My family heritage is very white bread. My mother's family lived in the United States long before it became the United States, but my father's mother emigrated here from Derbyshire, England in 1911. She was somewhat scandalous as she was a divorced, single parent in the 1930's. She became a quality control manager for the Remington Rand Corporation. She was about seventy years old when I was born. I had a traditional Grandma who baked cookies while she chatted with me relationship. I still miss her.
She valued her right to vote and was never a low information voter. She read the newspaper every day, especially the editorial section. She spoke to me at least twice a week that the United States was unique for a few political rights she didn't have in England. The first was the presumption of innocence another was our rights to Freedom of Speech and she also said I shouldn't underestimate the right to remain silent despite my parents always believing my silence was an admission of guilt. She told me stories of her childhood of how it wasn't that way in England. I wish I had paid better attention to her stories of her brothers, father and family friends. Some of the reason she came to the Untied States was over her protestant sister marrying an Irish Catholic. It. wasn't. good. I might not remember the specifics, but I do remember how adamant she was about how our freedoms were stronger in the United States.
I think she would weep today if she were alive.
I wrote a comment some time ago that the United Kingdom did not have the same level and type of freedom of expression that we enjoy in the United States. I was challenged on that assertion. The commenter demanded proof. I couldn't very well defend myself by saying "My Grandma told me so," so, I didn't respond.
Today, unfortunately, I can respond.