i couldn't agree more.
Nice to hear it articulated so well.

i especially related to this:

"It is a known observation that the humans on earth who have been the MOST traveled (not just landed in different places, but spend time and life absorbing many different kinds of culture), are known for having the deepest and most abiding trust in their fellow man, the 'average' person. They've had to rely on them a lot, from all walks of life, different languages and cultures, and got to see how much most of us have in common."

It would be wonderful if everyone understood the value in that, but media also has 'programmed' many mainstream Americans to believe this is the place to be and there is no need to go and visit "scary" other countries. i just returned from India and had one of the most powerful times of my life, almost died a few times and was cared for by the kindest anonymous beings. i highly recommend international travel for exactly this reason.