At Home in Switzerland

“Another election?” I asked. “Last time they voted on whether the Air Force should buy another F-16.”

“They do have a lot of elections.” Nazy replied. (The Swiss love referendums.)

“I am soooo excited.” I yawned. “In fact, I know this will be an electrifying election.” (I do not love referenda.)

“Dan..”

“Wow! The electorate is electrified. Is there a candidate or an issue? Do they just want to vote on the toothpaste labelling initiative?”

“There are hundreds of candidates. The issue is - aliens.”

“Aliens?” I asked. “Finally! Something interesting to vote about.”

“Some Swiss are getting tired of non-Swiss immigrants…”

“Aren’t we non-Swiss immigrants?”

“Yes.”

“Oops.”

“They don’t like immigrants who don’t pay taxes.”

“No worry there,” I replied. “We pay lots of taxes. Swiss and American taxe$.”

ASIDE: The American tax based on citizenship is unfair and unwise. It is taxation policy that is only used by the United States and The Central African Republic.

“They don’t like immigrants who ignore the Swiss way of doing things.”

“No problem,” I replied. “I’m just spending a quiet evening sorting the garbage.”

“They don’t like people who don’t learn German.”

“Mais oui!” I replied. "I don't look like a crow."