I remember back in 1991, I talked a couple from Birmingham, England, into taking a two-
week vacation in Texas. Namely to Port Arthur
with a side trip into Louisiana.

While these were not the arrogant type and knew enough not to believe everything they heard about us, they nonetheless spent the entire trip in a state of culture shock.

The most telling aspect was their utter surprise how Americans left vending machines, news racks and the like unattended and so seldom robbed or vandalized. Likewise the casual interplay between civilians and uniformed police officers.

Our day at the range brought a few surprises too. The Brit could not stand more than 5 rounds from my 03 Springfield. I would have had to shoot the other 345 by myself had it not been for the timely arrival of a former Viet Cong who graciously let me try out his Redstock. Their incredulity grew by leaps and bounds when he realted how he gained early citizenship because he wanted to be sure to vote in 1984 for Ronald Reagan.

Our habit of waving at any and all passerbys
had them wondering who was directing the conspiracy.

And on and on it went. Amusing as could be.

And it also left me pondering the possibility that there might be such a thing as American Exceptionalism after all.