In My Humble Opinion
What is an American? To answer that we should probably think about what it used to mean and what it could mean. The short answer in a word could be described as pride. Unfortunately the definition of pride has been turned into something murky, and elusive when applied on a national scale. Hearing the Star Spangled Banner being played and watching the Stars and Stripes being raised used to invoke a lump in the throat, a tear in the eye, and a deep abiding sense of patriotism and pride. Can the same be said of today’s sentiments? In a word, no. The days of people rallying around such calls as “For God and Country!” seem to be gone forever.
Being born in the greatest country on earth alone used to be enough to stir men’s hearts to achieve greatness. How many have fought and died to defend the freedoms enjoyed by being an America? Our national heroes used to be people like John Wayne, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and countless others who exemplified character and honor. Now, sadly, sports figures, musicians, and even politicians who have embarrassed the highest office in the land are looked upon with adoration.
Those who came to America in days gone past did so with a desire and an eagerness to contribute and to work hard to gain citizenship. Most spent years learning to speak English and to adopt the laws and customs of being American citizens. Illegal immigrants were rounded up and sent back to their home countries without question. Now, we see as many as 12 million illegals marching in the streets demonstrating and demanding the same rights and benefits as naturalized citizens in open defiance.
What will being American mean tomorrow? Will it mean whoever, whatever, and whenever someone wants to be an American all they will have to do is cross the border and start demanding citizenship? Will our national anthem survive? Will our monetary system survive if it bears any reference to God on it? Will marriage survive? Will our freedoms, liberties, and rights survive? Will our faith survive? Not too long ago questions such as these would have seemed ridiculous but now must be considered with deadly seriousness. Perhaps we would all do well to review the Constitution Of The United States and the Bill Of Rights so we can easily review what we are at risk of losing if things do not change quickly.
