A proud and patriotic American-who I do not know-has written to me after reading my blog.  I am truly touched. Thank you.

Dear Madam,

Forgive my forwardness, but I was very touched by your blog post "In the Beginning".   

It must be a terrible choice to consider. I will say, as an American, you are most welcome here. The Blighty you know is dying my dear. The soul of the nation you love is not going to regain its vigor. Eventually many of your countrymen will come to the same conclusion you have and the places willing to accept the resulting exodus of Brits will become harder to come by. 

America is a very big nation. I can recall times leaving one place for another two thousand miles away and more. I have lived in many parts of the country. From the west coast near the beach, to the deep south, to the mid west. Every place is different, but they all share the same openness to newcomers. If you're willing to work and fit in, you'll do just fine.

America is the only place on earth that doesn't care where you're from; once you're here, you're one of us.

That is not to say we don't have our share of problems. Our large cities can be treacherous. Our schools could be better. But don't be put off by the preconceptions many in Europe have of this great nation. We have every kind of people there are on the earth here, and for the most part, we live together peacefully. I can honestly say that every single Brit I've met in my life has become a fast friend. We share the same values dear. I think the difference is that here we fight to preserve them a bit more vigorously.

Come, add your thread to the tapestry of our grand quilt. You won't regret it. You have my word on that.