While Waiting at the Airport, Edinburgh

I have been thinking about the experience of the past month, and I offer these reflections on the special relationship between the UK and the USA.

The best of the UK: what I would like to export to the US:
1. Sane gun laws. Nobody needs a handgun. Gun-related crime is rare. While hiding out in Burger King during the Riot, I was grateful that at least I wasn't in New York or LA-- no one here was likely to start shooting.
2. A Transportation Policy which, informed by an Energy Policy and an Environmental Policy, promotes and provides convenient and inexpensive public transport to make automobile use unnecessary and inconvenient.
3. Cake. The best freshly baked cakes are served at 4 p.m. every day.

The best of the US: what I would like to give to the UK:
1. Hot running tap water and good plumbing. In the UK, it seems that hot water is still regarded as a luxury.
2. An appreciation for good coffee. It would go so well with the cake.
3. Can’t think of anything else. Except for the plumbing and the coffee, it’s a nearly perfect country.