Robin Elizabeth Herr

Sweden is regarded as one of Europe’s most welcoming countries for refugees and migrants. In five years, Scandinavia’s largest economy has accepted more than 400,000 asylum seekers and relatives of previous immigrants, many of whom were fleeing war zones. Sweden’s generous social security policies have helped — high taxes mean people living in Sweden enjoy generous social security benefits.

The Florida sunshine is so bright at the U.S. President’s winter White House, Mar-a-Largo, that the 16th century Flemish tapestries have faded. In a gilded living room – in a style which some call Louis XIV on acid – a little girl is singing. Just before the crescendo, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, cocks his head to the right, while Chinese President Xi Jinping leans forward and nods approvingly. Five-year-old Arabella Trump’s performance in Mandarin of “Jasmine Flower,” went viral.

On 14 February 2018, Valentine’s Day, a 19-year-old man shot up the hallways and classrooms of his former high school in Parkland, Florida. 17 died and 14 were injured. Surviving teenagers burst onto the public stage with protest and debate.