I'm glad you threw your lot in with us, John. We need everyone possible working for freedom—freedom of water, freedom of people. You're someone who knows they're connected. Loved your mental asides while answering the questions! :-D
I also had fun picturing the "early" ferry. Readers might not appreciate just how much stress is wrapped up in the ferry schedule! When I lived on Lopez Island I had so many eye doctor appointments on the mainland that year, and for every one of them we drove to the ferry and crossed our fingers for a spot. And often we did the "early" one! Like, o-dark-hundred early. The upside was that waiting in the long parking-lot line for an hour or two for the ferry was a chance to hop out and take a hike. On Lopez the ferry sits at the end of a forested hill, and we would hike the trails of that hill and watch the bald eagles nesting and, in spring, the calypso orchids popping out underfoot. The biggest collection of orchids on the island was right there!
I've traveled that Lopez ferry a few times. You don't see it till the last minute as it comes around the corner. This year has been rough for the ferry system with crew and boat shortages. A visit to the dentist in Everett last week turned into a six-hour round trip!
I'm overdue a visit to Lopez. I love Lopez Community Land Trust, Iceberg Point. I'll take my bike though. And maybe a sleeping bag!
Ah, Iceberg Point! We lived near there, headed there every time for our go-to hike. <3 Living near one of the most beautiful spots on Earth meant we had a 25-minute drive to the ferry just to park our car in line! :-D
Why is it always the south or south east asians facing the biggest problems with citizenship ? Can’t say the same is not true with middle east and African nations people in America
Part of it is that many come on study or temporary tech work visas and have problems if they want to stay on. People from African countries never get even that chance, so are not even on the radar. And people from South America are all seen as "illegals". So often also can't even get in. None of it makes sense.
Native Americans sure weren't handing out visas when the first white folks showed up.
None of which is to deny that being a cis-gendered white Anglo Saxon male with a British accent is a huge advantage, because it is. I have privilege. I recognize that. I see it as my duty to use it to help those who don't. If I can do that more effectively by being a citizen then I'll make that choice. And if it means staying on this platform, I'll make that choice too.
Yes John, precisely. Friend of mine, techie, is in San Francisco and he is loving it but saying permanent residency is a long journey to board on. Friends in Canada have much easier time.
African people frequent to India for studies and have good numbers of reservations in universities. I just hope everyone can find the opportunities in life that they are looking for without too much prejudices, although it’s not a perfect world, we can do our bit to look at people and don’t see races.
A great read John, thanks. I wonder if everyone who gains citizenship is as clear on their reasons as you were. I am assuming so but perhaps some do it for the more vague reason of a better life.
Did you feel it was anti-climactic and wished for the ceremony or were you glad with the lack of pomp? I know if I was a US citizen I would be pretty happy to hear that you hopped on board, I admit to wishing you were north of that border instead!
I think they probably are. I was really happy there was no ceremony! The letter signed by 45 was bad enough.
There are times I wish I was north of that border! I'd move to Victoria in a heartbeat if you'd have me!
Meanwhile, I'll settle for Washington - Canada light. And when it's overcast at night, I can see the glow of the lights of Victoria. What's a border anyway, but one more colonial construct?
A test to become a US citizen... provoked my images of sho’ ‘nuf natural born ones, real ‘Muricans, intent on decimating the fabric of our country. “Nevertheless she persisted” could be a rallying cry for those that want America to persist.
Pre WW II my mom taught a one room country school. $74.86 per month I often heard. The test to demonstrate 8th grade proficiency and finishing public schooling was far from a cake walk. (See also Horace Mann) A lot of college graduates today would fail that test miserably...
Hola , Sinceramente No Sé , Sí Felicitarte Por Ser Un Ciudadano Americano ( La Deriva Que Tiene Ahora Mismo Estados Unidos , Gbr , La Unión Europea Y España "Es Mí País" ) , Es Alarmante. Pero Sí Que Me Gusto Que Votaras , Es Él Único Medio Real De Intentar Cambiar Las Malas Acciones De Nuestros Políticos. Un Saludo.
I'm glad you threw your lot in with us, John. We need everyone possible working for freedom—freedom of water, freedom of people. You're someone who knows they're connected. Loved your mental asides while answering the questions! :-D
Thanks Priscilla. The mental asides might be similar today, but the names would be different!
I also had fun picturing the "early" ferry. Readers might not appreciate just how much stress is wrapped up in the ferry schedule! When I lived on Lopez Island I had so many eye doctor appointments on the mainland that year, and for every one of them we drove to the ferry and crossed our fingers for a spot. And often we did the "early" one! Like, o-dark-hundred early. The upside was that waiting in the long parking-lot line for an hour or two for the ferry was a chance to hop out and take a hike. On Lopez the ferry sits at the end of a forested hill, and we would hike the trails of that hill and watch the bald eagles nesting and, in spring, the calypso orchids popping out underfoot. The biggest collection of orchids on the island was right there!
