Review of Chapter 2 (From Virginia to Illinois)
The states where I drove through for the last 10 days have the oldest history
in the U.S. (except Native Americans'. I'd like to refer to it later).
So, I could feel and see many origins of the U.S. such as government, colony,
business, battle, sports, etc. Above all things, it was the history of
"Independence" that impressed me most. In addition, the views
of Downtown in New York City and Chicago reinforced the reality that these
areas are the center of the world economy.

This road trip has really traced the history of "Independence"
and "Freedom"; D.C. is really the symbol of American presidency
of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, etc. Philadelphia
is the real birthplace of "Independence." New York was the capital for about decade in the foundation period. Boston
was the place not only where "Revolutionary War" began but also
where there were some historic battles for "Freedom." In addition,
Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and "New England" were
already independent states in 1776. Moreover, Indiana is the place where
Lincoln spent his childhood and Illinois is the place where he spent most
of his life. Although I made quick state visits to these states, the last
10 days has really developed my understanding of the significance of "Independence,"
"Freedom," and "American Presidency."

Next, almost all states where I drove during this chapter had a tremendous
influence on the global economy. As we all know, New York City is not only
the place where industrial giants such as GE have their headquarters but
also the place where there are three world influential stock exchanges
such as "New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)," "American Stock
Exchange (AMEX)," and "NASDAQ (an electronic network regulated
by the National Association of Securities Dealers)." In addition, for good or ill, famous financial companies near "Wall
Street" manipulate global financial market. "The Loop" in
Chicago where there are "Chicago Board of Trade," and "Chicago
Mercantile Exchange," is also a center of global financial market.
As to these two cities, it should be not forgotten that the states where
I drove through provide not only the people who work there but also the
products which are mainly traded there.

So, I'd like to name "Freedom Drive" for chapter 2. For main
reason, through reviewing this chapter I come to realize I have really
seen the central places of "Freedom" not only in politics but
also in economics activities. Another reason is that I have driven rather
than walked. In addition, although the meaning might be totally different
from it, I also like freedom!! In the end of this chapter, I have to refer
that almost all these famous sites where I visited at have been still in
alert since September 11th because they are really the symbols of the U.S. |