Excellent piece!

I don't think there is any such thing as 'American exceptionalism.'

However, I do think the system of government that was created here has great potential to be fair and good. Too bad the people running it are so weak.

My parents moved to Blaine, WA about a decade ago. We can see White Rock from their home.

We often joke that if it gets really bad here, we'll just swim to Canada.

The point is, I know a lot of Americans who love Canada and Canadians and never thought we were better. But if you see the movies or listen to the politicians (who've always focused so much on American lives lost and are so dismissive of anyone else who dies--which has always infuriated me) then I completely understand all your points.

I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks.