America, in what is probably news to most journalists, is still a country where a group of us guys—black, white, Asian, Christian, Muslim, and everything in-between—can go to work, get along, form friendships, and flourish. I know some liberals are appalled by the ”excesses” and “conspicuous consumption” in our country, but while stocking all those rows of spaghetti sauce, seafood, bread, candy, salad, and soup, I just felt gratitude. My Irish ancestors had to come here to escape famine and British repression. The freedom that produces this so-called excess is pretty darn sweet.

America is forward-looking even as it retains many worthwhile traditions.