Late yesterday I returned from my three week trip to Great Britain. It was a fun time and it was great to spend so much time in another country, really getting to know the people, the places, and yes, the politics. That said, all FR readers will be happy to know that I have little intention of sharing my personal vacation experiences with you on this website, unless they somehow tie into California politics.
That said, it is great to be back in the United States in time to celebrate our nation’s birthday — especially having flown here to ‘the colonies’ as they are still referred to, tongue in cheek, by some Britons. Anyone who needs to understand what our freedoms bring to us here in America need only travel abroad — even to a country as ‘civilized’ as Great Britain, and understand that we truly are privileged to live in the greatest country on the planet!
We’ll keep this July 4th commentary short — and the news synopsis on the main page is short as well. As I like to point out, political reporters like to enjoy their holiday weekends just like the rest of us!
I would like to take a moment and thank Nicholas Romero, the FR’s Managing Editor, for doing a great job stepping up to totally run this website the past few weeks. Nick has become an important and valued part of the FR team and I hope you all appreciate him as much as I do! I’d also like to thank the many FR contributors who stepped up to pen daily commentaries in my absence. There is always so much going on in California politics — and we have no shortage of folks here who are ready to tell you what they think about it!
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July 4th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Hi Jon!
Welcome home! :-)
I would like to clarify, since you implied in your commentary that Great Britain is one country, that it is, in fact, three countries.
Great Britain is the collective name for the three countries of England, Scotland, and Wales. (The United Kingdom is Great Britain and Northern Ireland.) That is why each of these countries have their own World Cup Teams. (England having gotten the farthest in this tournament.) Anyway, they are all wonderful, individual, and quite different countries!
I think it is important to make this correction as many Americans incorrectly think Great Britain is England only and that Scotland and Wales are part of England.
It is unfortunate that our country has a reputation of not knowing world affairs. The best way for us to correct this is to travel to other parts of the world and if possible, stay for a time with the locals. That is truly the only way to learn about other cultures and to understand the diversity of our own.
I am glad you had a great time in Great Britain!
Happy Birthday to the United States of America! :-)
Cheers!
July 4th, 2006 at 12:00 am
On a separate note, I am sorry to hear about the passing of Wendell Cutting. He did much for those who need it throughout the world. He will be missed, but his work will continue. My condolences to his family and many friends.