Hi John, I agree with you on most points (e.g. world view), but I would call the Americas anything but bland. Western American history may only go back a few hundred years, but it's been a very action-packed and turbulent few centuries, to say the least. If one is only interested in our past, then you're right that this is not a very rich part of the world. However, ours is not a culture of the past; it is a culture of the future, and it is our pioneer spirit that makes our culture exciting! It's in our blood. Our ancestral population is comprised of people who struck out boldly into the unknown, uncertain whether they would live or die. Part of this was fueled by adventure, part by a yearning for freedom and space, and unfortunately part by greed and opportunism. More recently, we've had an influx of people from throughout the globe who felt unsafe where they were, largely because they were different or refused to conform. Our continued influx of immigrants is the very life blood of our American Spirit! So we are a population of nonconformists, individualists, weirdos, and kooks. We are a stubborn and determined lot. We are fidgety, loud-mouthed folks who move forward, rather than being content where we are. We are the inventors and risk takers, and we have a rich history of achieving the impossible. I could not be prouder to be an American, which is why it hurts me so much to see what our government has become -- and to realize that it never did achieve the idealistic visions of our founders. I am horrified at what we are doing, and I am fearful of where we are headed. I am especially fearful of my own future, as the few civil rights I once had are now being suspended. But I am still fiercely proud to be an American. I will be proud until the day I die, even it is necessary some day for me to flee this country for my life, seeking refuge in one of the countless countries where people enjoy more freedom and liberty. And while I'll integrate well wherever I may end up, and while I'll appreciate and respect the culture there, I will always be an American at heart, and I will miss my country deeply. Yes, we have many strengths and weaknesses, virtues and foibles, but we are anything but dull! ;-) Peace, Sarah
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