On Friday I learned that my doctor, who is Persian, has been a strong supporter of the freedom movement back in his native Iran. My response: fantastic!

America supports freedom movements around the world in a very unique, although under reported, way. Immigrants succeed in America, usually well beyond what they might achieve back in their native country. Their success proves that the American combination of free markets and democratic governance works for everyone.

Immigrants' success in America -- people like my parents, who came from Germany in 1961 -- specifically disproves one of the excuses used by dictators in other countries: that somehow free markets and democracy only works for some groups, but that "their" country is different and somehow their "system" is better for their people.

Of course, one look at the Korean Peninsula at night, with the bright, prosperous South providing a stark contrast to the dark, backward North, disproves this argument as well. One people, one ethnic group, two systems: failure under socialism, success with freedom.

As they succeed in America, immigrants often become strong advocates for freedom back home. Experiencing first hand the success freedom can bring, they support spreading those benefits back in their native country.

Another benefit of the American system.