Jip Flip-Flops

Jip became eligible for American citizenship during the first term of the current U.S. president. She decided not to apply, saying, “Any country that would elect this guy is no country for me.” But lately we’ve been talking about the post-Bush era. Now she is reconsidering.

Practically speaking, we are unlikely to live in the States again. Given our givens, and the way that this century is starting out as belonging to Asia rather than America, Jip and I will probably be happiest staying in Thailand. Just the same, it’s fun discussing presidential elections with Jip.

Four years ago, she got on the phone and lobbied all of the American citizens she could think of to vote against Bush. We had heard something on the radio about the large numbers of Asian immigrants who hadn’t registered. Within a week, Jip had called people in about 20 states to make sure they knew what to do.

Since that time, phoning people has become more difficult and less interesting for her. But she’s got strong opinions. Don’t be surprised if you get a call for her sometime in the coming months, urging you to vote the right way.