OT - A Brit in Washington...

[Highmac]

... and the recall. The first monthly US diary from Matt Frei of the BBC, who is stationed in the US capital.  

QUOTE

There is nothing like seriously bad weather to bring out the civic spirit of America

.
Be interesting to hear what Americans think of a Brit's view of events there.

[krissel]

Often quoted and pretty much now taken for granted is the idea that "The American people are at their best when things are at their worst."

It often takes a tragedy or danger to bring out the good in most of us and not just in this country either.

As much as we all might complain and expect a lot, we are also capable of comforting and giving from the depths of our hearts (and pocketbooks).

At least I like to think so.    

[RHPConsult]

Interesting reading, Neil. Thanks.

Unfortunately, his penultimate paragraph reveals what often happens when outside observers' personal expectations about California become statements of "fact" on one of the more interesting of the United States.

Outsiders who do not see this present exercise as democrary. writ large, are making a serious miscalculation. It deserves far less ridicule than some wish to impart to it.

IMO

[Gary S]

People from other countries and some of our own citizens never realize how fragile our Republic or Democracy is here in the USA. The way our system of government works always puts us one step away from anarchy. It's always been an experiment in Freedom from the start. I discuss this subject with a local judge I know socially from time to time, who has traveled to many foreign countries as an ambassador for the USA, teaching our system of government. Freedom and Liberty are very fragile concepts.

The people have to stick together. It's a people's government run by the powerbrokers in Washington, as was metioned in the article.