“In many ways he was like America itself, big and strong, full of good intentions, a roll of fat jiggling at his belly, slow of foot but always plodding along, always there when you needed him, a believer in the virtues of simplicity and directness and hard labor.“ From THE THINGS THEY CARRIED. Can someone explain or analyze this quote? Thank you

This means that America or Estados Unidos is a powerful country because of hardworking people's living in it, it also says that we can depend on America because when we needed it, he is open arm to help us in our problems. It says Americans are industrious, peaceful, simple, kind and helpful.

a simple sentence must have at least one dependent clause.