What is an American

[Sean C]

To me, an American is someone who values freedom and equality.


In my life here, I have met many, many people from all over the world who are Americans. Figuratively and literally. They are rich, poor, young, old and from every imaginable background.


But we all have one thing in common: we believe that the government derives its power from us ... the people, not the other way around. And that is, IMHO, the core of what really makes this country great. The idea, and the [somewhat imperfect] realization that literally anyone can achieve anything and reap the rewards.


I have also met a few people who, although technically able to claim to be "American", bear no resemblance.


YMMV

[Commander Wallace]

Originally Posted by Sean C

To me, an American is someone who values freedom and equality.


In my life here, I have met many, many people from all over the world who are Americans. Figuratively and literally. They are rich, poor, young, old and from every imaginable background.


But we all have one thing in common: we believe that the government derives its power from us ... the people, not the other way around. And that is, IMHO, the core of what really makes this country great. The idea, and the [somewhat imperfect] realization that literally anyone can achieve anything and reap the rewards.


I have also met a few people who, although technically able to claim to be "American", bear no resemblance.


YMMV

This is about as good as it gets with regards to an explanation of what an American is. With that being said, I think most people the world over have much the same core values as you have mentioned. Family is important to them as is trying to do the right thing. They do their best in their respective countries to embody many virtues and we are more alike that not. I have met people from around the world and it has never ceased to amaze me that they have reminded me in a good way of someone I grew up with or know.

I made light of being American in post # 15 as I tend to view things with humor. In all seriousness, your post goes a long way toward defining a true American and what we believe in.

[AVGWarhawk]

Boots and buckles, red clay and sand
My point ain't subtle here,
I'm a Southern man
Where the beer seems cooler and the women seem hotter
Where the world don't seem so damn modern
And a good ole boy like me still has a chance
This is where I was
Born this is where I'll die
Yeah, this is where I was born and this is where I'll die
It's all about the South Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Carolina,
Don't you wanna get down and dirty
Cause, Florida I'm thirsty,
Hit me with your Tennessee whiskey and crank it up loud
Laid back, you crazy old timer, sweet magnolia, dive bars and diners, oh yeah
Oh, and even if you're up North, c'mon down, c'mon down...
Oh, it's all about the South.

Cadillac Three.

MERICA!

[Reece]

[Buddahaid]

But that's Hamm"s the beer refreshest....

[Aktungbby]

Hamm's! From the "land of sky blue waters"... that's not 'Merican, that's Minnesota Nice!

[Gorpet]

[QUOTE=AVGWarhawk;2741439]Boots and buckles, red clay and sand
My point ain't subtle here,
I'm a Southern man
Where the beer seems cooler and the women seem hotter
Where the world don't seem so damn modern
And a good ole boy like me still has a chance
This is where I was
Born this is where I'll die
Yeah, this is where I was born and this is where I'll die
It's all about the South Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Carolina,
Don't you wanna get down and dirty
Cause, Florida I'm thirsty,
Hit me with your Tennessee whiskey and crank it up loud
Laid back, you crazy old timer, sweet magnolia, dive bars and diners, oh yeah
Oh, and even if you're up North, c'mon down, c'mon down...
Oh, it's all about the South.

Cadillac Three.

MERICA![/QUOTE

Give me the name of that county and state, And a camp ground where i can throw a tent. I've got my 2 shots i'm ready to c'mon and have a shot of that Tennessee whiskey.