All it took for me to appreciate this country moreso than I already did was spending time in Asia, Africa and the Mid-East (numerous tours in Turkey, one tour in Kuwait, one in Egypt, one in Iraq and this last one in Afghanistan). After spending time in all of those places it is easy for me to understood why the world still looks to us and many want to live here. My parents came here and taught me that and my wife was raised in a Communist country (Romania) so I'm constantly reminded. But finally being home this week just drives it home (how wonderful the USA is) again once more.

Jim,

Did you ever receive the expression of gratitude I sent to you?

~ David