KIDS TALK BACK:

The Daily Pilot asked U.S. government students at Orange Coast Middle College High School: “What’s the best part of living in America?”

“The basic ideal of it is freedom, and people come from all over the world just to live here.”

Natalie Durnian, 17

Newport Beach

“I think it’s that people who are so different come together and live in the same place.”

Pascal Simpkins, 16

Newport Beach

“I like that it’s so equal. Back home [in India], unless you’re rich, you can’t do much of anything.”

Lovejit Kaur, 16

Costa Mesa

“Equality. I like our form of government — not necessarily the people, but the government.”

Jessica Pasco, 17

Costa Mesa

“When you’re in America, the style of living is better. You see the poverty in other countries, and you see how good it is in America.”

Mike Berghell, 17

Newport Beach