Man, this is tough... I really don't know what to say (and, I've re-written this response several times...).

It's difficult to speak objectively of the racial and cultural divides in France and Germany (I know -- I lived there for 8 years) when something like Katrina brings about OUR "ugly little secret." We have huge cultural and racial divides here as well... and it's so unfortunate. Though it is fair to say that we may be more accepting of other cultures, we still struggle with this issue.

Having said that, America is unique in this: You are born here, you're an American. It's that simple. No questions asked. That newborn is a gift to the American culture and our way of life, not the other way around. No other country in the world does that. In most of Europe, at least one of your parents has to be a "native" to be considered a citizen. The kid will grow up in France (or Italy or Germany), be educated there, learn the country's customs and language. But s/he will not be an European citizen until s/he goes through an extensive approval process.

America is a wonderful experiment -- one fraught with faults, difficulties, and shortcomings; but a wonderful experiment nonetheless. And it is one that is difficult -- almost impossible -- to pull off as the French, Germans, Italian, Balkans (I can go on) have realized.

My best wishes to all those involved in that sad situation in France...

Juan

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