What does it mean to be an American??
543448
Being an American today seems to mean less and less.  Some people seem to think that being an American is itself a 'right', and that we owe that to them.  I prefer to describe what it means to be a good American.\n\nBeing an GOOD American means respecting liberty, freedom, and the rule of law.  It means respecting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and understanding the difference between rights and privileges.\n \nBasic rights are enshrined in our founding documents.  The idea is that basic human rights involve freedom from government control over our daily lives, and the opportunity to find our own way and make our own decisions.  \n\nThis is very different from the modern idea of rights.  It's a very casual idea that whatever I want now, I claim as my right.  It dilutes the very idea of rights, and makes us all less likely to stand up for true human rights.\n\nAmerica is about liberty.
4671
To be born in the United States. Then you're automatically a citizen. Can't get much easier than that.
1097355
Everyone who lives in America is an American. Citizenship and residency are two different things. If a person lives in a country and considers that place thier home, then it is. Whether you are a citizen or not, your home is your home.
1164179
We have given more to the world than any nation on Earth. Our people have sacrificed themselves all over the world, we give money and aid to everyone. We are the place people are trying to get into from all over the world. Yes I am proud to be an American.
221007
it represents the freedoms that you have as an American. although it seems that those freedoms are being cut back just ask some people from some other countries that aren't free. They will tell you what this means and how lucky you really are.
541576
An individual who cares for the American people and does not let other countries dictate his moves. Be honest, caring and above all show the people that he is a human being that makes mistakes too, and learns by them.
406441
If they want to be Americans BE AMERICAN.
1020726
No that means you're from America, and proud of it!
366038
The importance of indepentance...like the United States? Well...if we didn't declare our indepentance we would all be British wouldn't we? We wouldn't have our freedom of speach, religion, or press. We would be completely different than the America we are today, wouldn't we?
599440
That would be the mayor of the town you live in.\n\nDon't mind the ignorant answers you have gotten thus far. You have chosen to come to our country and become a legal American citizen the "right" way. That's a good thing!!! :)
1094727
It is Latin which means " Out of many we are one ". Loosely translated. Regarding the people the many different nationalities of people that came to America legally to gain their freedom from tyranny and oppression.
865147
The good thing: We are all Americans. The bad thing: NOBODY really looks at it this way anymore. We look at uorselves as AFRICAN Americans or MEXICAN Americans or WHITE Amercans or ASIAN Americans , and on and on and on .........WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD WE ARE AMERICANS PERIOD!!!
61980
People become American citizens automatically either by being born in America or to an American citizen (either mother or father). People not born citizens can also naturalize through a fairly lengthy process.\n\nThe president is required to be a natural citizen (aka born in America or to American citizens), but for all other offices, the person must merely be a citizen, no matter how they became that way.
745324
Anyone can have duel citizenship, but you need good reasons. But, I ask you, if you mean to be an American, as well as Indian. Do you want to be an American or not? America doesn't need immigrant's who are more faithful to their natural country becoming a citizen of us. We need loyal, honest people who will love our Nation and stand with her people, not divide us.
1110614
There is no real way to define an American.  We're a country made of many countries, and our culture is made of many cultures.  If I had to define an American, though, I'd say that he/she is a person who loves their country, cares about their family, and appriciates a free society.
388133
This short, to the point statement should be read by everyone in AMERICA !    \n\n  Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.\n\n\n"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." \n\nTheodore Roosevelt 1907
655407
Being PROUD to be from this GREAT country, willing to put your life out there,  so we ALL (future people too) can live with all our FREEDOM'S, LIBERTY'S, JUSTICE & OPPORTUNITY..We American's also have freedom of religon, GREAT, you can be Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim who cares which, that's your freedom & you shouldn't be killed for your belief's..I for one, will do anything necessary to keep these privilages for my & all your children & future generation's in AMERICA.....GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!!