The letter “Why do millions want to come to U.S.?” (March 7, TribLive) written in response to the letter “Finland, Norway more attractive than U.S.” (Feb. 25, TribLive) misses the point : It argues with something the original letter never said.
Pointing out that other democracies sometimes do things better is not the same as calling America “awful.” It simply asks why the United States seems unwilling to learn from policies that work elsewhere.
Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years in the World Happiness Report. Researchers consistently credit strong public institutions, social trust and reliable safety nets. Those features did not destroy Finland’s economy or freedom; they helped produce stability and prosperity.
The writer suggests critics should move if they admire such systems. That response avoids the real question. Democracies improve by debating ideas and learning from successful examples, not by telling critics to leave — though many Americans are increasingly doing just that.
He is correct the United States has made enormous contributions to the world. For decades, it led humanitarian aid, global health initiatives and international alliances. But many of those contributions are being dismantled. More than 80% of USAID programs have been canceled. At the same time, the NATO alliance the U.S. spent generations building has been thrown into uncertainty. International tourism to the United States fell about 6% in 2025, while global tourism rose.
America’s reputation took generations to build. Squandering it should concern everyone — especially those who imagine patriotism is telling critics to leave.
Lisa Durig
Helsinki, Finland