I had the privilege and pleasure of talking with an international friend today. It made me feel grateful, not only for the wonderful technological capability an ordinary citizen like myself can enjoy on an everyday basis, but for the added perspective that diverse friendship can bring. There’s no question it’s been a really hard year, and that America has very serious political problems. But speaking with citizens of other countries around the world is enlightening; other countries have similar problems or ones of their own. As depressing as the situation in the United States can be sometimes, it’s important to remember we are not alone. There are significant challenges elsewhere. We can all address them, in our respective nation states. We can solve our problems, we can be better. We can change the world. It just takes work.