Opinion | Rex Reed and the Legacy of American Openness

1. 1. Peggy Noonan introduces the concept of "America’s wide-openness to ourselves," distinct from its traditional welcome of foreign-born citizens.
2. 2. The author characterizes this internal American openness as a unique and deeply ingrained tradition, almost mythical in its cultural significance.
3. 3. Noonan's reflection on American openness was prompted by the recent passing of acclaimed movie critic Rex Reed at the age of 87.