America at 250: Notes from an Outsider

Despotism is humanity's default operating system. America is the 250-year rebellion against it. Plus: what really forged the U.S.–Israel alliance

In my native language, the word “America” has traditionally served as an adjective. “How was your vacation?” you ask someone. “America,” comes the reply. “How’s the new car?” you ask a friend. “America,” is the answer. A related expression is lehiyot large — the second word borrowed from the English — meaning to be generous. The way they are in America.

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