While living in the Netherlands and trying my best to understand and appreciate its culture, I was reading the Sentinel too and keeping up to date on what was happening back home.
Thanks for this, Fred. By the way, I got tired of waiting for my complimentary copy of your new book and finally ordered it (so that it would be waiting when I returned to the U.S.). Happy to say that I've got it and started to read it! ((I've never sent you complimentary copies of my books, so I don't know why I expected one from you.) :)
I can totally relate to your article about the "socialist nightmare" in Europe. During my trips to Western Europe in 1973, 1978, and 2022 so many of the people I met would not change their political or medical systems for what we have in the USA. As you said, many issues the US is currently dealing with warrant a concerned and bewildered response from them. I could easily live in the Netherlands except that home is where my family lives.
With a 750 word limit, I couldn't mention health care and low-cost university education as additional attractions - beyond the social safety net and amazing infrastructure.
I hear you, Doug. I grew up where you grew up, but have lived most of my life in the Canadian "socialist nightmare." It grieves me to say this, because there is much about the US that I value, including dear friends and family. But I don't think I could live there anymore. Canada is far, far from perfect, and yes, taxes are higher here. But I value the characteristic communitarian sensibility, reflected, for example, in widespread support for universal health care and strong social safety nets, and the disapprobation of gun culture.
Thanks for this, Susan. I think you've identified the underlying issue - extreme individualism in the US and a more communitarian spirit in places like Canada and western Europe. I'm glad you;'re a reader!
In Russell Shorto's book "The Island at the Center of the World," he points our that the original settlers in New Amsterdam included few actual Netherlanders, because the poor houses and prisons were so relatively nice. The settlers were the ambitious taking leadership in the Dutch West Indies Company and those who were refugees, such as the Huguenots, who had moved to the Netherlands. It sounds as though that culture has continued. Welcome back! Safe travels.
Hi Cindy, thanks for the comment! My men's book discussion group (at my church here in Holland) read that book, and it was a very helpful history. So much I didn't know. I'm glad you're a reader.
I've been reading about what has been happening here - all in the name of Jesus, too! I expect to get involved!
Thanks for this, Fred. By the way, I got tired of waiting for my complimentary copy of your new book and finally ordered it (so that it would be waiting when I returned to the U.S.). Happy to say that I've got it and started to read it! ((I've never sent you complimentary copies of my books, so I don't know why I expected one from you.) :)
East or West? Home is best €;)
I enjoyed talking to you on that cold afternoon, Doug
Rein Carlier
I can totally relate to your article about the "socialist nightmare" in Europe. During my trips to Western Europe in 1973, 1978, and 2022 so many of the people I met would not change their political or medical systems for what we have in the USA. As you said, many issues the US is currently dealing with warrant a concerned and bewildered response from them. I could easily live in the Netherlands except that home is where my family lives.
With a 750 word limit, I couldn't mention health care and low-cost university education as additional attractions - beyond the social safety net and amazing infrastructure.
It's good to hear from you, Paul!
I hear you, Doug. I grew up where you grew up, but have lived most of my life in the Canadian "socialist nightmare." It grieves me to say this, because there is much about the US that I value, including dear friends and family. But I don't think I could live there anymore. Canada is far, far from perfect, and yes, taxes are higher here. But I value the characteristic communitarian sensibility, reflected, for example, in widespread support for universal health care and strong social safety nets, and the disapprobation of gun culture.
Thanks for this, Susan. I think you've identified the underlying issue - extreme individualism in the US and a more communitarian spirit in places like Canada and western Europe. I'm glad you;'re a reader!
In Russell Shorto's book "The Island at the Center of the World," he points our that the original settlers in New Amsterdam included few actual Netherlanders, because the poor houses and prisons were so relatively nice. The settlers were the ambitious taking leadership in the Dutch West Indies Company and those who were refugees, such as the Huguenots, who had moved to the Netherlands. It sounds as though that culture has continued. Welcome back! Safe travels.
Hi Cindy, thanks for the comment! My men's book discussion group (at my church here in Holland) read that book, and it was a very helpful history. So much I didn't know. I'm glad you're a reader.
Safe travels, Doug. Straighten out those Michigan people. Gllad you sre coming home.
Sweet musings, Doug. Yes, to the nonexistent nightmare and less poverty.
Welcome home.
Ha! Love the center pic of you at the farewell party! 😎
A fine reflection, and my experience (after six years living in The Hague) exactly. And a similar longing for family and some gifts of “home.”
Thanks, Doug!
Thanks, Mark! Not sure the local readership will agree but am glad you are a reader.
Thanks Doug for this honest observant blog. Now get ready for Ottawa County! I have a number of friends in Ottawa Co who are actively pushing back....
Well observed. Hope you'll find plenty to write about in Michigan. Look forward to these musings.
Bravo! Well said and done, Doug.