How Could We Not

What a different country, what a better country, ours would be if every American had the occasion to live abroad. Not just travel overseas, actually live there. On your own, no guided tour. Wouldn’t have to be a lengthy stay for it to work its magic, but long enough to learn the language and customs and establish some relationships.

If every American had the opportunity to drink this elixir, our nation would be transformed. We wouldn’t be as afraid of strangers. We’d be more welcoming, more willing to share our blessings with others. We’d no longer see a need to be so walled off, so heavily armed.

We would be a bit humbler. More of us would realize our way is not the only way. Maybe fewer Chicagoans would get bent out of shape by someone putting ketchup on a hot dog. Maybe fewer New Yorkers would go apoplectic at the sight of pizza eaten with a fork. Maybe fewer Wisconsinites would care if it’s called a bubbler or a water fountain. Maybe.

We would be less spoiled. More of us would realiz…