My experience of my friends over the pond is that they are far better educated than most 'modern-system' Brits. I was lucky enough to know a number of American Rhodes Scholars at Oxford and they were amongst the most completely educated people I have ever known. I think of American musicians I have been priviledged to work with and know, such as Yo-Yo Ma, Lynn Harrell, Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman and ESPECIALLY the late David Golub and I am thankful my life has been so enriched by contact with them. I would not be writing about golf today if it were not for a chance meeting with an American poetry publisher on a train. I am a better human being for knowing such people.
My son visited America recently. One post on GCA gave him 101 contacts in the USA. It narrowed down to four. He had the most fabulous time. Their generosity was unsurpassed. He got to play some absolutely world-class courses (and a lot of very good ones, too). But he also got to drive American cars, to ride roller-coasters, to visit government offices, to fish, to travel across a continent on a train, to see Yosemite and to indulge in university life. What an experience for a 19-year old!
This is not a sermon. There are great Brits and great Americans, lousy Brits and lousy Americans. I filter out one lot and think the best of the other lot are simply fabulous. And, while you are at it, add to that list broad-minded and well-educated South Africans, Libyans, Iraqis, Lebanese, Finns and Faroese.