During my most recent trip to the US I was baffled to see what a European accent yielded in terms of a response. It ranged from the “We’re Sorry” type of exclamation to instant Euro-celebrations (that deep envy of rich government entitlements and long vacations) leaving me wondering if I should remain the calm, friendly and quiet diplomat or reveal my orphaned status, throw in a few Gipperisms, and engage in a full frontal reality-check. Problem is that I am too much of a diplomat to do the latter but there are folks, like Kate, who are happy to give Americans of the moonbat type variety a harsh rendez-vous with the facts. Maybe something to try next time.