Armchairpuncher is correct. Americans are derived from the stock that left Europe and elsewhere. Our forefathers had the strength and courage to risk thier lives and cross perilous oceans for a new world. They also had a religous faith in the Almighty that gave them hope in the furture and hope in thier fellow travellers that still filters down today. We see this in American optimism; the trust in our neighbors, and the faith in our institutions that were safeguarded by the sacrifices of those who came before us.

Our forefathers were children of the Enlightenment who learned from the mistakes of Europe and founded a great land. Those who stayed behind did not or could not correct those mistakes. Europeans of today were not blessed with such a heritage. God Have Mercy on them! I know that America will answer the call again and agin to save our cousins overseas because we come from a different stock!