i’m sorry, american style

Usually, it’s Canadians like me who always say “sorry” but during a recent trip abroad I lost count of how many American “I’m sorries” I heard. We travelled to Europe, which included a river cruise on the Rhine River. The holiday was planned long before Donald Trump started goading Canada with his crippling tariffs and his insulting 51st state talk. Like many of my fellow citizens we pledged not to visit the US again. Luckily this trip didn’t touch down anywhere near the USA. However, the cruise ship was full of Americans, extremely nice ones as it turns out. Almost every conversation started with the obligatory “where are you from?” which was quickly followed by an “I’m so sorry and we’re so embarrassed about our president” from all but a few Yanks. I was surprised because it was an older group, and I expected MAGAs. I intended to avoid political discussions but there were many. In fact, I learned a very important phrase from a staunch Democrat on the voyage. “Sane washing,” describing media coverage of Trump’s policies as if they’re normal. Duly noted.