Last December in this space, I predicted that neither Joe Biden nor Donald Trump would be on the November 2024 presidential ballot.
I wrote: “Whether it is health, the judicial system, or totally unforeseen circumstances, I think they’ll both step down, or be rejected by their respective parties during the first half of the year.”
Assuming both stay in the race and one is eventually declared the rightful winner, it’s hard to envision a happy ending. You know, like the old days when the winner took the oath of office, and the other guy conceded and then just blended into the background for a few years. It is a quaint notion for sure.
The fear of “what happens next” has become a real issue. USA Today just published a story detailing the rising number of Americans who are updating their passports and contacting international realtors so they can flee the country after the election. Some fear what Trump may do if he wins, and others fear America’s security may be compromised if foreign foes take advantage of a declining Biden.
Certainly many Americans have threatened to leave the country in years past if their candidate was not elected. We hear that from celebrities quite often, although very few actually call U-Haul.
The newspaper reported on several former Americans who made good on their word, waving at Uncle Sam in the rear view mirror. On the 4th of July, of all days, they provided a link on how to make the move to Canada, Mexico, Spain or France. Readers could learn on how to navigate the visa process in one month, and avoid double taxation.
If the polls are to be believed, the percentage of U.S. citizens who would settle abroad if they were able to do so is at 34%, up from 12% in 1995.
Let that sink in. During the past 30 years, the number of Americans who would be willing to leave the country has almost tripled.
I have always considered this the greatest country in the world. I was told that over and over when I was growing up, and I saw no reason to think otherwise. Also, when I watched news stories about political unrest in foreign countries, I breathed a sigh of relief. I believed that despite our differences, we were taught better than to act up and threaten violence just because our candidate didn’t win. We just dealt with it, lived our lives, and waited for the next election if we wanted a new leader. Today there are actual concerns as to whether we can still behave that way.
Personally, I have no plans to pack up and head to Portugal based on the results of the election. I’m too set in my ways. Would my new home have a Burger King in the neighborhood? If I do, will it taste as good as the all-American Whopper?
It’s already tough enough finding cable companies or streaming services that carry my beloved Atlanta Braves. I’d say the chances are slim I could find them on a screen in a foreign country. How could they make it without me?
I’m not sure I could leave my old friends behind. Don’t get me wrong, I think they would make it just fine without me. I’m just not sure I could make it without them. I have a long list of neighbors and old radio and TV pals who I can call on if I need a ride somewhere. But I’m fairly certain that my chauffeur privileges would end at the nearest border.
Also, the last time I moved, the journey was only 30 miles. Even then, the process was so tiring and tedious, I’ve stayed put for 35 years. I’m determined to remain in my house until the end, so that my sons can have the pleasure of going through all my stuff while asking, “What was the old man thinking? And why did he leave all of this junk for us to deal with?” Because that’s the way God planned it, and the Bible tells us that’s why we multiply. I think that’s in there somewhere.
