OPINION:
Fifty years ago for America’s bicentennial, many of us were a bit overwhelmed at all the hype and commercialism brought to bear. But we made allowances, sensing that beneath it all was a genuine affection for the country at its milestone.
Considering all the foreign governmental systems coming and going over the interim, this was no small achievement.
The appreciation pendulum swung, however, for the 250-year observances. Many citizens focused on national flaws rather than the positives. Unable to set differences aside for even a weekend, they declined to applaud and spent their holiday grousing instead. That’s like throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
I think the ongoing problem many liberals have here is a lack of world awareness. As is apparent from Gallup polls and Pew surveys, among others, America has one of the lowest global IQs among developed nations and consequently, little appreciation for the blessings other people live without (the four freedoms, a full stomach at bedtime and air conditioning are just a few majors).
Elsewhere these may be unknown, partly or altogether.
Don’t domestic critics ever consider why we’re generally running a huge emigration surplus? They’re obviously missing that something both documented and illegal immigrants aren’t. If they’d look beyond our own shores, they’d be feeling much better about the internal situation.
TOM GREGG
Niles, Illinois
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