Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
A Love Letter from a Swedish Conservative
This is not a political piece. Not really. It’s more like a whole bunch of memories, strung together, and a plea for change from the change I see sweeping the nation I love.
I am a Swedish neocon, and a Jew, so I guess I am basically a unicorn. I was born and raised in a sleepy west coast town in the early 1980s, in a country an inch from being a full-blown DDR-state. I should be a socialist feminist performance artist, or a hipster filmmaker, passionate about gender-neutral daycare and sourdough bread. But I got lucky, and I broke away from the herd.
I first stepped on U.S. soil in the spring of 1990. My father had spent his high school years in Texas in the early ’60s, and now he wanted his daughter to see what he had seen and love what he loved. And boy, did I ever. I was 9.
I’m not sure if I can fully convey the cultural shock of going from 1990s Sweden to Dallas, Texas, or if it is even wise to try. Because how can I describe what it is to taste your very first doughnut or go to Toys R Us and see row after row of wonderfully girly Barbie-dolls? I came from the country of meh to the nation of yeah. And it was nothing short of magnificent.
I was lucky enough to spend my summers there, in the heart of Texas, and with every visit I gained a growing awareness of the differences between your country and mine. America was loud. It was uncomfortable and alive. People were different, not only from Swedes, but from each other.
It was the small stuff. There were flags flown publicly, showing national pride while maintaining a strong sense of individuality. People prayed at the dinner table, and even in schools! Women were allowed to choose to be home with their kids without guilt or government penalty, and people still got married and protected the institution of the traditional family.
In America I saw all these astounding, giant, little things; and an amazing mix of rallying behind your country, while at the same time demanding its leaders to be accountable, for your rights to be respected and your voices to be heard.
I lived with my dad’s childhood friend, Jay, an old-school republican with a passion for history and politics. On my first visit he gave me a copy of the declaration of independence, patiently explaining it, word for word. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; those words jumped out at me. Not only did this document say that I should be free to chart my own course, but that happiness was a right, and a goal? That changed everything. That changed me.
Jay and I talked politics all the time, and every visit was a living lesson. He took me to the Alamo, we followed the Clinton impeachment, debated the Gulf War and stood side by side on Dealey Plaza. And I fell in love, slowly but surely. I got to know and fall in love with a nation based on certain intrinsic values, carrying a responsibility for the world, seeing freedom as a right worth living and dying for.
I went back and forth between Sweden and the U.S., between socialism and freedom, and it was like growing up not only on two sides of the world, but on two sides of history. I saw America helping change the world and saving lives while Europe engaged in knee-jerk liberal analysis and Monday-morning quarterbacking, And every time the U.S. unapologetically went its own way I smiled with pride, sleeping soundly at night knowing that just like in my bedtime stories, there was a hero out there who would always show up just in time to save the day.
But things have changed, haven’t they? In the past years I have seen the country I love so much change, moving toward the country I grew up in. I saw a President get elected on change, and apparently things had changed enough by 2012 to hand him a re-election. Well, guess what? I know the change that your president speaks of. I have lived it, and I live it still.
I know what happens when government trumps the individual, I know what it is when you apologize for the values that built your land and I have seen the horrific results of a nation equating exceptionalism with brutality and deeming values moronic and obsolete. I know one thing for sure: If you grow up in a country that doesn’t ask anything of you, you end up living an entire life without asking anything of yourself. Expecting nothing, excelling at nothing, with no repercussions for failure and no incentive for growth. And it kills your very soul.
I know, however, that there is a way back and a road forward, partially thanks to Ricochet, actually. I joined this community just a few weeks ago, after listening to the podcasts and following the posts for quite some time. Here, I see the America I fell in love with. As I sit in my kitchen here in Stockholm I giggle with delight at the living, breathing conservatism and riveting debate you all let me take part of from afar (also, I do so enjoy the occasional joke about Swedish socialists and depressing Bergman-movies).
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; I hope every single one of you get how amazing that is, in word and in meaning. To me, it captures what it is to be human, by highlighting not only our need for freedom and our right to life, but the massive capability every single person is born with. This is something no government entity can ever replace, and no well-spoken leader should ever be given the power or pulpit to question.
You are exceptional, and coming to America taught me that I could be exceptional, too. Thank you for that. Thank you.
Published in General
Thank you ! It was outlawed in 1937, my country was “neutral during the war”, but a heavy duty Nazi-sympathizer, none the less…
If only more young people in the United States could spend time in a Socialist country and see where that road leads. I see how the media and the Democrats have already assassinated so much of our history and culture and think it may be too late, but I keep hoping that voices like yours will be heard and we can stop this train wreck from happening in the United States.
Thank you for this post.
