The headlines are depressing.

War.

Runaway inflation.

Political corruption.

Even though these atrocities happen around the world, America is held up as the poster child for everything that’s dysfunctional.

That’s a title we don’t deserve.

Thousands of people from a dozen countries are here to watch soccer’s premiere World Cup, and they’ve reminded us why America is the greatest country.

Games are being held across the country in the race for the world champion. Texas is a stopping point as both Dallas and Houston are American host cities for the Cup.

And Americans, to use a Southern quote, are “puttin’ on the dog.”

Social media is exploding with hundreds of people talking about the amazing things they’re discovering here.

The majestic mountains and lakes of the West, the serene bayous in Louisiana and the gorgeous homes in the Carolinas have won over those here visiting.

It’s not just what they’re seeing. Some of their favorites are things we take for granted – air conditioning in stores, dozens of cereal choices and ice everywhere they turn.

And in every city, food. They love the abundance and variety of the foods here, from Tex-Mex to Cajun. They are amazed at how big the portions are and there’s free refills at every restaurant.

They can’t believe the size of the stadiums, and every stadium is filled from the field to the “cheap seats.”

Hearing thousands of people sing “Take Me Home Country Roads” and yelling out “So good, so good, so good” during the refrain to “Sweet Caroline” gave me chills.

Two places, Texas and Boston, have topped the list for visitors. Those who come to the Lone Star state fell head over heels for Buc-ees, Whataburger and Texas Roadhouse.

Our true gold, the wealth we take for granted, is found in the people in this country. So many visitors were blown away by the hospitality shown in our towns.

Foreigners were amazed at how generous and friendly Americans were. Videos of enthusiastic fans filling the streets, waving team flags, and cheering for their team flooded social media.

These visitors partied almost non-stop. Boston ran out of Sam Adams beer and had more gallons brought in.

The amazing Scottish Tartan Army played bagpipes and marched to the games, hundreds of people following behind.

Norwegians filled streets with fans doing the Viking Row, showing how to row, just like their ancestors did.

Social media posters were flabbergasted they could actually fish in a Bass Pro Shop and drink beer at a bar in the middle of a grocery store.

Instead of getting stuck in tourist traps, they experienced American culture and every-day life. They walked neighborhoods and visited with people sitting outside in the evening. They talked to wait staff and strangers in lines and found friendliness in our small cities and towns.

Big-city media describes these areas as the “fly-over” zone – not as important as the big cities. But our visitors are pointing out something entirely different – regular American people make this country special.

Yes, there’s arguments, fighting and atrocities committed here every single day. But those are the headline grabbers, not our real story.

The World Cup provided America with the perfect opportunity to let the world know what a great, kind, generous and intelligent community we live in.

I’m proud to be an American, and I hope others will put aside looking for negativity and hate.

Let’s be gracious instead of complaining.

Let’s smile instead of blaming.

Let’s thank our visitors for reminding us that, despite our flaws, America is the greatest country on this planet.

And her title is intact, thanks to people like you.

 

This column was originally published in The Fort Bend Herald.