What Is An American?

I had attempted to post this yesterday and for some "odd" reason, it didn't go through... so, here I am today, trying again.

I read through this when it made it's way across my desk and there are some strong feelings on my part with some of it, but felt I would post this and welcome any thoughts and personal point of views if anyone chose to do so. Where would we be, if we didn't have "the right to be free; free for all that way of life where men may think and speak as they choose".?



AN AMERICAN is one who blieves in the right of men and women of whatever creed, class, color, or ancestry, to live as human beings with the dignity of becoming children of God.

AN AMERICAN is one who believes in the right to be free; free not only from crushing coercions and distatiorships and regimentation, but free for all that way of life where men may think and speak as they choose and whorship God as they see fit.

AN AMERICAN is one who believes in the right to vote, the right to work, the right to live, and what is equally important, is the right to be different; for he knows if we ever lose the right to be different, we lost the right to be free.

AN AMERICAN is one who believes in democracy, not only for himself, but for all his fellow-Americans. By democracy he means not simply the rule of the majority but the rights of minorities; and those minorities have rights, NOT because they are minorities, but because they are human beings.

An AMERICAN is one who believes in the responsiblity of privelege. What he asks for himself, he is willing to grant to others; what he demands from others, he is willing to give himself. His creed is not alone, "Live and let live," but "Live and help live."

AN AMERICAN is one who acts from faith in others, not fear of others; from understanding, not prejudice; from good will, not hatred. To bigotry he gives no sanction; to intolerance no support.

If you are AN AMERICAN, then give me your hand, for I AM AN AMERICAN, too.