Yes, America is a great country, and the primary destination of those seeking to better their lives, from around the world. I had the privilege of knowing a number of exchange students during the 80s and part of the 90s, from the former Soviet bloc primarily, but also some from more advanced countries. Not only were they impressed with the sheer level of comfort and convenience that even the ostensible poor had available to them, which allowed one to focus on other things without constant distraction, but with the degree of freedom and casual confidence with which most Americans approach the world.
I once took around French acquaintances to visit various places in the Washington area, and they raved about the sense of freedom felt in the States. At first I thought they might be exaggerating, given that they were on vacation, until we ran into an immigrant who had a boutique and had lived in the States for a half a dozen years. This women, also from France, confirmed the impression that America was unbelievably open, free, with a quality that they all had trouble describing, but which I supposed was a sort of straightforwardness and friendliness, a willingness to look people in the eye and address them directly........ |
