Hope for the future

You'd be surprized to learn that some other countries have been attacked
in the past, too, and have managed to remain friendly nevertheless. I
find it interesting that you speak of the "famously less-than-welcoming
attitude of many Europeans" but in turn think such an attitude is a
pretty normal thing when practiced by the USA.

You're confusing procedures with attitudes. Procedurally, it can be
annoying going through airport security -- but I've never found US
airport personnel to be anything but respectful and neutral, if not
downright pleasant.

This is far from the reputation of most European functionaries, rightly
or wrongly. I've not had the privilege of experiencing it myself, but
tales of rude treatment by everyone from taxi drivers to police
authorities abound amongst my peers who have traveled abroad.

In fairness, tales of good treatment and wonderful acts of kindness
abound, too -- but almost every person I talk to about traveling to
Europe tells at least one story about being treated poorly by someone.


That just doesn't happen in America, in my experience, and I've spent
40+ years exploring this great land of ours.

But all that's beside the point. In a country where most of our states
are larger than France -- and there are 50 of them -- there is more to
see and do here than any one person can accomplish in a lifetime.

Depends on how much you want to broaden your mind. But then, I suspect
that you're happier when you're not forced to broaden it too much.

And that response is the perfect example of why many Americans look
down their noses at Europeans. You're crass, rude, and almost
universally whiny.

Perhaps that explains why your ancestors stayed behind, while the cream
of the crop was coming to America? ducking!

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"