The USA has been a magnet for people from around the globe, since the very beginning, until now. Be it the free land to settle in, be it the religious freedom, be it the gold rush, or the open doors for people who had to escape from suppressive and totalitarian regimes.
Many years ago, I had the unique opportunity to live in California for one year as a foreign exchange student. Until then, the USA had been completely unknown to me. But living in an American family, going to school, being a part of every day life, gave me a new perspecitve – a look from outside, that turned into a look from inside.
Later, at the university, I learned a lot about the philosophical ideas that shaped the country. There are, of course, a lot of critical points to bring up about the USA. Things happen, that should never happen, developments, that to not match the fundamental ideas of what make the USA special and unique. But then, the country is unique, it has brought up the most fascinating people, it has given people a huge span of freedom, and options to live the way they want to live, and a freedom, that is hard to find anywhere else.
This is what has atttracted people for decades. The recent developments worry me, and make me sad. But I am full of hope that the country and its people will have the power, and the courage, to come back to the values, and freedom, and the democracy, that makes the USA so special. I am very thankful for all this country and its people have given to my life. I have been back many times, and will be back again.
