Pity we don't have American pride

A tail of two countries . . . The ex-pat from Wolverhampton, now living in the Hoosier State, raises interesting comparisons on life either side of The Pond.

While both countries have problems, including illegal immigration, they are approached differently. Unlike us, America does not have Europe to contend with.

Where the Hoosier State is a state in a union, we have a union interfering in a state. This is a major difference that forces us to allow unchecked immigration which even the Government admits is damaging the infrastructure of health, social services and education, where latterly we are falling down the international pecking order. Again unlike us, the USA does not have a much-abused Human Rights Act, which forbids us to deport criminals, for fear of causing them "stress" and offending their "human rights", a term which, sadly, does not apply to their victims.

We are also in danger of losing the concept of "policing by consent", yet in contrast I would feel a lot more respect for an American sheriff. I think this, and indeed cleaner streets and the almost compulsory use of "Sir", shows an identity and pride lacking here

We do, however, have something in common. When I go on holiday to America, there is a long queue at customs, whereas US and Canadian citizens are fast tracked through other gates. I then find a long queue on return, probably due to red tape, which they will experience if they ever come over for a visit.

Still, we have a few good things left. There is more of a safety net, albeit a thin one, for those who have paid in for 50 years and fall on hard times, although the net is thicker if you have paid nothing in at all.

Another saving grace is our NHS – not perfect, but in the main free. Apart from those provisos, God bless America.

R W White, Tompstone Road, West Bromwich.