So now that I'm becoming more familiarised with Washington I'm beginning to notice a few things about American Society which contrast with what I'm accustomed to back at home.
Of course D.C. cannot be attributed as an accurate microcosm for America as a whole but this is the great 'melting pot' which has a bit of everything good and bad about America.
Patriotism - Here the flag is a source of unity, not division and is proudly hung by people from across the political spectrum, from all regions of the country, transcending religious denominations.
Politics - For all of the supposed apathy amongst voters I have not encountered much yet. Pretty much everyone (including the young) knows who they're going to vote for in November. (If what I've heard is anything to go by, I rate Obama's chances!)
Public Transport - It is affordable and punctual. Here they realise that there must be an incentive to wean people off travelling by car.
Museums - All that I have visited so far are free entry and well maintained. It is my understanding that this is the case with the Zoo also. Perhaps this may be relevant to the stronger awareness of history here.
Media - When you turn on the tv or access a website you don't just get news, but views. There are extremes on both sides which tend to cancel each other out.
Separation between Church and State - Whilst this may obviously vary on a regional basis it has clearly benefited the Nation. But it also benefits the Church which - comparitively speaking - is thriving.
It would do us no harm to learn some lessons from the aforementioned.
Afterword: Luke makes a valid point in response to my previous post concerning the elections. I would add that some of the leaders whose sole claim to fame is their 'experience' have made some of the gravest errors of judgement, e.g. Iraq - which reminds me of one other thing, here the army commands the respect and support of the general public whether they are for or against the war.
