Although I will not reveal my nationality, except to say that I am not American, I will state that I was taught, and my children were taught, that we live in a very good country, and that we are fortunate -- even privileged -- to do so.

We were not taught that our country is "best," which means by default, that other countries are not as good. I've been told my Americans all my life that I should move to the U.S. and enjoy "real freedom."

But I also watched "Bowling for Columbine."

I find it difficult to write what I want to say without sounding nasty, and I'm not trying to be nasty. I really wish that the good, solid, practical middle-of-the-road Americans could form the culture, instead of the extreme left or extreme right, both of which seem to assume untenable positions.