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He does a wonderful job of putting into words what I, an American, like about the U.S. I'm glad somebody else sees our enthusiasm, optimism, and naivety in the same positive light I sometimes do. I just want to stress that I found his insightful appreciation of the United States the most enjoyable aspect of the article before quoting this most hilarious and quotable criticism:

"So let me look again at that holy text: ‘if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ Huh? But… but… Lemons are amongst the best and most wonderful gifts of nature. They are adaptable, versatile and delicious. A slice for your gin and tonic – juice to zing life into salads, stews, fish and seafood. Oil and sweetness from the rind and zest that is pure and perfumed and precious. They are a staple of what doctors agree is the best dietary regimen we can follow. So if life gives you lemons, shout ‘Thank you, Life, thank you!’ But the American response is ‘make lemonade,’ in other words – just add sugar and sell it."



I was going to quote that final sentence here, as well. What a phrase to sum up American enterprise throughout the ages!

I am, as always, in awe of Colonel Fry.


For anyone interested, I have posted a link to Mr. Fry's tribute to P.G. Wodehouse, written in 2000.

It is entitled "What ho My hero, PG Wodehouse."

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=689217

Notable quote: "Without Wodehouse I am not sure that I would be a tenth of what I am today."




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