15 Comments
User's avatar
Paul Drexler's avatar

You do a wonderful job of helping us see our own country with fresh eyes!

Henry Oliver's avatar

I appreciate that! I love your country!

Paul Drexler's avatar

I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. I’ve been to the places you’ve mentioned (not the college) but a fresh perspective is always an advantage. We Americans do take far too much for granted.

Sally Schott's avatar

How many of us (Americans) love it anymore? We are almost unbelievably split.

AlisonH's avatar

As a young girl, the book "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry introduced me to the wild ponies. Loved that book; think it's considered an American classic of children's literature.

E Daggar Art's avatar

What a beautiful piece of writing, Henry. And thank you for the fresh perspective and optimism. It is much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed Maryland!

Henry Oliver's avatar

thanks :)

Sandhya Kohli's avatar

Thank you for this lovely post. As a Canadian seeing its country reluctant to engage in fulsome debate, and where support for the creative arts and innovation is hard to find or to fund, I marvel at America's adeptness at creatively adapting and its continuing resilience in the face of chronic criticism and adversity from inside and outside. Here we are writing on Substack, another American creation . . . and that flourished during the Covid years. Here's to America.

Henry Oliver's avatar

“creatively adapting” is exactly it

Joseph Scibbe's avatar

It was a pleasure getting to meet and share the week with you.

Samir Varma's avatar

Great post as always. The main thing wrong with the USA is that we keep electing halfwits of all stripes. My Substack post next Monday is going to be about exactly that!

Henry Oliver's avatar

Thank you! I look forward to it...

Claire Laporte's avatar

I hope you're right!

John Kelleher's avatar

The Louisiana bridge, easy!