How the experience of women has changed in N. America

I realise this isn't strictly news and politics so apologies if that has confused people.

I wasn't sure where it belonged!

I’ve read this, twice now, with awe and great sadness

I lived in California for 1 year in 1975.

That America was the one this lovely lady recalls. It’s not the USA of “now”.
It truly was “the land of the free”. Anyone who is not a Native American, was an immigrant themselves.

Is this what our country aspires to? Or some of the citizens here?

An extremely moving and powerful piece, thank you for sharing.

It is so current USA politics, and very sad.

I also lived there for just a year - but in the 1980s.
I didn't want to go but I had the most remarkable time. My second child was born there.

The article made me weep a little Cossy.
I nearly didn't post it - it's a lament for lost times I suppose.

There are also interesting comments

God, I wish I were like you, but at 74 I doubt that I will suddenly become BRAVE.

However,once I get out of this nursing home, I shall make a start.

NotSpaghetti

I also lived there for just a year - but in the 1980s.
I didn't want to go but I had the most remarkable time. My second child was born there.

The article made me weep a little Cossy.
I nearly didn't post it - it's a lament for lost times I suppose.

It made me weep too, and despair just slightly.

But we need to be brave and stick up for our beliefs

Reading this made me so thankful I am British and live in Britain.

I have a grand daughter who has just started university, in student accommodation. 8 ensuite rooms with a shared kitchen and commonroom. 4 boys, 4 girls. Thankfully in this country we do not have the dormitory system of the US with its fraternities and loyalties.

Not everything is perfect in this country but I think being a smaller country with a much higher density of population we have learned that cooperation is often better than competition.

It is worth remembering that the USA is about the only democracy in the world where it really is a 2 party state and both parties are right of centre. There are no fringe parties with a few seats in either of their legislative houses, there is no left of centre or socialist party. It doesn't have any kind of government supported health system.

It is a country built on immigrants where each had to fight for themselves on a belief that the best man wins and the devil takes hinder-most. What the writer of this piece has seen is that these attitudes when allowed to run riot affect attitudes to personal relationships as well as business.

Lets be glad, despite this country's failings and imperfections, we have not sunk as low as the USA.