[oldE]

After spending the last two summers working in a visitor information center, I would like to attest to the pleasure I have had in meeting people from around the US. Sure there have been exceptions, but for the most part, people from Alaska to Alabama and all parts in between (and beyond, I had a great time with a bus load from Hawaii!) have been interested, thoughtful and willing to learn. Perhaps that is the key. The fact we were getting those who were seeking out something other than the resorts and casinos ensured those who showed up at our door would be pleasant.
Oh yes, the German's sense of humor cuts loose after he stops worrying about his sense of propriety.
As for the 'education system', my wife also teaches and becomes more discouraged each year. We have raised a generation of 'parents' who have few parenting skills, so that many children come to school unprepared to socialize or behave. ADD & ADHD is so common one wonders where the workplace will get competent staff in 15 years. I used to think those who home-schooled their children were depriving them of the resources a public education could bring into their childrens' lives. Now, from my experience with some of these kids, I realize many have done their children big favors by keeping them in a structured learning environment at home.
It is past time for the pendulum to swing back in the other direction.
Les