Gareth O'Callaghan: US democracy teetering even as it celebrates its 250th anniversary

Americans are ditching America in droves right now. It seems the new American dream is to live somewhere far away from America

The US ambassador to Ireland Edward S. Walsh (left) hosted a major celebration of America’s 250th Independence Day at Deerfield, the official residence of the US Ambassador in Phoenix Park on July 1 where the Taoiseach Micheál Martin (centre) was greeted by Uncle Sam. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

Americans are so patriotic. They love to talk, almost as much as we do. Those who flock here on vacation, after years of planning to spend time immersed in all things Irish, make it their business to soak up our charm as much as they can give it back.

They shame me by how much they love our country, reminding me I need to show it more love than I have in recent years. They give the impression when they greet you that they want to be friends, one of their many endearing attributes. It’s chemistry, it’s natural, and it flows.