My wife has a large family, and the gatherings are loud. After dinner and drinks, the conversation usually turns to politics.
Lars slams his hand on the table.
“It’s not about hate Elin! It’s about mathematics. You can’t have a welfare state and open borders at the same time. The bucket is full. Actually, the bucket is leaking, and we’re still pouring water in!”
Elin leans forward
“That ‘mathematics’ is just a cover for your xenophobia These are human beings fleeing war! We are one of the richest countries in the world. If we can’t help, who can? You talk about the Swedish Model, but the foundation of that model is solidarity, not exclusion.”
Birgitta sighs deeply, rubbing her temples
“It’s not just the migration. It’s the privatization. You want to talk about why the care homes are failing? Look at the private firms stripping our schools and clinics for profit. That’s what’s killing us, not the refugees.”
And on and on it goes.
While the discussion goes on, I sit still. Not saying a word.
Eventually they are exhausted. Their eyes find me.
They ask me what I think.
“I think there are too many opinions,” I say. “The only right thing to do is to give the power back to our God-fearing king.”
Their eyes widen. They can’t tell if I’m serious. The Swedish king is not God-fearing. His reputation involves nightclubs and considerably younger women.
- That could start a vigorous family discussion.