P E R S P E C T I V E S

Interestingly, the students found that Americans experienced territorial turmoil, an uneasy economy, and the tendency to want to cling to Englandҳ style of governing. To top it off, students were surprised that it took 13 years for the American government to finally get itself together.

WeҶe all come to believe that once "independence" is declared, life becomes logical, brighter, and more organized. Yet, after two presidencies, that of Vytautas Landsbergis and Algirdas Brazauskas, the instant makeover hasnҴ taken effect. Strangely, it has followed the path America laid out so many years ago.

But, thatҳ the way it should be, if history has any say in this. Work towards refining Lithuaniaҳ democracy is still in full swing, and should take time and careful planning. During this fine-tuning period, we have the unique advantage to watch history in action, in repetition, in Lithuania. In fact, wouldnҴ it be just wonderful if Lithuania got itself together in less than the 13 years it took for America?

One solid advantage working towards that goal is the Lithuanian peopleҳ outlook for their country. By electing an American encultured president, Valdas Adamkus, they infuse their country with the drive, ambition, and global savvy that any democratic country would need to flourish.

By the way, for the second part of the history assignment, these observant seventh graders were asked to compare the aftermath of the American Revolution to any present-day country of their choice. Guess which country was the most popular selection for study.