"America is an idea, not a place, not a people" is the BIG LIE mantra of neo-conservatism and libertarianism.
If that's true, one should be able to explain it, write it down, teach it, and put it into practice successfully anywhere. No need to come here for it.
And of course it isn't just an idea. Millions come here and never come to learn it anymore. Millions more aren't taught it in school anymore, and don't see it in practice at home anymore.
That's why the country is a mess.
A famous Italian-American once had it figured out, as I, a German-American, once had it figured out. He starts in, in earnest, at about minute ten:
