you don't know how lucky you are...

One of the things I have enjoyed about blogging is connecting with interesting people living different lives, often in different countries. Given my poor abilities in other languages, the 'other countries' have invariably been the US. I have also had the pleasure of meeting through work a lovely woman from the US who has chosen to practice in the UK in my team as a Social Worker. I have to say that I have really had my eyes opened by these experiences. I had no idea about why everyone went on about reducing taxes in the US, but with the things I have learned about the lack of employee benefits, the health system and poor welfare provision, I sort of understand now.

Anyway, I'm not trying to be critical as I'm sure there are lots of benefits to living in the US. One of the very good things from the US is The Station Agent, a lovely film which reminded me a lot of Leaving Normal. It was funny, sad, sweet and touching, and I'll remember Finn, Olivia and Joe for some time.