I've traveled that Lopez ferry a few times. You don't see it till the last minute as it comes around the corner. This year has been rough for the ferry system with crew and boat shortages. A visit to the dentist in Everett last week turned into a six-hour round trip!
I'm overdue a visit to Lopez. I love Lopez Community Land Trust, Iceberg Point. I'll take my bike though. And maybe a sleeping bag!
Ah, Iceberg Point! We lived near there, headed there every time for our go-to hike. <3 Living near one of the most beautiful spots on Earth meant we had a 25-minute drive to the ferry just to park our car in line! :-D
I was rather emotional when I swore my allegiance and I felt like I betrayed my motherland. 🤣
I had a bit of the same!
Immigration is murky waters from what I hear from my friends in America. I am glad things have been smooth for you this far.
Yes, murky. That was part of my timing too. I have a south Asian friends in limbo here. And a Tibetan friend.
Why is it always the south or south east asians facing the biggest problems with citizenship ? Can’t say the same is not true with middle east and African nations people in America
Part of it is that many come on study or temporary tech work visas and have problems if they want to stay on. People from African countries never get even that chance, so are not even on the radar. And people from South America are all seen as "illegals". So often also can't even get in. None of it makes sense.
Native Americans sure weren't handing out visas when the first white folks showed up.
South Asians find it quite easy to get into Canada. Sunitha in Toronto is having a much easier time than Sruthi in Santa Barbara.
None of which is to deny that being a cis-gendered white Anglo Saxon male with a British accent is a huge advantage, because it is. I have privilege. I recognize that. I see it as my duty to use it to help those who don't. If I can do that more effectively by being a citizen then I'll make that choice. And if it means staying on this platform, I'll make that choice too.
Yes John, precisely. Friend of mine, techie, is in San Francisco and he is loving it but saying permanent residency is a long journey to board on. Friends in Canada have much easier time.
African people frequent to India for studies and have good numbers of reservations in universities. I just hope everyone can find the opportunities in life that they are looking for without too much prejudices, although it’s not a perfect world, we can do our bit to look at people and don’t see races.
This is the first time I've listened to the audio version....I love it!
Thank you Jaci!
A great read John, thanks. I wonder if everyone who gains citizenship is as clear on their reasons as you were. I am assuming so but perhaps some do it for the more vague reason of a better life.
Did you feel it was anti-climactic and wished for the ceremony or were you glad with the lack of pomp? I know if I was a US citizen I would be pretty happy to hear that you hopped on board, I admit to wishing you were north of that border instead!
Congratulations!
I think they probably are. I was really happy there was no ceremony! The letter signed by 45 was bad enough.
There are times I wish I was north of that border! I'd move to Victoria in a heartbeat if you'd have me!
Meanwhile, I'll settle for Washington - Canada light. And when it's overcast at night, I can see the glow of the lights of Victoria. What's a border anyway, but one more colonial construct?
A test to become a US citizen... provoked my images of sho’ ‘nuf natural born ones, real ‘Muricans, intent on decimating the fabric of our country. “Nevertheless she persisted” could be a rallying cry for those that want America to persist.
Many of those would have a hard time passing the test!
Pre WW II my mom taught a one room country school. $74.86 per month I often heard. The test to demonstrate 8th grade proficiency and finishing public schooling was far from a cake walk. (See also Horace Mann) A lot of college graduates today would fail that test miserably...
We studied some US history - through the colonial lens - and US geography in school in England. I keep my mouth shut sometimes to stay out of trouble!
Discretion is the better part of valor.
Thank you John. Great story. I'm just sorry you can't be President!
Thanks! President of the water systems association was enough!
My spouse got his after living here for 20 years, too. It does prompt a tangle of questions.
Congratulations to him! Yes, questions.
Thanks for sharing! I listened to the recording and I realized that hearing your voice made this moment in your life come alive for me. 🇺🇸
Claire! That's a lovely thing to hear. Thank you so much.
I’m glad you did it. Beautiful ferry photo!
Thanks Alison!
Hola , Sinceramente No Sé , Sí Felicitarte Por Ser Un Ciudadano Americano ( La Deriva Que Tiene Ahora Mismo Estados Unidos , Gbr , La Unión Europea Y España "Es Mí País" ) , Es Alarmante. Pero Sí Que Me Gusto Que Votaras , Es Él Único Medio Real De Intentar Cambiar Las Malas Acciones De Nuestros Políticos. Un Saludo.
Graçias, amigo.