Welcome, World

June 23, 2026 (Vol. 20 No. 24) - The Ugly American is a 1963 film starring Marlon Brando as the U.S. Ambassador to a fictitious Southeast Asian nation threatened by communists. It painted Americans as self-centered and arrogant. However, for many people living abroad, that title also describes today's America, as the world has been repulsed by the hegemonistic and boorish leadership coming out of Washington. There was speculation that this growing worldwide anti-American sentiment, along with the Trump administration's crackdown on international visas, could negatively impact the World Cup that the U.S. is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico. However, judging by comments made in the media and on YouTube, it has come as a pleasant surprise to our international visitors that they are learning to love America, especially Americans.

When our foreign guests are asked about their first impressions of the United States, they talk about how friendly and informal Americans are. They are surprised that we are willing to initiate conversations with total strangers when standing in a queue outside a stadium, at the gas pumps, in a restaurant or even just passing by on the street. European and Australian visitors have posted on YouTube that they were at first startled by our familiarity. However, after a while, they are getting used to it and seem to like it. They also speak about how free we are to set on our own paths and to individually define who we are. Then, of course, they speak of the size of our nation, our stores and our dining portions. The one reaction that has really surprised me is their admiration for our patriotism. This is often embodied by their reaction to how we proudly and loudly sing our national anthem. Our guests are deeply moved by the depth of our love for our country.

Nowhere has the kinder and gentler side of American life been demonstrated than in my hometown, Lawrence, Kansas. Our community is serving as the base camp for the Algerian National Team, which is scheduled to play two of its three pool games in nearby Kansas City. Our community, arguably the most progressive and tolerant within the Sunflower State, has fully embraced the Algerian team and fans. It started with the team's arrival late on a stormy Sunday night. When the team arrived the next day at its practice field, Rock Chalk Park, they were greeted by the KU Band, which played their national anthem. A number of events, including street fairs and watch parties, have been scheduled for our international visitors. Lawrence's welcoming hospitality has garnered many new friends and international news coverage. Because of these carefully planned community events, the world is seeing the real America, the one outside of the Beltway, where we welcome newcomers as long-lost friends. I have never been prouder of my hometown than I am now.

The World Cup has been a double-edged blessing - good for the visitors and good for the hosts. It has helped to overcome some of the negatives that have tarnished our international image. This is not to say there are not many things that need improvement. However, the World Cup has reminded our guests, as well as ourselves, as to why Americans still believe they live in the greatest nation on earth. May God continue to bless America as we celebrate the 250th year of our independence. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle.