We all have our opinions, and we all think we know what’s best. Just look at the last two or three years. Should we have locked down faster? How would we have dealt with Putin? And what would we do to address spiralling inflation?

For just over three weeks in October (where I drafted this on the flight back), I was in Southern California. Principally for my son’s wedding, where my daughter-in-law is from San Diego. Followed by much needed time to rest and recuperate on a sunbed by a pool.

With political turmoil back home (hopefully now somewhat eased), the subdued markets and the pound against the dollar bobbing like a yo-yo, I resisted the temptation to delve into the news. Headlines were more than fine.

But with my family now extending over the pond, where hopefully one day we’ll have grandchildren, they will of course be American. As a result, I’m learning more about what life is really like in the US as I now have a vested interest.

Having made two transatlantic visits this year, I’m learning quickly that if we think we have issues in the UK, you should see it over here in the flesh.

The sense of working hard and opportunity is evident in the land of the free. But so is the mismatch of priority by the those in high office, along with widespread mistrust. Both state and federal.

Across the globe, some people find it easier to address life’s challenges and some really struggle. Naturally, we all have the right to protect what we have. But the UK is far ahead of the US in so many ways. Even I learnt that they’re only just introducing wider use of mobile radar checks for speeding. If I recall correctly, they’ve existed for almost as long as I’ve been driving back home.

More importantly, we must not believe everything we read or see in the media. Even the mainstream media.