15 Things Olim Appreciate On The Fourth Of July

America's birthday takes on a whole new meaning when you realize what you've been taking for granted about her this whole time. Here are some things America does right, plain and simple. G-d bless the U.S.A.

1. Target

Everybody loves Target, but it's not until you try to move into a new apartment with no Clorox wipes that you'd really give anything to hop in the car and pop in. Also, who ever had the idea to put every life convenience in one place: way to go, man. Seriously.

2. Starbucks

I love Aroma more than the next guy, but Starbucks is the permanent first stop every time I land in the United States. What's not to love about all the choices of syrups, milks, or just the good old plain drip? Don't even get me started on being out of the country for treat receipts.

3. Normal Hours at Bureaucratic Offices

Americans don't go around celebrating the post office hours on a daily basis, but maybe they would if they ever had to face hours along the lines of 8:30am-11:00am, 3:00pm-4:00pm.

4. Contracts

1. They mean something. 2. You can always be provided a copy of what you've agreed to. 3. Refer to #1.

5. Traffic Signs

In the beautiful U. S. of A., there are signs that let you know what's going to happen on the road ahead of time... like when a lane is going to end.

6. Banks

No one cares what branch you opened your account in; if you belong to your bank, any location can help you. Also, there are no fees on depositing money. Revolutionary, I tell you.

7. Grocery Store Checkout

There are hardly ever lines, and there's someone to bag your groceries for you? Sign me up.

8. U.S. Passports

There is no passport more powerful in the world. Holding a U.S. passport means something, and if you ever got into trouble abroad, you'd have the U.S.A. there looking out for you.

9. Gas Prices

Oh say can you see... that it doesn't cost $100 every time you need to fill up your puny little car. In most nations, gas costs double what people in the United States pay.

10. Right on Red

Enough said

11. Customer Service

"Can I get you anything else?" "I'm so sorry for the wait." "Have a great day!" Who cares if they mean it. The accommodating smile of an American worker will always brighten my day.

12. Credit Cards

For all that people hate on credit card companies, the truth is that the concept of credit cards is brilliant, and many other countries only have glorified debit cards. One more reason to appreciate the United States.

13. Salaries

Americans aren't exactly dancing in the streets over the state of the economy, but the range of attainable salaries is so above and beyond what people can earn in other countries, perhaps they should be.

14. The Apple Store

What are you supposed to do when your iPhone stops working or when you're in desperate need of a genius to fix your mac? Wait a minute... you're telling me there's a genius bar? America, you've truly outdone yourself.

15. Sundays

A whole day of the week to run errands, do house work, or maybe just relax. G-d. Bless. America.