Not a problem, and I do apologize if my tone was a bit strong there, I've often found that Europeans (not all, but some) look down their noses at Americans as i

Not a problem, and I do apologize if my tone was a bit strong there, I've often found that Europeans (not all, but some) look down their noses at Americans as if we were in need of their salvation. When, our history often guides us to be both helpful to and suspicious of Europe and its goals. Most Americans have no particular issue with the UK or Great Britain, we simply recall our history as having been formed to offer an alternative to Monarchy. We do often feel that in the 20th century, we have given more than we have received. (Right or wrong.) While some far-left-leaning Americans may long for a country more like those of Europe and the UK, the majority, in my experience, prefer things as they are. Notably, our culture may seem aggressive, dangerous, and out of control to you - but to us, we see a stark difference between what we see as "Liberty," and what Europeans tend to call "Freedom." That is to say, it often seems to me that in the US, the concept is "Free to," whereas in Europe it appears to be "Free of." I do recognize that such a view may not be wholly truthful, but it is how many of us approach the issue here. Notably, while some in our society would prefer to regulate the behavior of others through the threat of state violence (as is done in Europe to prevent unwelcome speech, or religious display), this tyranny of the masses is often held in check in the U.S. by the guiding principles which may seem absurd to you, but have proven to be effective throughout the course of our personal history. There are many of us who find those principles very much instructive, especially because of the discomfort they cause.