I work in the States a lot and when people asked me the difference between USA and Canada, I always said “values.” There are shared values of course but it seemed to me the USA most valued independence & freedom most while we valued security & common good.

There are exceptions of course. And it was just a hunch but I feel I’m seeing that theory bear out in real time right now. And it is a time for common good more than freedom which makes this doubly hard for our neighbours, I think.

The high value on freedom and independence and even self sufficiency makes this hard. Whereas if you value security, stability, trust in public institutions, and common good, the path feels more clear. I think. This is just me wondering aloud. Americans, what do you think?

(I saw it then with gun control and universal healthcare but now the pandemic has me thinking of it all over again...)

I just had a memory of my Granny (may she rest in peace) saying her greatest wish for her grandchildren was for us to “be good citizens.” I think I come by this honestly.