My Global Village

Since 1989 my wife, Caro, and I have gone to the South of France for part of the summer. Because of COVID restrictions, last year was an exception. This August we returned to our gated community of 60 houses in the foothills overlooking Cannes. Designed as an ancient village complete with a medieval chateau and a Romanesque chapel, our village facilitates residents mingling at the pool, mixing at cocktail parties and socializing at soirees. “See you around the village” is a constant refrain. Caro and I marvel at how we see more neighbors here in a day than we do back in Philadelphia in a month.

For five weeks we live in this global village with neighbors from over a dozen European nations as well as several from Asia and the Middle East. Since we are among only a handful coming over from the United States, they like seeing us “to find out what’s happening in the States.” With the departure of President Trump and with the tragic collapse of the U.S.-supported government in Afghanistan, their questions and comments this summer have been less caustic and more sympathetic. Overall, they fear that America is losing its will to lead in a world that desperately needs its leadership.

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About the Author(s)

Robert H. Rock

Robert H. Rock is chairman of MLR Media.


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