America is certainly bonkers; but it is still what's happening. When there were all the race riots and the anti-war riots in the '60's, I spent some time in a Communist country where they showed everything negative about America on TV. The riots, the poverty, the protests... it was supposed to show how bad the USA is. It had an opposite effect. Viewers were astounded that the army did not kill all those people. And in the scenes of poverty, they noticed that the poor in America had TV, fridges, sometimes even cars. And the protesters spoke freely their criticism of America, openly on television. In their country, they dared not even talk to each other, because the secret police were everywhere.
America - the cradle of the best and the worst. And both talk very LOUD. I love America - maybe easy for me to say, as I do not live there. But stop looking down on yourselves. It's a great civilization, even though not very civil.

Bob,
Thanks for posting your thoughts on America. It was nice to read it! As an immigrant living in the US for over 25 years, I very much agree with you. America, like my home country, India is certainly bonkers and full of contradictions, yet I made it my home (my choice) Why?
Here I can be myself, I feel free to express my views openly and honestly, people accept me for who I am. Most of all, this country gave me opportunities, certainly before PD and looks like now, even with PD. Despite all the complaints, frustrations and whatever issues that trouble me, I would rather live here (especially San Diego!) than anywhere else in the world.

Thanks
Girija