I got to experience the US from the eyes of a young teen.  Learned many things under your wing and broadened my view of the world and people.  I learned that history can be very dark. And so can be people. But in all these the content and character of the individual prevails against the evils that sadly are no longer in the past.  I still cheer for you; I know you can do better. Stop looking for what’s not lost. You have always been great. 

“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things can not be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”   Mark Twain