The other day, I was speaking to an immigrant from Russia about the differences between the U.S. and that former archrival.

She mentioned that in most of Russia there is a cant-do feeling, a sense of futility, of impossibility, even after the fall of communism, and its replacement with more of a free market system.

The reasons for such a malaise are many, she says, but I believe there is a fundamental difference among our peoples.

In America, generally speaking, we think we can do anythingthat we are the only things holding us back. We have a genius, for believing in ourselves, and in the power of the individual.

In Russia, there's always a sense that larger, often hidden forces are preventing people from doing, from growing and achieving. They just cant seem to escape from the yoke of feeling dominated.

In other lands, an idea is always too early.

In America, its never too late.

In other lands, you need consensus before moving forward.

In America, according to Stonewall Jackson, one courageous person makes a majority.

In other lands, you may never get a chance; your ship may never sail.

In America, were the land of second chances, and thats why so many grateful people, such as my friend, set sail for our shores.

All of us in America think were geniusesthats our collective genius. And judging from our accomplishments over the centuries, this may be an understatement!