My wish for all Americans; IAmsterdam life

[planetc]

26. Although I have traveled a bit, I have not made it to Amsterdam, and I should, because ...

I have a very important ancestor whose ancestors came from the Netherlands. This is the side of my family that I think of as providing me with my major life survival skills: the ability to make a budget and keep it, the civility and decency, the appreciation for beauties smaller than the Alps, the love of cheese, and the celebration of color that tulips represent. Not to mention Rembrandt and Vermeer.

I like the perspective this article takes, and I have begun to reflect on the number of freedoms that are either useless or dangerous to me. I have the freedom to protest outside an abortion clinic, to own a gun, and to mouth off in the most vulgar and intemperate terms. My entire Dutch side would like other Americans to forego these freedoms in favor of moderation, responsibility, and charity.

Socialism is an accurate political term, which suggests that social needs are real and must be addressed. Just because it was misused by the Nazis is no reason to abandon the term, but it is reason to refurbish it and use it proudly.

And the only worry I have about The Netherlands is its situation next to the sea in the face of sea level rise. If you are forced to move your country elsewhere, please keep in touch with your new location. Canada, for instance, has open spaces and lots of water at the edges.