An American Love Story

Alright America. I am going to become a citizen of the USA soon. I am excited! After all I lived in the US of A for more than nine years now. However, I must admit I am a bit weirded out by it as well. There is this sharp contrast that I am not sure how I will be able to cope with.

We have this beautiful country with its lakes, rivers, deserts, forests, mountains and animals. And in that country are inspiring cities, which birthed amazing art, technology and knowledge. And some wonderful people inhabiting it all.

But then we also have exploitation of everything above. And the exploitation solely happens by people. Mostly by Americans. Actually if you think about it; you can probably say that the number one nationality of those who are exploiting Americans is “American”.

We have thousands dying by force every year. And we have guns, lots of guns. Social issues that simply make you shake your head. We do most anything for oil and gas. And we have a guy running for the next presidential elections who, at best, should be a clown in some bizarro-end-of-the-world-comedy. And there are lots Americans who support him.

We allow Americans to exploit not only other Americans but also countries and people around the world. And often in the name of safety and in the best interest of the USA.

So there is this beautiful (huge) place with some of the best things in this world. And somehow it is not only inspiring awe and wonder in me but also fear and concern. All that makes me think: “Why am I getting into this relationship? Why am I committing on such a deep level if I have these fundamental doubts?”. I am not seeking refuge. I didn’t have to leave Germany. My birth-country is a stable place and is right up there with other “1st world countries” with all its pluses and minuses. But here I am. Actively choosing to become an American citizen. Why? Because I love the place. I have an American house, an American wife, American family and lots of American friends. I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I value the freedom to create, love and live in the way I choose to. And I believe that if there is one country in our time to create world-wide change for the better on a massive scale then the United States of America have a pretty good starting point.

Nothing is perfect and neither are the USA but throughout the last nine years I met enough people who want to change the world for the better in their own ways. And they don’t only talk the talk — but also walk the walk. So when I will stand there during the swearing-in ceremony sometime in spring 2016 I will think about exactly that. About how to use what we have to not only improve our own country but also all the other ones around the globe.

With their lakes, rivers, deserts, forests, mountains and animals. And the inspiring cities, which birth amazing art, technology and knowledge. And the people inhabiting it all.