Happy 250th birthday to the United States. It is during special anniversaries like the current one that I miss my time at Caltech (fall term).
I thought about visiting the US during the World Cup and combining the trip with the 250th anniversary celebrations, but life got in the way (our youngest son is only 1.5 years old). Maybe I willmake it for the Olympics in LA in two years' time. I also have some distant relatives in the Miami metropolitan area, although they are practically strangers.
I hear a lot of complaints from American friends and acquaintances online about the state of the US, but since I have not visited in many years, it is difficult to judge how things are on the ground. There are frequent complaints about the infrastructure, the lack of social cohesion, the political divide, and the lack of development outside the major metropolitan areas.
How would our American friends here describe the current situation and the future outlook for the average American?
Also, aside from military parades, fireworks, and similar festivities, are there any special events this year beyond what normally takes place on the 4th of July?