There was quotation I once read that went something like this: “You can tell how great a country is by how many people want to move there and how many people want to hurt it.”

As one who has traveled extensively overseas for business, pleasure and family matters, we are incredibly lucky to have all that we have: Relative safety from harm, diverse cultures, people and cuisine, and innovation. Within a 10-mile drive from my home are most of the technological innovators in today’s world: Intel, AMD, Google, Yahoo, Apple, and at least a dozen more.

A lot of us may not be happy with the current state of affairs in our country, but at least we can voice our opinion without fear of reprisal. People can blog freely; our newspapers can pose alternate viewpoints; television news programs can be pro or con any social or political issue, and Michael Moore can release Sicko, which gives a look at our healthcare shortcomings - and make a load of cash doing it. Ironically, if he were a Cuban citizen, he would likely wind up in shackles if he voiced his displeasure vocally. And I am sure he realizes this, which is why he is so outspoken.