I believe we have such a country in the US. It’s called Madison Wisconsin. Unfortunately it seems most young people exposed to that sort of socialism, become more socialist, not less. Exposure to disease doesn’t make you immune to a disease, unless you catch it first, and survive.
As they say over at The People’s Cube, the cure for weak socialism is strong communism. I was inoculated at a young age, fortunately.
It is unfortunately a rarity to have people like Annika. Most Scandinavians, and Europeans in general, I’ve met in the US are pretty Leftist.
According to Pat Condell, Sweden is now the rape capitol of Europe.
http://www.patcondell.net/sweden-goes-insane/
I would suggest that Annika pack up and get herself and family to TX or MT.
Texas, not Montana. No reason to live anywhere else other than Texas.
If someone is more comfortable living in a freezer than a furnace (and being a Swede would suggest so), I would recommend Montana.
It was wonderful to hear your story, Annika. You express the genius of America so clearly. Your story made me sad, too, however, because I feel so much has been lost, and I fear will never be recovered. But as you say, a pack of wolves…. Your story encourages us to keep up the fight.
My great-grandparents came from Sweden and I am so grateful they did. My mother’s maiden name is Soderquist. Some day I hope to visit Sweden and the village they left. I’m sorry to hear the left is ascendant there again now. Why can’t all Swedes be sensible like you?
Yeah but there’s more people living in one neighborhood of Houston than the entire state of Montana.
You say that like it’s a strike against Montana …
2 Democratic Senators is enough to strike you out of the competition with Texas.
That’s a plus? It’s not as if she could hide among all the illegals in Texas you know. For 9 months out of the year we could hide her in the snow. Besides, we are getting rid of one of the senators this year, and the other in 2016. Brian S. the ex gov is getting tired of his buddies as well, he might change sides.
In Texas we don’t hide.
Is it true what they say about Swedish cats?
Welcome – and if you can, please come to live here again. Maybe even permanently. It’s always the immigrants who remind us of and rekindle our patriotism. Haven’t read all the posts, but I read all of your piece, portions of it thru misty eyes. Thank you. In any event, it’s good to have you here in our little (but growing) community. We need you.
What do they say? Me’eh? instead of Meow? Or is that just Minnesota cats.
Thank you Barbara, and I agree, I need to come back to the US. I’m working on that one, I’m currently looking for work in America and I am planning (praying) to leave for good by the time we once again elect a socialist government in September…
I felt hopeless too, before I came here and realized that the depths of despair have created a movement and invigorated us all. That’s the thing about us conservatives, we’re not afraid of hard work. Instead of sulking over what has happened, we get to it. This is the party of change. Really.
I’m planning a move, looking for work and G-d willing I will get out of here and give my 2 boys the freedom they deserve.
Its nice to hear there is swedish neocons. I am not alone in scandinavia.
RGDS
Finnish neocon.
If you have to ask…
On closer reflection, Annika, it sounds as if you first came to America during our Ace of Base years. I’m surprised that didn’t turn you off of America forever.
Well, since they are born and bread in my land I was used to it, unfortunately. I hear they are working on a reunion-tour, though, and I’m not sure I can go through all that again..
I know just the song you could play on your way out though…
I gotta new life
You would hardly recognize me I’m so glad
How could a person like me care for you
Why do I bother
When you’re not the one for me
Oooo, is enough, enough
[chorus]
Uhhhh… ok…. Looks like we struck a nerve here, Mr Fan Club President.
Me,eh?
Unfortunately, I’m an old lady with no resources or contacts, because I’d hire you in a heartbeat. We also don’t have a conservative Jewish community in the NW corner of Montana. We’ve got a flaming liberal Rabbi that is pro P.A. and P.L.O. so I have little respect for him. What ages are your boys? What skills besides your beautiful writing? Your friends and family in Texas is a good place to start.
I can also claim Scandinavian descent. Lambert Hubertsen Mol born Zeeland Netherlands abt 1600 and wife Trintje Pieters born before 1626, gave birth to Geertje Lambertsen Mol in New Amsterdam and was baptized 09 June 1648. Geertje married Hans Jacobszen Harty 29 July 1668. From New Amsterdam, NY Historical Records.
I’d suggest sending a private message to iWc. He has to keep both his Jewishness and political views under wraps in the Baltimore area and in his line of work, but he might have some contacts and suggestions for you.
My boys are 11 and 6, i’m a single mother. I currently work as a political advisor for the conservative coalition while I do writing on a freelance basis in the US, Sweden and Israel. I have 2 degrees, in Communication and Middle East Studies.Btw, I am amazed by how many Swedish/Scandinavian connections there are here!
Thank you!
I congratulate you, Annika, on deservedly attaining Ricochet “stardom” with your first post!
Surely, I can’t be the only one thinking that Ms. Hernroth-Rothstein ought to be made a contributor immediately.