Right wingers seem to believe that the United States exists in splendid isolation from the rest of the world. They ridicule Liberals' concern with how the "ROW" views us.

But in fact, we live in an interconnected world. Through the Internet Irishmen have the same front-row seat that Americans have, and historically, the Irish have been an integral part of American society. They've been part of us since the Potato Famine; to be an Irishman has long been to be an honorary American.

Trust me, I know: My second ex-wife hailed from County Lough, the "wee county", and I learned that the Irish understand America perhaps better than we do, being both outside looking in, and inside helping to build America.

When an Irishmen offers a critique of America, it's wise to pay attention. Fintan O'Toole speaks with unique authority.