[skissane]

> its unique ability to assimilate and positively appropriate from immigrants

The US is not unique in that regard. Australia and New Zealand are very comparable in that way. Canada probably belongs in that list too.

I agree that, in the contemporary world, SpaceX could only have happened in the US. But that's because of economic factors (government funding for the space industry, easy and plentiful access to venture capital, a low regulation business environment.) That particular combination of economic factors is unique to the US. Being exceptionally welcoming to immigrants is rare but not unique.