...points out something that I took for granted, and notes that it's nothing to take for granted:

Alright, I re-read both articles, looking for mention of the single most obvious facet of the story. Something most Americans don't even think about. Indeed, Glenn didn't pick it up, and the Globe and Mail didn't pick it up, although it's right there, the single-most lauded aspect, and we Americans missed it totally. I'll bet 99% of Americans who read the articles missed it.

They didn't steal the money.

You remember the film "Three Kings," where disaffected angst-ridden grunts went off on their own in search of gold? I mean, they were stuck there in some sort of 'war,' and the crisis they face is whether to help the citizens or succumb to greed. It was very 90's, and brilliant and all that?

Let's repeat this: A squad found tons of money lying around...they started to spend it...on others...without orders.

They didn't steal the money!

You think they'll make a movie of that?

Their honesty is simply taken for granted. It shouldn't be. It's not how the rest of the world works.

What they did is both outrageous and thoroughly American.

So is not realizing it.

That's me. Outrageous, and thoroughly American. Because I didn't realize it.