Patrick McGoohan created the amazing character of “Number Six” a year before I was born. But sitting here in my beautiful home in Massachusetts, I understand the feelings that the character must have experienced.
The premise, for those who don’t know the show, is that Number Six is a top agent for an unnamed spy agency who resigns for reasons that are never clear. He is then suddenly kidnapped and placed in this remarkably serene village by the sea, where all his needs are fulfilled. However, this comes at a price: he is no longer free.
I live that every day.
I have had people say that this view is extreme.
But it is also true.
I am free to go about my business in any way I chose, but the US government or my current employer can revoke my status at any time.
Then I am free to return to Canada poor, but free.
It is crazy to think that borders mean so much. Working on the internet has made boundaries meaningless to me. I have contacts all over the US, and around the world. But I am trapped by borders.
Now, I know that this may not always be the case. One of the senior executives at the company I work for is also Canadian, but with a Green Card. He has complete freedom to go where he wants, and do what he wants, and work for whomever he wants.
I miss that freedom.
The life of a “guest worker” is starting to wear on both ZenWife and me. We are concerned that our eldest may be discriminated against in later life simply because he is Canadian. We are also worried about what may happen to our youngest because he is a US citizen.
They are simply our children. How can we raise them in such an atmosphere of uncertainty?
ZenWIfe is going to Victoria to visit her parents in April. When she comes back, I know that the distance between where we are (Massachusetts), and where we want to be (Washington, Oregon, British Columbia) will need to be bridged.
I know that we must return to the West Coast.
But here I am, trapped in the netherworld that the “guest workers” inhabit.
I cannot recommend this experience to anyone. A job in the US seems like a good idea, but consider the costs.
You will be trapped by a job, be trapped in a job, and be chained to one job.
That is the compromise you have to accept.
I can no longer accept it.
I am NOT a number…
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