For the last few weeks now, many, many people who have never seen America before have arrived to attend the World Cup — and their reaction has been nothing less than a national love fest. Told by their government media that The USA was a violent, soulless, bland corporate wasteland, they have discovered our natural beauty, our incredible food, and best of all the American natural character of open friendliness, great generosity and fierce national pride. For Steve, Scott and Bill, seeing the hundreds of awe-struck reactions to this incredible country of ours has been a transformational experience, not to mention a pure and deep joy.
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Had a client drive three hours for a meeting this morning so he could get it in and get home for the 4th.
We only had 2 1/2 hours. Spent 30 minutes talking about the Visitor to America videos.
His favorite, which I hadn’t seen yet, was someone from either Italy or France at Buc-EEs who not only marveled at the cleanliness of the open to the public restrooms, but that they were free.
Not the case in many European countries. France especially.
“Told by their government media that The USA was a violent, soulless, bland corporate wasteland …” We all need to be pointing out to these people that if they were not only lied to but lied to in such an absurd degree about America — When those doing the lying know damn well that they’re not being truthful — Then y’all need to put some very serious and careful thought into what else you are being lied to about. When you get that process well underway then think about WHY you’re being lied to. Finally put some serious thought into… Read more »
Happy 250th America We aren’t even close to perfect. We are however extremely fortunate to be citizens. The Scotts beer drinking? In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.Ben Franklin Upon reflection: America is much more than a geographical fact. It is a political and moral fact – the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality.Adlai Stevenson Visitors enjoy fruits of our freedom, the very ‘fruits’ they long ago traded for bondage: There is no thought process without freedom. To deprive man of… Read more »
Quite a few years ago, some English friends of ours came over for a week. They flew into Canada, and drove a rented car down to Rhode Island. When we greeted them upon arrival they were wide eyed with wonder, couldn’t get over how big America is, and marveled at the wild life. I thought it was funny when he remarked about all the dead raccoons. When we were in England some years back, I was talking with a fellow who had been to America a number of times. He said he always rented the biggest car he could over… Read more »
There is so much here to talk about. For one, I have never doomscrolled before. But the videoes of people coming from elsewhere and having a blast has me seriously addicted. Scott, Steve and Bill mentioned a lot, like stadiums, food size and more, but I’m going to mention other things. Like ranch dressing. One european said “Why did no one tell me Ranch was like crack?” … basically saying it was addicting. Many are trying to smuggle it home. And not just pro team staduims. College stadiums were used and had the fans freaking out. And some staduims had… Read more »
It was the “Spanish Flu”, Scott, even though it began in Kansas. And it was the reason Germany didn’t win. The Kaiser’s forces had had two successful forays into the French and the third would have been the end. But then the Spanish Flu came, a viral illness that killed the most healthy people, drowning them in their own inflammatory juices practically overnight. (If you want to read a greatly informative book, try “The Great Influenza”). They had to back off, the Americans helped the French and British recover momentum, and Germany lost. Not only that, but the same influenza… Read more »
Great information and context, Doc.
But are we really sure that it was the Spanish Flu that addled Wilson’s brain. He was pretty addled to start with. 😉
Wilson’s wife ran the country for a while, ala Biden. Wilson was counted on by the allies to keep the French from deciding the “damages” and cost recovery. The treaty was so over-the-top we got WW II. Wilson just drooled in the corner.
Bill: “I’ve seen American commentators crying over these videos.“
Me: “wow, seriously?“
Me at 13:30: tears in my eyes.
I too am grateful for all the visitors from abroad who got a glimpse of how marvelous and precious the USA is. But you know, I’m even more grateful for, and extremely proud of, my fellow Americans who showed the visitors such great hospitality. You, my brothers and sisters, are who I will be toasting this Independence Day.
Even though I have spent all but the first three months of my life living in the Midwest, I have found other regions of the USA had been welcoming in their own way. For instance, in NYC, people were stand-offish but would always answer questions and help me out.
I do find our country very inviting and polite.