Kate, great article. However, the United States is too large and diverse to be pigeon-holed into all the things that shock you.

The USA is essentially 50 countries. The fact that all 50 states work in concert is truly amazing. There are a couple things I take issue with.

The beautiful beaches and parks of North and South Carolina as well as Virginia and Maryland that my family and I visit are free. Never once paid to enter. Our public libraries across our vast nation are free.

Religious Zealots are everywhere around the world, however, America affords you the ability to practice any religion you choose or don't choose without prosecution.

A country that promotes itself is to be expected. What you see as propaganda is just your point of view. The greatest country in the world, that's just great marketing or some one's point of view. No more or less than said authors.

No country is perfect, however, the US had almost a million naturalized citizens in the physical year 2022.

Thank you for your prospective.

Cheers!