doesn’t even need to hide behind it since he’s so blatantly racist. Good for you for filling out the mail in ballot. I will also vote early when the polls open. 🙌
I’m finding myself watching more news clips after taking a break. Probably not a smart choice. Everyone should just get election day and the day after off. No one is going to be expected to get anything done anyway!
Your expression of that tension most of us feel is elegant, and helps me better balance my own sometimes paralyzing see-saw between the beauty of what we are given and the horror of what we can create. Thank you.
Designer George Aye has a great talk about the power dynamics in design. In a section where he talks about the language we use, he compares “Immigrant” to “ex-patriot.” Of his own life, both could be used but because of his job and education, people call him an ex-pat. I just think about that a lot when I hear the racist dog-whistles.
I'm trying hard to enjoy these last few weeks. No news. No more seeing what Trump does or says next because it's just getting more awful when you didn't think it could get worse. Why do the elections these days have to feel like we're approaching our own execution?
Jenna, I am normally a silent lurker, but your writing and Threads posts are quiet daily joys. I am in awe of your many talents. I am also a legal naturalized citizen of color. This election cycle has brought feelings of shock, anger, and fear, but also a strong belief that we are not going back . I am hoping that in three weeks the country will have joy and hope with the first Madam President.
I feel it Jenna. Holding space for the possibility that as a collective we make the choice next month for decency, civility, inclusion, love.
Thank you for your writing ✍️
It's so close. I am trying to keep positive here. Let's put the energy out. ✨
My partner is a Danish national and she has a residency renewal (every ten years) in what will be a Trump administration if he wins. She will also be drawing Medicare and SS (paid into it, entitled to it) but it will simply be easier and save America money if they just deny it and put her on a plane back to Denmark. Since my two kids were born of a non-citizen, their US citizenship would also be in jeopardy, especially since they are also both Danish citizens. We have family in Denmark who would welcome all of us… except the grandkids are here and there are three other families attached to them who are all natural born Americans with deep histories of citizenship. Now what?
One thing is certain, though, if cruelty is the goal, then my family is a prime target. See what we can do to even the white* people? Y’all better fall in line.
*My partner was born in South Africa in the middle of apartheid where all the birth records were ordered destroyed if you were born in the “wrong” hospital. Yeah, things get pretty hairy pretty quickly, even as she presents as lily white — blonde, blue eyes — as any Dane, her mother was “coloured” or the more polite, Afrikaner. Her biological father was Danish… anyway, I’ve said too much, but guaranteed a second Trump admin would have his brown shirts packing away these “animals.” This election is intensely personal.
I don't trust the trump administration. I, nor my mom, have birth certificates because Korea didn't issue them back then. When my dad was still alive, I made sure that all our passports, IDs, etc. were up to date and didn't lapse. I didn't want to risk anything. I get stopped at the airport without fail, every time I re-enter the country as is.
My 50th birthday is on the 1st. And, while I am excited for the family reunion I have planned for the next day, I am both fearful and hopeful about the conversations that will undoubtedly take place that day. I hope that we can be civilized to each other, but there are many family members who have drunk IQ45’s koolaid. We shall see.
The word that comes up for me is “abhorrent.” It describes so many facets of what will be implemented if we don’t persevere. And the one issue voters in my neck of the woods (Catholic Maryland) are not to be deterred.
I think AI has its place. I enjoyed seeing my image as a Viking warrior when that was all the rage, but I strongly object to realistic images being created in the same way that I object to photoshop. Show me YOUR work, not the brilliance of a computer program.
Tensions are high, and I'm so glad for the distraction of beautiful weather, at least where I am, because I could easily spiral into a place or gloom and doom. Wishing you an early 50th birthday! Enjoy the family reunion - don't let the election spoil what is a beautiful milestone celebration.
Yes, the weather here is fantastic! Fall is my favorite!
🙌
You've captured my thoughts and feelings today beautifully. Though I look out my door and see the green of suburbia in the South, I imagined myself walking through Central Park as I read your words. The promise of comfort and peace that autumn brings, mixed with anxiety and uncertainty for the coming election. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Thank you Margaret! I'm glad I was able to conjure up a city fallscape 🍂💕
oh meta 🙈
Not sure who over there thought that was a good idea to post 🙄.
I feel the anxiety as November is coming up. We are holding off planning for any international travel beyond January.
:( I hear you.
How is it even close? (I know the answer. It's just so depressing.)
It boggles the mind. I started to really dig in because I really wanted to understand. It’s the single issue, with the economy on top. You really wonder why any person of color would vote for him. Money and protection of wealth. Individualism vs collectivism.
Yep. On my calendar, a long time ago, I put "Harris/Walz win in a landslide", in an attempt at manifesting a positive outcome, and I smile every time I see it. Its hard to sit in this, I'm going to say it, liminal space right now before the election when either choice seems viable. We are all going to need a real break after it unfolds.
I am in the process of filling out my mail in vote as we speak. I had a whole paragraph written about how the talk about immigration is really just a cloak for racism. And the amount of extraodinary fake news that people believe is real is mind-boggling. However I deleted it because I have too much say with too much emotion. It makes my brain hurt. We had come so far and done so much. All I have right now is... We understand the assignment. Let's do this everyone!!!
Yes immigration is a cloak for racism, but he doesn’t even need to hide behind it since he’s so blatantly racist. Good for you for filling out the mail in ballot. I will also vote early when the polls open. 🙌
I can barely focus, not sure how I will get anything done in the next three weeks!
I’m finding myself watching more news clips after taking a break. Probably not a smart choice. Everyone should just get election day and the day after off. No one is going to be expected to get anything done anyway!
Your expression of that tension most of us feel is elegant, and helps me better balance my own sometimes paralyzing see-saw between the beauty of what we are given and the horror of what we can create. Thank you.
Thank you, Liz. That see-saw that you phrased yourself so elegantly is spot on. So many emotions cycling throughout the day, everyday.
Designer George Aye has a great talk about the power dynamics in design. In a section where he talks about the language we use, he compares “Immigrant” to “ex-patriot.” Of his own life, both could be used but because of his job and education, people call him an ex-pat. I just think about that a lot when I hear the racist dog-whistles.
I will have to look this up, Susan—thanks. I mean it's right there, but I have never connected immigrant to ex-patriot.
I don’t even live in the US and I’m getting such anxiety over the election. And outrage that people can get away with such abhorrent behavior!
It affects everybody. His policies are a global risk. Everyone should be anxious.
I'm trying hard to enjoy these last few weeks. No news. No more seeing what Trump does or says next because it's just getting more awful when you didn't think it could get worse. Why do the elections these days have to feel like we're approaching our own execution?
Because there's so much at stake! I go in and out with the news. Have started watching again, maybe a mistake. One thing I'm ignoring are the polls.
Jenna, I am normally a silent lurker, but your writing and Threads posts are quiet daily joys. I am in awe of your many talents. I am also a legal naturalized citizen of color. This election cycle has brought feelings of shock, anger, and fear, but also a strong belief that we are not going back . I am hoping that in three weeks the country will have joy and hope with the first Madam President.