SAN FRANCISCO, California — Following journeys to completely different nations over a few years I’ve longed to return residence and listen to these phrases from an immigration officer: “Welcome again to the US.”
One thing felt completely different this time. After three weeks away – two days in Doha and the remainder in Vietnam, Hong Kong and Beijing, whereas I used to be glad to return residence, I observed a distinction I had not observed earlier than. We have now turn into a dirtier nation. I’m not speaking about smut or vulgar language, however actual grime.
Stepping off the aircraft in San Francisco, I observed the jetway carpet was stained. “Welcome to California” an indication learn. A double that means, maybe.
Public bathrooms are soiled. I noticed bathroom tissue on the ground, overflowing paper towel bins, water pooling on basin counters and puddles of a liquid I shall not additional describe. Some bathrooms remained unflushed.
Terminal flooring are scarred and there appears to be a unique ambiance from what I’ve been used to. As soon as, airports have been stuffed with comfortable vacationers. There are few smiles and fewer laughter, even amongst youngsters. On the best way to my resort I noticed some trash and skilled a way of drabness.
Doha seemed like an emerald metropolis that had simply been constructed. My cab driver stated earlier than 1982 it was principally desert. What all that oil cash can do! However it might probably’t be solely about cash. The streets have been immaculate. There was no trash and no bins during which to place any.
Maybe, as in Singapore, there are substantial penalties for littering, or perhaps native residents are merely happy with their nation and that’s mirrored within the picture they current. It was sizzling (105 levels), however cool air was pumped up from under many sidewalks. How cool is that?
In Vietnam, as I wrote final week, whereas the countryside has areas of litter and decaying retailers and homes, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is generally clear and seems affluent. My resort was a mannequin for what the U.S. hospitality business as soon as seemed like – nice service, spotless frequent areas and rooms, glorious food and drinks and a sense that one is welcome as a visitor. Right here’s an irony for you: a cocktail is called “B52” and bathroom fixtures are made by American Commonplace.
Beijing, too, is clear. Granted, there are police on many corners and cameras are all over the place, recording “each transfer you make … I’ll be watching you.” Credit score to the musical group The Police.
Restrooms at Tokyo Airport are so clear they seem to have been lately put in.
One can discover many faults in different nations – as one can discover faults in our personal. Freedoms we take pleasure in are suppressed elsewhere, however freedom within the U.S. appears more and more to be taken as license to do no matter one needs no matter hurt precipitated to 1’s self, or the nation.
Seeing trash, graffiti and a way of darkness in components of America is the results of failure to show sure issues my era was taught by dad and mom and, if we misbehaved, strengthened by academics or the varsity principal. We didn’t throw trash or empty glass bottles alongside the street. In reality, many grocery and different shops provided 5 cents for each bottle returned. It wasn’t known as recycling, however the incentive to realize some pocket cash produced the same end result.
My Dad belonged to the Isaac Walton League, which taught accountable looking and fishing and an appreciation for land, air and water. Conservationists, they known as themselves. This was earlier than environmentalism took maintain and it appeared to me to provide higher outcomes after what I’ve described.
Delight in America as soon as meant respecting the land “from California to the New York Island.” It was made for you and me so let’s clear it up and present we care about our land as a lot as many different nations care about theirs.
Perhaps a marketing campaign might be began beneath the banner “Make America Clear Once more.”
Readers could e mail Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Search for Cal Thomas’ newest ebook “A Watchman within the Evening: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).
©2025 Tribune Content material Company, LLC.
Initially Printed:
