What Does It Mean To Be An American?

Student Excerpts from a 2006-2007 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Margaret Bohannon-Kaplan, Editor

Wellington Publications W-P Carmel, California

What Does It Mean To Be An American?

Student Excerpts from a 2006-2007 Harry Singer Foundation National High School Essay Contest

What Does It Mean To Be An American?

Margaret Bohannon-Kaplan, Editor Wellington Publications W-P Carmel, California

The non-partisan Harry Singer Foundation was established in 1988 to promote greater individual participation in government and involvement in social issues. The views expressed here are those of the various students who chose to enter our essay contest and do not necessarily represent the views of the board members and staff of the Foundation.

First Printing Copyright 2008 by Wellington Publications Printed in USA All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized for resale in an y form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the publisher. Inquiries should be addressed to Wellington Publications P.O. Box 223159 Carmel, California 93922 Library of Congress Control Number: 2008941642 ISBN: 978-0-915915-55-2

Editor's Note: In most cases, students gave the Foundation citations for the material that was quoted in their papers. Because of space constraints, we generally did not include those citations here. Also, in rare instances, material was quoted by students and incorporated in their papers without giving proper credit. We apologize, but must disclaim responsibility as we cannot always tell when a student is quoting from another writer unless quotation marks are used. This is purely an educational exercise. This copy is distributed by the Harry Singer Foundation without charge as part of its commitment to inform and encourage participation in public policy.

Who is Harry Singer?

Most people have never heard of Harry Singer. He wasn't a famous politician, a philanthropic industrialist, a creative artist, a martyred preacher or a great inventor-humanitarian. Harry Singer was a common man. Harry was an immigrant. He came to this country in 1912 from a small village in Russia. He settled in Chelsea, Massachusetts where with his wife and five children he ran a tiny neighborhood grocery store. Harry could have been your uncle, your brother-in-law, your next door neighbor. He had no lust for power, no great ambitions. He was just a good, kind, quiet man with a keen sense of justice who would jump in when he felt something was wrong. Harry was an egalitarian who showed respect for all men and who was respected in return. It is fitting that a foundation dedicated to encouraging the common man's participation in public policy decisions should be named after Harry. For it is to the Harry Singers of a new generation that we must look if we are to keep America competitive and strong in the world of the twenty-first century. The Harry Singer Foundation came into being because the descendants of the humble egalitarian believe today what President Woodrow Wilson said back in 1912: "Every country is renewed out of the unknown ranks and not out of the ranks of those already famous and powerful and in control."

ii

About The Harry Singer Foundation (HSF) The Harry Singer Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 private operating foundation (IRC: 4942 j 3) located in Carmel, California whose purpose is to promote responsibility and involve people more fully in public policy and their communities. It was founded in 1987. It actively conducts programs, and is not a grant-making foundation. The founders believe many people base their decisions on erroneous or too little factual information about public policy, private and public programs, and the effort and goodwill of their fellow citizens. The Harry Singer Foundation has developed programs to help correct this situation, and would like to join with you in helping to make this nation a stronger and better place to live and grow, for this generation and generations of Americans to come. The Foundation's focus is on the too often forgotten average citizen. We are not consciously looking to attract future leaders; we feel that job is being handled adequately by a variety of existing foundations. Our goal is to minimize the polarization we see developing in this country between the doers and those done to the rulers and the ruled. We strive to make everyone feel that their thoughts and ideas count; to let them know that they are listened to and that they matter. We want our fellow citizens to understand that a person doesn't have to be brilliant or a great communicator in order to make a difference in America. A person does have to care and does have to participate. Action It is not enough to think, write and talk about the problemswe must show by active example what people are capable of achieving. The goal is to find out what works within a desired framework. When participants learn how to choose what to do without sacrificing the best American ideals to expediency, the Foundation will provide the opportunity to put some of their ideal choices to the test. The Foundation first concentrated on young people because they are open and eager to learn, are not saddled with a myriad of other social responsibilities (like raising a family and making their own living) and they will be around the longest and therefore have the best opportunity to

iii

make their projects work. They are ideal experimenters because time is on their side. Pilot Projects We bring people together to network at our headquarters in Carmel, California. When participants come up with ideas, HSF provides the opportunity to put to the test, those ideas that garner the most enthusiastic response. We do this via pilot projects and interacting with grant-making entities as well as far-sighted businesses. Most businesses rightly have more than altruistic motives. Their main concerns are about maintaining a stable and growth-oriented economy and finding responsible employees. As a side benefit, many of our projects foster these, as well as purely altruistic goals. We know a pilot project has been successfully launched when it attracts enthusiastic volunteers that we call Champions. Champions are drawn to a specific pilot project because they share its objectives. Therefore they are eager to jump at the opportunity to bring aspirations to fruition by adding their own unique approach to managing and expanding the project without having to worry about funding. Of course HSF continues to provide guidance in addition to monetary support. Singer Kids 4 Kids was once a pilot project and Transition to Teaching was a pilot project renamed and adopted by the state of California in 2008 to attract more science and math mentors for Californias classrooms. The HSF Mission The Harry Singer Foundation mission is to prepare participants for a future where there may be less government and a weaker safety net. Such a future would require greater individual character, responsibility and knowledge. There may be a need for responsible people able to care for themselves and their less fortunate neighbors. The Foundation offers materials online, free of charge, which can be printed and used in the classroom or for individual education or research. The Workbook section of the HSF web site features data to encourage logical thinking and attention to the unintended consequences that often accompany government or personal solutions to perceived problems. HSF believes that society has encouraged technology and management while neglecting principles. We need to consider not only can we do, but

iv

should we do. To that end you will find an introduction to the seldom taught subject of logic in this section along with frequently updated ethical dilemmas. Before one can either reflect or help others, one must survive. HSF has archived the thoughts of teens over a twenty year period in the Teens Speak Out and the Archived by State forums as well as in the published books that resulted from 41 of the 46 essay contests the Foundation conducted between 1988 and 2007. Although many of these teen authors now are adults with children of their own, their reflections are relevant to today's youth who must learn to make successful personal and social choices regarding their own ideology and careers. They too must withstand the peer pressure of gangs, violence, irresponsible sex and addictive substances. People change but the social issues remain. The HSF Mission 1988-2008 The following article was written in 1995 by Amy Davidson, a free lance writer and linguistics student at the University of California at Berkeley at the time. This is the result of her observation of the Harry Singer Foundation during winter break her sophomore year. Thought, Words and Action One wouldn't think of Carmel, California, a small coastal town south of Monterey, as a hotbed for community action. However, nestled between the Cypress trees and the crashing surf, the small group of dedicated people at the Harry Singer Foundation are providing opportunities for Americans to make positive changes in their own communities, across the nation. Programs, designed for the general public but currently focusing on teachers and high school students -- including essay contests, community service project-development, online services, research materials, and curricula development-- all are ways that members of the non-profit Harry Singer Foundation are making a tangible difference in our nation. Founded to preserve both the ideal and the practice of freedom, "HSF aims to help people develop the skills and knowledge essential to the task," according to co-Founder Margaret Bohannon-Kaplan. "Our focus

is on the average citizen, and our goal is to motivate him or her to make positive differences in America." Martha Collings, a teacher at Plainview High School in Ardmore, Oklahoma, whose high school students participate in annual HSF essay contests, praised them as "a refreshing change from the usual boring ones we are asked to enter." Her sentiment probably arose from the complex and educationally stimulating components of the contest. Students must incorporate first and second-hand research, classroom discussion, individual analysis, and come up with their own conclusions to timely topics like health care, the media's role in national elections, the government's role in child care, and the importance of responsibility to the proper functioning of the nation.. "This was one of the most challenging and thought-provoking contests my students have entered," said Janet Newton, a teacher from Freeman High School, Rockford, Washington. Another teacher, Jerry McGinley of DeForest High School in DeForest, Wisconsin agreed, saying, "My students put in a great deal of time and effort reading and discussing the various articles, writing out discussion the questions, and writing the essays." It is likely that these teachers also put in a great deal of time. The HSF contest includes materials and support (through online services, texts, and personnel from the foundation) for an entire lesson plan based around issues raised by the essay topic for a given year. HSF aims to have teachers discuss the topic with their students extensively before the actual writing begins. Teacher Mary Ellen Schoonover of Strasburg High school in Strasburg, Colorado spent a considerable amount of time on assignments and discussions related to the 1994 topic "Responsibility: Who has It and Who Doesn't and What This Means to the Nation." "I felt the Singer essay was a valuable instructional tool," she said. "I incorporated the materials into class by distributing the required reading essays and questions to use as homework assignments with class discussion following each week for four weeks. After discussing the essays, students chose a topic, and classes did library research."

vi

The result of this kind of preparation is thousands of well-researched analyses of a topic. The essays are judged by a variety of ordinary citizens and, depending on the topic, a large sampling of attorneys, academics, politicians, financial wizards, other teens and senior citizens. This works because schools are not judged against each other, but only internally, so each school ends up with awards. "That's the big attraction of our contest," explains board member, Donna Glacken. "Every school is a winner. That and the fact that we publish excerpts from the contest and distribute the hard copy book to all 535 members of congress and their state and community politicians and home town media." Community Involvement Occurred Gradually In the 1992-93 school year, the Harry Singer Foundation extended the reach of its programs. More than five thousand official candidates for national office (most of them unknown) were polled, along with schools and members of the media. Participants were able to see a comparison of poll results among the three categories. The 1993-94 subject of our essay contest: Responsibility: Who Has It and Who Doesn't and What That Means To The Nation, generated such an enthusiastic response that we decided to offer this contest as an annual option. According to contest rules, students were to include in their papers examples of five responsible acts and three irresponsible acts we were trying to accentuate the positive. That first contest resulted in three feedback-books. The first book, The White Hats, featured the responsible acts. Numerous students offered more than their quota of irresponsible acts, many in the form of outrageous lawsuits which are the primary subject of the second book: Responsibility: Who Has It and Who Doesn't and What That Means To The Nation. Concealed among all the required examples was the subject of the third book titled, Doesn't Any One Care About The Children?. It is our plea to you in response to the cry we heard from over a thousand teenagers. Our readers were at times overwhelmed by the anguish, despair, rage and hopelessness found in many of the opinions and stories embedded in those essays. In 1995 the Foundation had students poll their communities and question politicians, members of the local media, attorneys and others for their opinions regarding social needs as determined by the results of those polls. Solutions for "local governments struggling with limited

vii

resources" were judged by a dozen governors, and a small group consisting of U.S. senators, congressmen and big city mayors. The National High School Essay Contests Comes To An End For twenty years the Harry Singer Foundation (HSF) offered recognition and incentives to every high school submitting at least ten essays covering a specified topic involving public policy and the role of government. Students have studied and written about social security, term limits for the United States Congress, government's role in childcare, government's role in health care, the media's role in choosing our candidates for national office, responsibility and even encouraged young people to work with local government to find alternatives to old ways of servicing citizen needs. Many students, and especially teachers, put an enormous amount of work into our programs. Students were given reading assignments and asked to answer twenty questions before they began their essays. Submittals were judged on how well the topic was covered and evidence of serious thinking, rather than on writing skill. In the spring excerpts were published in a book and distributed back to the schools as well as to members of Congress and to others interested in public policy. This allowed students to see how their peers across the country handled the subject matter. We launched www.singerfoundation.org in the fall of 1994. As more and more schools gained Internet access they were able to receive and transfer materials which we could put directly on our web site. Essays sent in digital form via email freed us from having to recruit volunteers who used the keyboard to input the work of students that used to arrive by mail as hard copy. In 2001 we began putting entire essays online, delaying publication of books like the one you are reading. At the end of 2006 we decided to resume publishing the students work in hard copy and to phase out the Foundations essay contest era. On our web site www.singerfoudation.org you will find the complete text of every HSF book published since 1990, often including the rules and required reading for the particular contest. You may browse, print the entire book or request a hard copy from the Foundation by using the contact information provided. We certainly have not lost interest in the goals of the HSF national essay contests. We are particularly proud of our attempt to encourage students

viii

to gather facts and think logically. The Harry Singer Foundation continues to share the goal of those who teach students how to think, not what to think. To that end we have posted links to some of, what we consider to be, the best online essay contests offered by other organizations. 2008 Begins a New Era Current Foundation programs continue to seek and encourage the exchange of ideas. We took two years to renovate our web site which hosts the Foundations history. Twenty years worth of students research and opinions may now be accessed by topic (Teens Speak Out) or by clicking on a state in the Archive forum and finding student ideas by school, teacher or participant. We have presented this information in a way that we believe visitors to our web site will find useful. You will also find on our web site new projects such as Kids 4 Kids that was mentioned earlier. Kids 4 Kids is expanding under the expert guidance of our Champion, Steve Platt and is now a full fledged program. While the science and math portion of T2T is in the state of California's hands, HSF is working to place volunteer mentors in subjects that are not on the States agenda. With the help of future Champions we expect the program to be picked up by states other than California. We are looking for Champions to contact engineering companies and societies, local artists, athletes and alumni associations to find members who are willing to donate time and energy to teach what they love including music, art and athletics, subjects that dont necessarily have to be taught in a classroom. The Foundation wants to join with the numerous other groups and individuals who are trying to bring this uncovered talent into the school system as mentors, teacher-aids and accredited teachers. We already have a program of accreditation that can be completed with only one day a month class attendance for 12 months. We are also working to help teachers obtain housing at a reasonable cost in a state where it is more expensive to live than in other areas in the nation. The Philanthropy Project is collaboration between the Harry Singer Foundation and the Templeton Foundation. It is a national, multimedia public service campaign aimed at the general public, legislators, opinion leaders and the media. By using film and television to tell compelling stories about the good works, conducted by mostly small and unrecognized charitable foundations, the Philanthropy Project seeks to

ix

introduce philanthropy to young people and to promote the spirit of philanthropy in communities across the country. Media Watch is a revision of an inspirational program for students initiated by the Harry Singer Foundation in 1994. The goal is to uncover good news in communities, feed it to local media outlets and monitor publication. Over the life of the project, the good news should increase in relation to the bad news, with both kinds being carefully documented. Another Way is the culmination of over twenty years of Foundation experience. We know most adults underestimate the capabilities of young people and their idealism, energy and eagerness to be productive members of their communities. Another Way gives young people an opportunity to prove their competence. Problem Solvers is a pilot project geared towards college and high school campuses. Students debate local and national issues using local media (radio, TV, newspapers). Not only do the students learn, but their nonpartisan information would be a boon to those in their communities that are working full time at sometimes more than one job. Too often these members of the community discover that regulations, and even laws, have been passed without their knowledge because they have no time to contribute to the discussion and offer an informed assent or dissent. The goal of the goal of the Human Nature project is not modest. The goal is to improve the chances that man will discover how to live with his kind in peace and tolerance, creating a free, stable environment. Once he figures out the necessary rules of conduct, the next step would be to figure out how to enforce these rules while preserving maximum individual and group freedom of thought and action. We invite you to take advantage of opportunities to participate in, or better yet, to Champion pilot programs by visiting our newly renovated web site at www.singerfoundation.org.

Contents

About the Harry Singer Foundation Contents Foreword Instructions for Participants Excerpts from student essays A Little History Change Freedom Culture V. Creed Immigration Opportunity Community Pride Patriotism Iraq Politicians Religion Personal Responsibility Americas Short Comings In the end A Selection of Essays Growth, Freedom, Spirit- Adam Westling What Does It Mean to be American?- Richard Villanueva Am I An American?-Jesse Clifft Freedom: How It Happened-Cassie Hassell The American Spirit Joshua Elliott Immigration, Imperialism Evan Gaskin A Nation of Superior Quality Brittney

i 1 3 4 5 7 9 11 12 14 18 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 30 35 36 37 39 41 43 46 49 51

Required Reading Crisis of American National Identity Answers to Questions Prompted by the Required Reading Answers to Question One Answers to Question Two Answers to Question Three Answers to Question Four Answers to Question Five Answers to Question Six Answers to Question Seven Answers to Question Eight Answers to Question Nine Answers to Question Ten Answers to Question Eleven Participants Appendix Brief Biography of George III George III Letter on the Loss of America More About HSF

55 57 67 69 73 75 76 80 82 82 84 85 89 93 99 103 107 109

Foreword

Part of growing up is finding out who we are and how we fit into the world. Until high school most of us were defined by our relationships with friends, family and other members of the community. It is in the teen years that self analysis comes to the fore. As I went through the essays in preparing this book, I began to suspect that those who had progressed farthest in the analysis of their own identity were the ones that went beyond the surface in the search of what it means to be an American. How you are perceived by others; the tangibles that can be seen and evaluated like how you dress, your skills and achievements, are just as much a part of you as are the things that may be hidden from others, like your ambitions for the future and the standards you set for yourself and your plans to make yourself into your ideal you. And so it is with the United States of America. The students that wrote about the wars; triumphs and failures, the achievements of the Founding Fathers, the economic and technological innovations and the crime, arrogance, intolerance, corruption and an ill mannered pressthe tangibles contributed just as much to the concept of America as those that wrote about that shiny city on a hill, the beacon to the worldthe American dream. You will find them all here; laid out in the words of those who, clothed in the exuberance of youth, were, at the time of writing, well practiced at searching for the truth and therefore especially suited to look unflinchingly at the good, the bad and the ugly.
Margaret Bohannon-Kaplan Co-Founder, the Harry Singer Foundation Carmel, California November 13, 2008

What Does It Mean To Be An American?

Instructions for the 2006 National Harry Singer Foundation Essay Contest
There is no doubt that technology has brought us into an interdependent global society. What part then does the Declaration of Independence and the Founding Fathers play in defining Americans in the 21st Century? Discuss this in the light of the 18th century conservatives argument that government must be a native growth, must emerge from the spontaneous evolution of the nation itself; from the spirit of the people."

Excerpts From Student Essays

What Does It Mean To Be An American?

A LITTLE HISTORY When writing the Constitution of the United States, the writers put a lot of thought into the fact that our country would expand and change. They knew that as years passed, our countrys economy would grow and Americans would create their own culture. Our laws of the land are unique in this aspect. 18th Century conservatives stated that government must be a native growth, must emerge from the spontaneous evolution of the nation itself. Little did they know, they were debating on the platform of the United States of Americas future Constitution. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The Preamble to the Constitution starts with the words, In order to form a more perfect union. Our Founding Fathers believed in a vision of free people governing themselves. Since those words were written, a majority of the people in this country have tried their best to accomplish great things in order to make our country a better place to live. To provide justice, according to Thomas Jefferson, is the most sacred of the duties of government. Nothing is of greater importance in a democratic system. The concept of justice has developed over time and has come to stand for reasonable, fair, and objective laws. Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Our Founding Fathers gave us life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We would have nothing without those seven words. We may have never reached this technological age full of ipods, laptops and airplanes without those great men foreseeing what this country could potentially become; a world super power. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are the words our Founding Fathers used to create a great nation. It is one of the most famous phrases in the United States Declaration of Independence. Those words [declare] the unalienable rights of man. Adopted on July 4, 1776 at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Declaration became our symbol of independence and freedom.

The ideas in the document are very valuable. Individual liberty and self-evident truths are the grievances that broke the ties between the colonies and Great Britain. Being an independent country today means being free from any dictatorship. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The Fathers of our great nation gave us few rules to follow, but gave power to the people. This is where the phrase government of the people, by the people, for the people comes into play. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The government of the people, by the people, and for the people has been one of our ideals since the dawn of Americas creation. Britain, the nation of our forefathers and their decedents, was ruled by a tyrannical king* who imposed upon the British and American people harsh laws, unfair punishments, and inequitable taxation. Our ancestors [labored over our creed] the Declaration of Independence, which stated that the government should be run by the people and that they should have the final word in all matters of law. *[Please see George IIIs Letter on the loss of America- p107] Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Brandi took her complaints about King George III from the United States Declaration of Independence: He endeavored to prevent the population of the states and, he obstructed laws for naturalization of foreigners by refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands, which is a part of the Declaration of Independence that states why we wanted to secede from Great Britain and is pretty much saying the King did not want our country to keep growing. He did many things...that our forefathers despised and eventually changed. We are free. We do not have one certain person to govern us but elected officials who vote and compromise on bills and laws that govern our country. This was the intent of the Declaration of Independence; to not be governed by one who holds our lives in the palm of his hand but by men who [are] ordinary citizens and the peoples representatives. King Arthur had his knights sit at [a] round table [symbolizing they were] free and equal. So are we. Brandi Miller, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee The United States Founding Fathers set up our government to run for the best interest of the people and to guarantee freedoms for its citizens.

Our democratic republican government is run by representatives of the people so the peoples best interests are put into effect. This is the best way for the government to keep up with the evolution of the nation since any changes in the nation would change its representation. Though America today is definitely not how our founders envisioned it to be, this nation is still strong in what they believed in and in what they wanted this nation to become. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland CHANGE There was a lot of discussion about change: Thomas Jefferson once said, Every generation needs a new revolution. This quote alone is enough to make me believe that the Founding Fathers of our nation set up our government so that it could be changed. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The Declaration of Independence was written when our country first stated its independence from Great Britain. To this day it still defines us... Sure, we have evolved and changed at an unimaginable rate, but we are still the same country that [we were] back in 1776. We still stand upon the ground that our forefathers fought and gave their lives for. Though we have made amendments to the Constitution, it is [basically] the same...only [it has] evolved to fit our country as it grew. Brandi Miller, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Students were amazed by the foresight of the Founding Fathers: The Founding Fathers created principles that would allow for our countrys development. For example, when creating the branches of our government, they created a level that would be able to change our Constitution if needed. This branch became known as the Judicial Branch, or the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court takes appeals from district courts. After their decisions are made, they announce whether a law needs to be changed or destroyed [overruled]. It is then up to Congress to legislate an amendment. This is an amazing thing to consider. I can only imagine the thoughts of those many smart men who were there on September 17th, 1787, in that room creating such an astounding document. They had no idea about our countrys future or what new inventions might be created, yet they incorporated it all into our Constitution. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

Below is the controversial excerpt I refered to in the Foreword: There will always be times when our government will need to go against written words and do what they think is right at the time . Throughout history, our society has changed in a variety of ways and we havent always followed the Constitutions rules. Although some may ignore these certain guidelines, the United States Constitution has made a huge impact on our country and how the government operates today. Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Katie points out that with a concerted effort people can deliberately change the country without changing the Constitution: The government changes to fit the needs of our nation and the needs of the people. With our ability to accept changes for both the good and bad we can set an example for other governmentsOur nation is far from perfect but the beauty is that we see what is wrong and we work to change it. It is a kind of evolution where we strive for an unattainable perfection, yet through the work to make it successful we achieve a standard that works for us. It is important to realize that no government will ever be perfect. However, we strive to work for the people of the nation because they are ultimately what is most important. Katie Brown, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Cassandra saw the brevity of our Constitution as beneficial. If anything would appall the Founders if they visited us today it would be the millions of rules that control the people in the 21st century: The Fathers of our great nation gave us few rules to follow, and gave the power to the people. This is where the phrase government of the people, by the people, for the people comes into play. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Brent and Chastity, below do not feel subjugated and would likely disagree with my prior comment: In America we pride ourselves on the fact that we are free to do what we want. [We] choose the things we do[and can] say the things we fancy. [These are] the benefits of [being an] American. In America we have the right to choose our own profession. What would we do if only certain ethnicities could be doctors, or only certain classes of people could be lawyers? This would be horrible. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

10

FREEDOM America is all about freedom. In some cases freedom seems like its not there, but it is, and we should not take it for granted, but take advantage [of it]. America is freedom in itself. Daily we are using our rights and freedoms without even thinking about it. We are so lucky that we forget and take it for granted. When we are in school, shopping, or driving on the road, we are using our individual rights as Americans. Chastity Stevens, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Ashley credits the military for our freedom: The military is the reason America is free. If it were not for the First Congressional Army back in the 1700s we would still be part of Great Britain. George Washington and his troops won Americas independence. The military today deserves more credit than it receives. Troops risk their lives and leave their loved ones, all for the well-being of America. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Freedom was used often to define American: America is the land of the free, and as U.S. citizens, we have rights that many overseas nations do not have. We have freedom of speech, religion and trial by jury. Those are a few very critical privileges that we take for granted every day. Many different countries believe we have too many rights, which is leading to a permissive, corrupt and disorganized situation in our homeland. In some aspects they may be correct, compared to the limited freedoms they face in their own country. Today, American society does have many freedoms which I believe is how a nation should operate. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Our laws, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, all define us as a nation. Americans are free people with morals and rights and have minds to think for themselves. Some countries do not allow freedoms and rights to their people. They are brain washed to believe certain things and think certain ways. They do not have a choice. Americans take for granted what we have; Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Those words are a promise to the American people; the promise [of something precious] that they have and will always have. Kendra C. Summers, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee

11

Lesli is grateful for the right to protest; for her right to free speech: We also have the right to express how we feel, whether it is by protesting the war in Iraq, or by playing a song that shows how we feel. That is one of our rights. What if some one told you that you had to go to war and that you are not allowed to protest this? Sure in America we had the draft, but we were also allowed to protest it and make a difference in how the draft was run. Lesli Oatsvall, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee In The United States of America one has many freedoms. You can say what you feel as long as it is not slandering anyone [even] if one offends someone. Justice Holms once said, I can swing my fists as much as I want until I hit someone in the nose To translate, it meant you can say what you want until you take it to far and [slander] someone. This would be the only instance I could think of that your first amendment rights could be stripped away. Dillon Unruh, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Dillons previous comment illustrates that as much as we treasure freedom, Americans are not anarchists. We temper freedom with laws in an approximation of the quality set down by the Founding Fathers, though not, as I commented previously, in the quantity of laws which is now extreme. CULTURE V. CREED America today may have a culture dissimilar to the one that existed during the Founding Fathers time, but its creed has been left unchanged. First of all, I must define the words culture and creed as they are stated on Dictionary.com. Culture means the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits,...whereas creed means any system of principles or beliefs. That is a very distinct difference. Professor Samuel P. Huntington, Harvard professor and writer, states that the principles (creeds) are absolute in the implication that they are meant to be applicable to men at all times. However any culture can revolutionize over time with contemporary advancements and new developments occurring in any given group. We are a people, made up of many cultural backgrounds and many personalities. However, despite all of our differences [our] creed is the part of America that will never change. The cultures that make up this

12

magnificent country of ours must merge instead of continuing to cling to a conglomeration of values. We will always be, despite cultural distinctions, a nation unified because of our unchanging American creed. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas American culture originally came from ties with Great Britain, but as our legal system came into play and we broke thechains [of] monarchy, we started the culture we know today. As U.S. citizens, we also live by a creed which will never alter, and, because of that, we should not modify other nations creeds. The American creed defines what it means to be an American, both the need for faith in who and what we are as a nation, and the responsibility we all have to love and respect our nation and its flag. Its message is appropriate for each generation of Americans, but becomes even more meaningful when we understand the context of its origin, as it was written during a time of conflict and turmoil at home and abroad. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Fallon and Grace did a good job of describing culture and creed. All students subscribed to the notion of an American creed but a few had problems with the culture aspect. What does it mean to be an American? It is [about its] policies like immigration, [its] patriotism and [mostly] the spirit of the people. Its about its holidays; Fourth of July, New Years, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas; all are American traditions. Every year on Christmas Eve my family and I open presents. But first we go to church for our candlelight Christmas Eve Service at six oclock. Then we come home to eat dinner. Before we open the presents the whole family has to clear the table and pick up everything and wash the dishes. After everything is clean and all the dishes are washed we all gather around the tree and start opening presents. Patrick Selzer, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas

Billy asked the question:

If the people that live in America dont celebrate American customs then how are they Americans? Billy Prickett, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Patrick brought up the most American holiday of allJuly 4th Every year on the fourth of July my family and I go to my grannys house where we have a picnic outside and eat a lot of food. After my

13

cousins and I are done eating we start to shoot fireworks. We shoot our fireworks until nine oclock and t hen we go to Wall Park and watch the best firework show I have ever seen at nine thirty. Probably over a thousandpeople go to the park to watch the show. Then after the show my family and I walk back to my grannys house and eat dessert and shoot the rest of our fireworks. Patrick Selzer, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Billy shared his enthusiasm for his favorite holidays: Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the U.S. To celebrate Christmas there doesnt have to be an exchange of gifts. Christmas is the holiday for giving, so all people have to do is just come together as a family and enjoy being together. Families can do something on the 25th of December, like eat a big dinner together. New Years is another important holiday. It is the turn of the New Year and almost every country celebrates their own turn. [What we] do is stay up until 12:00 a.m.. A family just has to stay up talk and watch the ball fall in New York. They can talk about what their plans are for the next year and what their goals are. Easter is an important holiday. It is the day that Jesus, [who] died on the cross for everyones sins, [rose from the dead]. It is one of the fun holidays to celebrate. [Some] families have big dinners before they hide the eggs [which symbolize rebirth]. Billy Prickett, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas IMMIGRATION Chelcie was less enthusiastic about sharing jobs with immigrants: The United States has always had an open-arms policy, but, in [the 19th and early 20th centuries] being an American actually meant something to immigrants. Now, sadly, people are coming illegally to this country everyday. They dont care if they get their citizenship; they just want to live in our country. Once here, they take our jobs and [some even] receive well-fare money that we as taxpayers are forced to contribute. I think people would be much more open to allowing foreigners to come into our country if they demonstrated more respect and love for our country. To me being an American means being proud of where you live and who you are. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Emily sees it differently: Thousands of immigrants come over to the United States of America in search for freedom against religious persecution and equal rights.

14

Immigrants are so thankful for what America has done and can do for them. People worry about becoming bilingual and that foreigners will take away from America, but America is already so great that there is no harm in sharing what America has to offer. It is the many cultures that make up America and what it is today that should often be celebrated. Our patriotism is slowly being drawn away from us because we are not trying to give back to our country. [It's not evident] that leadership and concern towards our country is still alive as [it was in] our forefathers' [time]. Emily Moore, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Elizabeth looks on the bright side of immigration also: All throughout American history, there have always been immigrants coming into America. Most immigrants come here for educational opportunities and to have a better life. Recently, I got to see an immigrant get elected as the Tennessee Beta Club President. He came to America with his mother wanting a better life and to get a good education. He is living proof of how America has changed his life and how he has influenced America by becoming a leader, even if it is a small influence. John F. Kennedy is another good example of how immigrants have shaped and influence the identity of America. John F. Kennedy is of Irish- Catholic descent and was elected President of the United States in 1960. Further proof of the impact that immigrants have left on America is the celebration of the holiday, St. Patricks Day. I believe that by celebrating this holiday as well as many others, we are telling immigrants that we take pride in the cultures that they have brought to our country. A big part of the American identity and culture is the people who live here. Without the immigrants and different races, our country would be kind of boring. Our movies, music, books, clothing, food, accents, etc. would be different without the cultural influence of the different races and immigrants here. The seal of our government says, E pluribus unum which means From many, one. I think that is a great way to sum up our country, because there are many people from various walks of life who come together in America to unite as one. Technology has brought the American people closer with e-mail and cell phones. Through these things, we can communicate with each other and understand each others background. Hopefully, all of those people out there who still think of America as mostly white will see the America I see. Being American means coming together as one, embracing diversity, and communicating with one

15

another so that we understand each other. Elizabeth Beasley, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee Racial Identity was discussed at length in Elizabeths essay. She had an unusual attitude toward what she referred to as hyphenated Americans: The American identity has also changed in terms of race. Like I mentioned earlier, many people think America is predominately white. Thats not the case, though. America is full of various races like, African- Americans, Latinos, Asians, etc. Like the immigrants, race has played a big role in the development of the American culture and identity. One of the biggest and most important impacts race had on America was during the civil rights movement of the late 50s and early 60s. This was a low point for America, but we did eventually pull through it. Civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks took a stand on segregation and racial discrimination. They showed America through their dreams and refusal to get up from a seat that segregation and racial discrimination are wrong. They shaped the American identity into one that accepts every one of all races. We now pay homage to them by celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month. Another way we honor immigrants is by giving them the choice to be a hyphenated American. Many immigrants choose to be hyphenated such as, African-Americans Irish-Americans, Jewish-Americans, ItalianAmericans, etc.. to keep their roots as a part of their lives in this country. Letting them make the decision on whether or not to be hyphenated is our way of showing respect to them and their culture. Elizabeth Beasley, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee Several students took pride in the fact that America is a nation of immigrants: I am proud to say that I live in a diverse country. Our Founding Fathers had the right idea when they said in the Declaration of Independencethat they are endowed by their creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These are the reasons that so many diverse people live in our country. They committed themselves to the ideals of America like freedom, equality, tolerance, etc. We should be honored to live in a country where people from other countries want to come and commit themselves to our ideals. Elizabeth Beasley, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee

16

Dillon and Brandi defend immigrants: We are the land of the free and people should be able to be here no matter who they are or what race they are. Technically everyone is an immigrant because how did one get here if ones ancestors from other countries didnt come here. How about Americans discriminating against people from the Mid East? Just because they came from the Middle East does not mean they are terrorists or violent. Their [countries] might be overrun by dictators and they are escaping.. Dillon Unruh, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas People think that just because there is someone of a different culture living here, they are not American. The truth is, America is known for welcoming foreigners. The U.S. has become a melting pot of different cultures. We have millions of different people within our borders involving religion, culture, ethnic practices, different jobs and all types of food. We have so many types of people that could create all types of conflicts yet somehow we mesh like different colored twine that wraps together to create a perfectly meshed basket. That basket is the United States of America. It holds opportunity for millions of deserving people. Brandi Miller, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Amber recognizes that there is a controversy and some anger in certain areas about job losses but suggests that embracing immigrants may be a key ingredient in being an American: A nation of immigrants, the melting pot of the worlds peoples these expressions have long been used proudly by Americans to describe their countrys heritage. The year 1986 marked the centennial of the Statue of Liberty, celebrated in this country and around the world as the symbol of the ideals of freedom for which America stands. The worlds inscribed at its base eloquently proclaim our vision of a better life for the worlds downtrodden peoples. Our country is overflowing with immigrants. Cities and towns are filling up with new immigrants every day. We have so many negative things that we find come from having immigrants in our country. This is a nationwide problem. What should we do about the immigrants? But is that not what our Founding Fathers wanted? They came from different countries speaking various languages. This is suppose to be the land of the free; the land of equality. This was a country that was founded so that families could come and live the American dream. There were no specifications as to who could enter this country so this is what the immigrants are doing. They are living the American dream. Immigrants

17

move to America to be free and happy. They take pride in what they have here. Most of the time it is less than anything that we would ever dream of having. Immigrants take pride in being in this country. They just flow with joy with just being on American soil. What is so wrong with that? Average Americans do not think about how lucky they are to live in a country like this. Maybe, instead of complaining about our country being overpopulated and having to face different challenges because of these immigrants we should stop for a minute and watch an immigrant take pride in this country, and pride in just being here. Maybe if we would do that, we might start understanding what it means to be an American. Amber Ward, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee The excerpt below may help us understand Chelcies viewpoint better and also make us think about the reasons all nations control their borders: A lot of young immigrants are here on educational visas because the quality of the education is much better here than most countries in the world. Once educated, they stay here and get quality, high paying jobs. For example, only a few years ago on a flight home from California, my mom and I sat next to a young woman from India. Since it was a fourhour flight, we [conversed] with her. We learned that she came to the United States from India six years previously. She was initially here on an educational visa to an Ivy League school. After graduation she obtained a job at a major telecommunications company. At this company she received a low, six-figure yearly income at an entry-level position. We proceeded to ask her several questions about her home, India. She talked about its beauty compared to the United State and her family there. We then asked her if she was a citizen here; her reply was no. She had no desire to become a citizen and was sending the majority of her money home with the intentions of someday returning there herself. She commented that the taxes were too high to become acitizen. Is this right? What happened to the pride my great grandfather had in becoming a citizen, raising a family and paying taxes in this great country? Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

OPPORTUNITY

18

We may find it strange today that anyone might be proud to pay taxes. Taxes were then, and now, a fair exchange for opportunity. At the turn of the century, Ellis Island was booming with immigrants coming into this country. Among these was my great grandfather Louis Groi. He and his brother came to this country from Italy with money that was given to them from an uncle who was already here. Once here, his uncle gave him a job. He saved half the money for himself and sent half of it back to Italy for his family to eventually come to America. He worked really hard in this country, building a small sawmill in Colorado with his savings and later buying two movie theaters. He and his brother also purchased many buildings and businesses on the main street of Salida, Colorado. Although he married an Italian woman who also became a citizen, Italian was never spoken or taught to their children. When he died at the age of 76, he was a multi-millionaire. During his life he proudly talked about the day he became a United States citizen, often showing off his citizenship card. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Brandi spoke of the opportunity to fulfill dreams in her essay: Our country [provides] millions of [opportunities].... Our forefathers [wanted to] give people [the opportunity] to fulfill their dreams. Not all people in the world have such an opportunity. Many live under communist governments such as China, which governs its people with a strict hand that points out to them how they should live and decides if their dreams should be given the chance to come true. In the United Stateswe have freedom of religion, freedom to speak our minds without being arrested or shot, freedom to carry firearms which could get you arrested in less than a second in another country. We can live how we choose to, that is, obeying the law of course, but we have many rights that protect our freedom and us. We use these rights and millions more to live freely which is what our forefathers meant for us to be able to do. Brandi Miller, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee We are all equal and united by the same fundamentals as our neighbors. [Maybe thats] why people from other countries [make the decision]to become a U.S. citizen. Every person deserves to be free and to have the chance to excel. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

19

COMMUNITY People often ask, Does America have an identity? I think people misinterpret this question and say we do not because of so many different cultures and nationalities in our country. But that is our identity. America does not have an ancient past that defines who we are like most other countries. We are defining our selves each and every day and by each and every decision we make. The many cultures and races are what make us Americans. Americans are not a certain color, a certain belief, dont look a certain way, or talk a certain language. Americans are those who came from different cultures and countries. Americans are a collage of many differences that come together to make a beautiful piece of artwork. Kendra C. Summers, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee

Discussing identity gives Ashley an opportunity to further define what it means to be an American:
Many talk of the loss of American identity. That is a problem. People of this wonderful country have forgotten that the meaning of being an American is loving and helping one another. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Eric is on the same wave length: We need more community events. We have some already, but what we dont have is the ability to trust people any more. Some places stage block parties and some enter into contests. It shows unity and respect for one another when we have events like that. It is meaningful in the long run because when someone is in need of help, they have people to turn to. There should be neighborhood police as well. Law enforcement is not properly recognized for the protection [it provides] every day. People I know never say anything to the police that is ever nice or encouraging. When they do something wrong and get caught; that is the only time they realize the police are around. After that all police are bad people. I know a person in law enforcement and he is really a good guy. Granted, some police are not so nice, but they can still be tolerated. [Americans] have strength in unity, hence the saying, United we stand, divided we fall. This country was formed by a group of people who stuck together in the worst of times and supported one another. [As Americans] we have strength that we dont even know about. Eric Schroeder ,McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas

20

Brent has his own memories of the nation coming together in strength; trusting, loving and comforting one another: Never has a nation been more together than on September 11, 2001. On that day the World Trade Center Towers in New York City were flown into by Al-Qaeda terrorists. The unity of each city in the states was amazing. When everyone saw the towers collapse with the many people and firefighters within the buildings, there was a feeling of terror. After both of the towers were gone, a flag rose above the wreckage. This was not just any flag; it was the flag of the United States of America. People at ground zero all chanted, I pledge allegiance, to the flag This is what it means to be an American. The unity [that occurred in] our country [after 9-11)] showed the rest of the world how to be free and united at the same time. On September 11, 2001, millions of people ...came together to mourn. What an amazing feat! Everyone overcame prejudices and [old] hatreds to form a united country. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Being an American is more than just living in this country. It is having love and respect for the nation that protects you day in and day out. It is believing in the system America put together to help you through life and get you the best opportunities to do whatever you want in life. I think this country has had a few flaws but it has tried its hardest to fix them and get this amazing country back to the top in every category. So to be the best American, just remember to love you country, respect your country, and learn to adjust to anything and everything as the country evolves. Brock Moors, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas PRIDE How could you not be proud of being an American because, here, you can be anything and everything you want to be? Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas We are the land of the free and I take pride in that, as every citizen in America should. Jesse Clifft, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Although todays society haschanged [over the time], I am very proud to be an American. The country that we live in is a very good one and could have a lot worse problems than pornography and business scandals. What America does for this world is amazing. We are a world

21

power that most other countries in the world look up to and count on for help. So far we have kept and contained some of the most dangerous nations from creating a nuclear war. Martin Vander Linden, Burlington High, Burlington, Kansas Americans are not only proud to live in the U.S. because of their freedom of religion, but also because of the strong leadership that has been shown throughout our beautiful nation. After World War II many Americans believed that the people all over the world would finally live together in peace, but unfortunately that wasnt so. Russia emerged from the war with a strong military force, but the United States was determined to protect itself and other countries [from] the ...communist world. Americans leadership and compassion was strongly admired throughout the nation. America invested billions of dollars to help rebuild war torn countries and also lent a hand to protect [developing] countries. Pride is one of the things that Americans show and being an American and caring about our nation along with the people is something that makes me proud to be a part of the United States of America! Emily Moore, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee PATRIOTISM Americans are people who help one another out. They have respect for others and do not act upon others wrongdoing. In our military we have strict codes to go by when treating Prisoners of War (POW). They are to be treated humanely. Knowing that in some countries if the situation were switched they would be horribly tortured, we still have morals and that natural law that GOD instilled in people. It makes me proud to be an American knowing our military has that much morality to be able to do that. Patriotism is defined as devoted love, support and defense of ones country. I think that clearly describes an American. Americans have a sense of pride in America. They have fought for this land and they will fight some more to keep this land. It is about protecting something that is ours and the price you are willing to pay for it. Patriotism is a major part of an American. Americans as a whole are very loyal to America and support it even in times of controversy. You will always have those who do not agree with what the politicians are doing, but they would never be disloyal to America. America brings hope and freedom to people. It is a sign that things can and will get better. It just may take some time. The flag helps symbolize that freedom

22

and hope [that] Americans feel. When they see Old Glory flying in the wind they think of all the bloodshed and the tears that helped make this country what it is and helped shape our people to who they areAmericans. Kendra C. Summers, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee Patriotism comes from the spirit of the American people. The nation is loved by many people. The army is very patriotic because the soldiers have pride in our country and its achievements. The Fourth of July is the biggest patriotic day of the year. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the land of the free and the home of the brave so they can begin their American dream. Patrick Selzer, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Patrick may where patriotism comes from but Dillon knows what patriotism is not: Many think if you wave your American flag high and recite The Pledge of Allegiance or The National Anthem youre a real American but that person could know nothing about his or her rights as an American. We are trying to bestow a democratic society on Iraq and we are losing many soldiers trying. We cant make Iraqis into Americans [and we shouldnt want to do so]. We should be able to voice our opinions about subjects such as the Iraq war without being criticized for it and called a Communist or something to an even worse extent. I know that because Ive voiced my opinion to others about my feelings over the war or what I will do if the draft gets reinstated. Ive told them I wont go fight; I will instead go to Canada and stay out of it until it dies down, then I will come back. Is getting dogged by others over the subject really a violation of my first amendment rights of freedom of speech? Shouldnt I be able to voice my opinion without have the third degree brought upon me about how I feel? How about the different races of people coming to America to be free and have the two things guaranteed by our government; law and opportunity? Shouldnt different countries of people be able to come here without getting harassed by ignorant white people who do not know where that person has come from or why they left? Dillon Unruh, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas IRAQ Below, Martin acknowledges that the war in Iraq is one of the hottest and most debatable topics in the United States and perhaps

23

the world. Even though he is voicing his opinion in 2006, at the end of 2008 Iraq is still a hot topic even though it may have taken a back seat to the economy. One of the hottest topics that many Americans debatetoday is the war in Iraq. I feel as though no other man in this great nation could have done a better job then President Bush. He was in the spotlight and took a chance that could have gone either way. But, thank goodness for him and this country, we have taken a country [Iraq] that was being led by a ruthless dictator and turned it in the right direction. That is what our Founding Fathers would have wanted to see. Martin Vander Linden, Burlington High, Burlington, Kansas As Grace, Cassandra and Katie show in the following excerpts, it is indeed debatable that our Founding Fathers would have wanted to see us in Iraq if they were here today: America [should] not force the freedoms it [enjoys] on other countries. The conflict in Iraq is acontroversial issue. Arriving in distant countries and trying to alter the way of life they have instituted is unethical.... I realize that the United States Armed Forces are [acting to] stop the war on terror. American forces have stopped many bad people from dictating to blameless civilians. We have also helped [people] on their way to becoming free and independent inhabitants that can function without a monarch. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Just because we have more than others does notgive us the right to impose our beliefs or government on them, no matter how much we think we are right. They are still human beings just like us. They want to believe what they have believed their entire lives, and for us to just come and root them out of their lifestyle is crazy. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas In her essay Katie recognizes that the Bush Administration had good intentions towards the people of Iraq but her reasons for disagreeing with an American presence there are sound. The last paragraph of the excerpt presented here shows she realized that the 18th century colonists in America had a spirit for rebellion strong enough to turn them into the freedom fighters that risked their lives and possessions and were thus able to establish the democratic republic that became the United States of America that we know today.

24

Every day children in America are able to wake up and go to school where they receive a free education. Most of these children dont realize the privilege they have to attend school where they are free to dream of aspiring to be anything they want. Right now the U.S. is in Iraq trying to set up a government where children will be able to have the right to an education and where women will be treated as human beings instead of property. [However] we should not just go into a country and set up a government and expect them to follow it. If we set up this government without teaching and demonstrating how it will work, we will become nothing more than a crutch, and when we leave their government will fall. It is important for other countries to see that the government must emerge from the people because only they know what will work for them. We can make suggestions and set examples but ultimately it will be left up to each country individually until that time when we will become an interdependent global society. Katie Brown, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Martin sees the required passion in the colonists for a new way of life but doesnt sense the necessity for the same passion in the Iraqis. America is a land developed by English settlers who wanted to have freedom; freedom to worship whomever they wished, talk about whatever they want, and read the truth day in and day out. These people wanted a better place for their families and posterity. They came to this country for a fresh start and a new life. As time went on, these brave people [established] a set of rules and regulations to live by. Never did these people know that the document they developed would be the stepping stone for one of the most dominate countries in the world. These fearless men and women are heroes to the American people today, and this is just one of the reasons that I am proud to be an American. Martin Vander Linden, Burlington High, Burlington, Kansas POLITICIANS Unfortunately this optimistic group of students showed a fair amount of disdain for politicians: As Americans, we are encouraged to get involved in the political system. Our senators and state representatives [urge] us to tell them our

25

ideas by writing a letter, making a phone call or sending and e-mail message. But, it seems that more often than not, when people question the government, they are being un-American or anti-American. But if our congressmen only want to hear words of praise, then we might as well look to North Korea for an example. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas When I think about our countrys politics, I cannot help but picture candidates spreading lies about one another and trying to find anything about an opponent to benefit themselves. Sometimes, it seems it would just be better if the U.S. started over and picked out people that didnt know anything about politics; this would slow down some of the deception that people are doing to one another because of their expertise at playing the game. Myca Burke, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Our government plays a huge role in defining us as a people. The decisions [of politicians] and their ways of life reflect the American people. We are the ones who voted them into office. It gripes me when I hear people [speak ill of] our president and other figures in politics. They are the ones who voted them into office in the first place. If your candidate did not win, get over it. Complaining is not going to change anything. The people who did not vote are probably the most unAmerican. They have the right to vote,but they do not, yet they voice their opinion negatively against people claiming it is their freedom of speech. Kendra C. Summers, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee RELIGION Several students alluded to our freedom of religion and thought it was slipping away. Below are two examples: What if you were made to go to a certain church and worship a certain god? We have separation of church and state. Is it good or bad? This is a debatable subject. It is good because it does not force certain religions on certain people, but it is bad because this country was founded on Christianity and if we take church out we lose our background. Lesli Oatsvall, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Thousands of Americans stand together before the start of an NFL football game while the national anthem is played, then a voice saying

26

let us pray is heard over the loud speaker. The prayer is for the safety of the players and for fair calls, just as in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed and Benjamin Franklin said let us pray before beginning to help write the document that would forever protect the United States and show fair, equal rights and freedom to Americans everywhere. America gave us...many rights and freedoms, [including] freedom of religion. ...The United States is willing to give all Americans the chance to choose [their] religion.... On coins and paper money In God We Trust is imprinted because our founding fathers intended for God to be a large part of our Nation. Over the years weve gone from having prayer in school and the pledge of allegiance said every morning during class, to having God not even mentioned at all. Americans used to be so proud of their religion and their right to practice that religion, but now the U.S. has allowed religion to be pushed away, out of sight and out of mind. Every generation the American outlook on rights [and] freedom evolve...and a new way of thinking and a new way of seeing things [emerges]. For example, in 1980 activities on Sundays were illegal in small communities, but today Sundays are just as busy as any other day. Many people are for separation of church and state, while many are against it. The American Civil Liberties Union long supported the strict separation of church and state, but with church and state being separated to the extent it is today, arent we going against what our Founding Fathers had intended? Emily Moore, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee PERSONAL RESPONSIBIITY There were many essays giving advice and suggesting that Americans needed to take more personal responsibility : The life that we live could bewonderfulbut we tend to abuse the freedoms that our given to us. This is a choice that we our given, but its so hard to make the right decision when we are brought up to believe that the morally wrong things in life are right. Jason Waller, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas If people live in America then they have to pay taxes. When people are born and raised in America they should be obligated to support the

27

country by paying taxes [as] needed. On the governments side they should help some of the poor people pay taxes if they dont have enough money to pay them.People should also turn in their draft card when they turn eighteen.... It is stupid not to. There are too many fines and too much jail time [if one fails to do so]. It is only right for someone to go to war when their country calls [whether] they are against war or not. If someonebails on their country when they are picked in the lottery, [by going to Canada, for example,] then they should not be allowed back in. If they were allowed back in they should pay a fine for those that had to go [to war] instead of them. Many things are important to America. Technology is important, because it helps the country advance. Taxes are important to a country, because it helps the country get out of debt and helps the country with the military. When someone lives in the U.S., then they should celebrate the holidays or at least appreciate them. Many people take for granted what the United States [has to offer]. The country has a very good national security, and it also tries to find ways to make people healthier. Citizens can vote on almost everything. Billy Prickett, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Newspapers tell the citizens of our country daily what our government is doing. But the papers come from many different publishers and the stories in the papers are written by different authors, all of whom have different opinions and biases. This is just one of the freedoms we have that comes with a slight downside. The inquiry this leads us to is the question of who to trust. In some countries [citizens] are presented with one government-owned media that controls information. Without the guaranteed free press of our Constitution, the government could just feed us stories that speak ill of other countries and create an idol-like status of our own governmental figureheads. Our free press allows reporters to tell what they think the truth is, whether that is the truth or not. This leaves the information that is presented to us open to question, and I believe that it is our responsibility to ask those questions. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas It is our responsibility not only as Americans, but also as human beings to try to help others achieve the freedoms and rights we are not only guaranteed but also blessed with. So to be an American is to recognize the freedoms and abilities available to us because of the country we live in and make these rights known to others. Katie Brown, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

28

We need to get it through our heads that nobody owes us anything. We should also stop acting like we are the victims and take some action and do something about it. I dont mean take the law into our own hands, but if one sees someone doing something seriously wrong, they should tell someone about it. Call the cops. If somebodys life is in danger, then do what it takes. I know I would not be able to ever forgive myself if I didnt say something and later found out that somebody died as a result. Now that Ive defined what it means to be an American its time for Americans to actually go out and try it. I promise its not hard and it doesnt take much. I know I could do a better job. Writing this paper has helped me realize that I could also be a better American. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas As I grow into a [productive] member of society, my job is to educate others like I have been educated, to contribute to our upward economy and technological advances, and help others who are in need. This should be the job of our [entire] populace. This is what it means to be an American. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Eric, below, is proud and disciplined Military is important; that is why we still have a volunteer military. Im joining the Marines, but they arent for everyone. [However] I think that everyone should do basic training before they continue with their lives. Lots of people would disagree with me, but I [recommend] this mainly for the people that dont have any self-discipline. It would also give the feeling of self-accomplishment and let people know what it truly means to earn something. We try to set an example for the younger generations and it is their choice as to whether or not they are willing to follow. I dont cheat or steal and I earn everything in my life. It is harder, yes, and Im not as good as most people at doing things, but I do put forth the effort. Some people justskim by not caring what they do or how they affect others around them. Eric Schroeder ,McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas It may be that Ryan carries pride in being an American too far: Upon realizing our elite status, we must preserve the greatness of the nation. This can be accomplished in many ways, be it defeating international opponents in sporting events, waging wars, or providing aide to foreign lands. By defeating opponents in sporting events America sends the crystal clear message that we have dominated the other country

29

in more ways than one, that is both in competition and in economical and political power. One could argue that if another country has defeated us, than we have suffered some kind of blow to our status as elite. This, however, cannot be the case as we have not lost anything except an insignificant sporting event, our power politically remains as does out supreme economical status. for these reasons, sporting events can work only for the preservation of our country as a great power. A second way Americans preserve power is by waging and winning wars. Often countries will attempt to attack America as their country is inferior and primitive in comparison to America. However, by doing so they do nothing but further this reality as America will always lash back at them and preserve their status as supreme by defeating them in the potential war that they have aggravated. Many would argue that this viewpoint is destructive and ultimately lead to our demise. I would argue that these people are, themselves, not American and if this, in fact, does prove to be the case it is unforeseeable. As John Perry Barlow wrote, I may be going to hell in a bucket, babe, But at least I'm enjoying the ride. This is specifically applicable to these nay-sayers as even if this does prove to be self destructive, we are still kicking and ultimately dominating on the way down. By providing aide to foreign lands we let them know that we care. But by letting them know this, we also let them know that we are superior and they will be sucking from the proverbial teat of America until they are weaned to fend for themselves, further perpetuating our superiority by making them aware of their own short comings. Ryan Murphy ,Calvert Hall College High,, Towson, Maryland Speaking of short comings, here is a list compiled from the students essays:

AMERICAS SHORT COMINGS

It is good to have pride on behalf of our country but some students discovered that America is not always the best or the first: It took some time for women to get their rights in America. New Zealand actually started acknowledging womens rights before the U.S. did. In 1893 women in New Zealand were given the right to vote, and in 1902 women in Australia were given the right to vote. Most people think that America was the first country to acknowledge that women actually have a brain and gave them the right to vote, but they are wrong. It was not until 1848 that women in the United States started to protest for more

30

rights. And it was not until 1920 that women in the United States were given the right to vote. It was an even bigger battle for African Americans to have rights. In 1619 the first slaves were brought over from Africa into Virginia. It was not until 1863 that slaves were freed due to Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation. Even after African Americans were freed they still endured the fact that they had absolutely no rights. In the 1950s and 1960s when civil rights were starting to take place, and African Americans started to take up for themselves, they gained many new rights. Instead of segregated lunch counters and segregated bathrooms and schools, everything was...integrated. Now African Americans have many more rights. They can own property and vote. This did not come without many...struggles. Lesli Oatsvall, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee
CRIME

We are all the time hearing about what is going on in our country. The news feeds all kinds of negative information. People are being shot because they live on a certain street or because they look different; old men are taking advantage of innocent children. Is this really what our Founding Fathers intended for our countryall of this violence, and crude messages? Kendra C. Summers, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee What does it mean to be an American. It is something that I should know something about considering that I am one. But it is a disappointment to watch the news and see people my age and older misrepresent the whole of our country. We have people shoot one another because of the side of town they live in. Fifty year olds are raping children. It doesnt surprise me when people say that we are corrupt and have no morals, because I see every day that people dont respect themselves so how can they be expected to respect other people? Eric Schroeder ,McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas
DISREGARD FOR LAW

Over the years, our country has developed good and bad characteristics and I believe that today, as American citizens, we have some traits which we must work on.We must insure liberty and justice for all. Just because we leave our country does not mean that we can forget our laws. These

31

laws are more than just rules; they are American morals. For instance, take a look at the [recent] practice of transporting detainees out of the [United States boundaries] so that we may perform torture. This is wrong. By leaving [the U.S. Government officials figured] they will not have to follow [U.S. law]. As an American, this hurts me to see my fellow countrymen disrespecting what our Founding Fathers provided for us 200 years ago. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas
INTOLERANCE

If for one second we could look past the differences and see someone not as white, black, Jewish, Arabian, or Catholic but as a person, we could solve [one] problem that America has: intolerance. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas What does it mean when the [authors of the Declaration of Independence] agreed that all men are created equal?... All men are born with the same rights as everyone else, but just because everyone is created equal does not mean that everyone is treated equally. In modern times we look at homeless people and laugh at them because of the decisions that they have made. Instead we should realize that maybe it isnt their fault and [try] to help them. Jason Waller, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas
MULTICULTURALISM/TRANSNATIONALISM/HISPANIZATION

Harvard professor Samuel P. Huntington, agrees with an opinion of mine: America is suffering from a disorder caused by multiculturalism, transnationalism, and the Hispanization of America. [These tend to] dissolve the cultural glue that originally brought the people together (our creed, our ideals, our way of life) Some may point out that [this country] was originally a melting pot of many cultures and we came together to create [what has become American]. I recognize the idea of ONE culture made up of MANY cultures. However, America needs to be a TRUE melting pot where all of the ideas of each culture combine to make, to speak in food terms, a U.S.A. puree. Right now, with the intrusion of several nations pushing through our borders, we are becoming more of a chunky stew; none of the countries are meshing together to create a peaceful, homogeneous mixture. Cultures should bring their thoughts to America, share them with the rest of the population, and then adjust in accordance with American values and let the rest of the populace take in what they wish to of the newly introduced

32

immigrants culture. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

BANNING RELIGION FROM PUBLIC PLACES

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This is a very important sentence to the people of the United States of America. This explains that all men are created with equal rights under God our Father; that we have the right to live with freedom and pursue happiness throughout our lives. If this is what we are supposed to live by, then why is God being in the pledge of Allegiance so controversial and why is religion being taken out of schools when God brought us these rights and freedom? I remember when I was in first grade, I put a Bible in my book bag. My mother noticed the book that I was trying to bring with me to class; she stopped me and tried to explain why it was something that was [not appropriate] to take to school. At the time, I did not understand and still now as a 12th grader, I cannot see why it is banned from high schools. Our forefathers would be in shock if they saw how our country is being run and how [modern culture] is attempting to change the ideas immortalized in our American Constitution.
LACK OF GRATITUDE

It takes tragic events to wake Americans up and make them realize that they are lucky to be an American. It is sad to say, but it is the truth. We are so caught up in ourselves that we do not even realize that it could all be taken away in a second. Then were would we be? Out there just like many other countries wondering what we are going to do. It is horrible to see that it takes huge tragedies to bring us back down to Earth, and realize what we have. Our Founding Fathers wanted us to live a life of freedom, happiness, a life of not being afraid, and a life of equality. We to this day still enjoy the perks of all of these things, but we just take it for granted. Would the 18th century conservatives argument that government must be a native growth, must emerge from the spontaneous evolution of the nation itself; from the spirit of the people justify that we are still true Americans? I do not think that it does. We do not take pride in being an American like out fore fathers did. We boast about freedom and being an American, and we show it off. We do not value it, and definitely the spirit of the people of our country does not represent being an American very well. We are citizens of the United States of America, but you can

33

call all of the immigrants that live here in this nation more American than the natural born citizens. We have gotten away from what it truly means to be an American, and the sooner we get back to it the better off we will be because if we do not watch out it will be taken from us. Amber Ward, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee
LACK OF PRIDE

Sadly though, Americans have become unappreciative and take their freedoms and [reasons to be] proud to be Americans for granted. Emily Moore, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee
MEDIAS IMPROPRIETY

It also seems that the government is letting the media corrupt so many U.S. citizens. This should not be acceptable. Technology is something that has become more and more popular in the past decade and some people are greatly using it to their advantage; I think that this can have horrible outcomes. An American citizen decided to stand by the Golden Gate Bridge for an entire year to see how many people jumped off to commit suicide. There were 33 people that accomplished their mission to end life on this Earth, while only one survived. The documentary [was] viewed by the public. I just dont understand how someone that lives in United States of America could tape footage of people taking their own lives; how is this justified? I agree that the availability of advanced technology is very helpful in our nation, but the government should control more of what Americans are getting access to. Limiting what we see in the media will help prevent people from seeing horrible events like that, which will also disrupt the minds of our younger generations. Myca Burke,Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

It seems that Myca is not concerned that her recommendations above would amount to censorship and below could conceivably replace freedom and democracy with tyranny by an oligarchy or plutocracy.
STATE OF THE NATION

Our country is in chaos right now. Our terrorist threat, school shootings, and gas prices are at an all-time high. We have about 5,000-8,000 illegal immigrants coming into our nation every day; everything is getting out of control even though we have the same form of government we have always had.

34

The government needs to realize that most of the wrong-doingsby citizens is caused by the influence [of modern] civilization. There probably wouldnt be so much violence, hatred, and conflicts if [the government were] stricter. Society will become more modern infuture years, which will [make things worse]. If the government is not going to do anything about it, then we, the people, should make an effort to rescue this nation. I believe that loving my neighbour and watching out for my fellow citizens could make a big difference. Myca Burke,Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas
PREEMPTIVE RATHER THAN ISOLATIONIST

The Founding Fathers, however, thought that America would be best if we were more isolated and did not have any alliances with other countries which would keep us out of foreign wars. In todays world alliances has become close to impossible to avoid and with technology making communicating between countries a lot easier. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland In the end, however, it is fair to say that a majority of students were definitely proud to be Americans and determined to do their part to show their gratitude for the foresight of the Founding Fathers of this nation. The Declaration of Independence still plays a huge part in our lives, even [in] the 21st century. ...We may not mention it every day [but] the words that cried for independence swirl around each one of us as we live our daily lives in freedom. Our forefathers...fought for independence for what was once a small country... and has now swelled and obtained a stature of greatness. This is the country that [memorializes 1776] which made it what it is. This is the United States of America. Brandi Miller, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee America has become one of the most amazing nations because of its many rights, freedoms, religions, and equality. Slavery and poverty were once an issue, butthere has always been that one man or that one woman to stand up and speak his or her mind because our Constitution gave us the right to do so. America has come such a long way since the Declaration of Independence and will continue to grow as a nation. Emily Moore, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

35

A Selection of Essays

36

McPherson High School McPherson, Kansas

Teacher: Robin Long

Growth, Freedom, Spirit By Adam Wentling

12th grade
The statement; government must be a native growth, must emerge from the spontaneous evolution of the nation itself; from the spirit of the people captures, in one sentence what it means to be an American; what it means to be free. The first part of the quote government must be a native growth, says a lot about how the United States and its government came to be. Lets face it; [people do not like] taking orders from [a person] they do not know and [who] does not understand them. This is how the colonials felt about the King of England. In fact, they felt so strongly about it that they fought one of the most well-known and heroic revolutions in world history. Only a government designed and controlled by [its] peoplecan succeed. Like the Constitution says, by the people, for the people. The second part of the statement must emerge from the spontaneous evolution of the nation itself can be interpreted different ways. The first way it could be interpreted is; as a colony grows it must end up creating its own government system because a foreign power doesnt evolve at the same rate as the colony. It also can be interpreted another way; as a

37

country and its people evolve and become more technological, the government and policies must change with it. Luckily for the United States, the founding fathers of the United States knew that they would never be able to predict [our] advancements in technology. They knew that if they wrote strict guidelines for their time period it would never work in [the] future. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are broad enough to [adjust] to any time period. The founding fathers also would never have been able to predict terrorism, gay marriage, abortion and the Internet. The founding fathers knew times would change and the broadness of these documents was a necessity. The third part of the quote; from the spirit of the people[substantiates]the first point. The citizens need to feel as if they have a say in what laws get passed. In the early days of the United States this is how they felt. It is scary to think that nowadays it is cool to say one is an anarchist, apathetic and has hatred for the government. Today the normal citizen feels that he/she has almost no say in what happens. Citizens vote for politicians, not on issues, and politicians now days are not exactly admired individuals. Thomas Jefferson once said that for the Constitution and U.S. government to work, they need to be reworked and rewritten every twenty years. The spirit of early Americans seems unreal . Today it feels like the government does not care about the individual. It feels as if it is just there to taxcitizens and go to war. The real issues never get dealt with. America is definitely a caring and diverse nation based to the freedom of its people. No matter what disasters and controversies the United States goes through it will always flourish. Most citizens will step up in times of great peril. The USA is rich with history of overcoming odds and destroying evil. What does it mean to be an American? It means freedom. Adam Wentling, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas

38

McPherson High School McPherson, Kansas

Teacher: Robin Long

What Does it Mean to be American? By Richard Villanueva

12th grade

To be an American means many different things. When thinking about being an American I think of the people. The type of government is also important. For me, I also think of the ways to become an American citizen. While studying the history of America, I was moved by the preamble to the United States Constitution. We the people are the first words. Further into the preamble it speaks of securing the blessings of liberty. In the 1700s, liberty, or freedom, was important to the people. They wanted to begin new lives. In 1864, Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address and referred to the people when he spoke about his forefathers coming to this continent, conceived in the same liberty that was mentioned in the preamble, and how all men were created equal. Lincoln went on to state that the government could be, of the people, by the people, for the people of America. Being free from another countrys rule has been very important. For all people, from all nations, freedom is desired but not

39

always [attainable]. People in America have freedom to worship any religion they choose, or even have no religion. Freedom of religion was a primary reason for the early immigrants to come here. All people in Americahave freedom of speech, freedom to work, vote, live. With a U.S. passport, Americans can travel to almost anywhere in the world. Here in Kansas a person can drive from McPherson to Salina with no interference. In the Philippines, ones car may be stopped and searched when driving from one city to another on the same island. Every year the American government evolves, because every year the government has updated different rules regarding immigration. More and more people from around the world follow the words on the Statute of Liberty which say, Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. This is the land of opportunity. This [is the] land of the free. Three ways exist to become an American citizen. The first is naturalization. This is the conferring citizenship upon a person after birth. The second way to become an American citizen is called, jus soli, or right of birthplace. This means any child born in the United States automatically acquires U.S. citizenship, even if the childs mother was in the U.S. illegally. This provision does not apply to a child whose parent was a foreign diplomat at the time of birth. The third way to become an American citizen is, jus sanguinis, or right of blood. Even though a child is born outside the U.S., the child automatically acquires U.S. citizenship if at least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of the childs birth. Naturalization is the one that applies to me. Because I want to become a citizen, I can stay in the U.S. When a person has a green card, they are allowed to go back to, in my case, the Philippines, for a three-month visit. Then they may return to the United States. A green card is good for ten years before it needs to be renewed. When I become an American citizen, I will not have to renew it. Becoming a citizen and the government and American people are important to me. To be an American citizen means something different to everyone. Richard Villanueva, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas

40

Camden Central High School Camden, Tennessee

Teacher: Wanda Allen

Am I An American? By Jesse Clifft

11th Grade
I am an American. Well, at least I think I am. What exactly does it mean to be an American? I live on American soil, which is pretty American. I like to eat greasy bacon cheeseburgers from fast food restaurants. That sounds relatively American to me. I enjoy watching and playing (Insert American past time here). Thats definitely a check on the Am I an American List. I speak English in a Tennessee sort of way. Does all of that make me American? Yes, in a stereotypical way it does. But really though, I think what it is and what it means to be an American goes much deeper than what kind of food you eat at which fast food restaurants, much deeper than our favorite American past times. Maybe even speaking the main language of the land fluently is not so important anymore due to what Professor Samuel P. Huntington refers to as the Hispanization of America. The culture of America is incredibly diverse due to its unique history. It was already exciting and interesting before the first white

41

settlers arrived and has continued to expand and absorb bits and pieces of the cultures of the immigrants and settlers who have traveled here in search of a new and free life throughout our short time as a nation. It has been said that the rate of recent immigration, both illegal and legal of the Hispanic community is leading to a sort of identity crisis in America. There are questions of whether our culture or theirs is the more dominant, and whether or not we will end up as a multicultural society. I think that we must be a multicultural society already. If we arent, then I dont know what we are. Back to the point though, I think that neither of them will take over enough to completely push out the other. Of course, the Hispanic culturewill be more prominent in some areas just as Christianity is in the Bible Belt, as Italian culture is in Little Italy, or just as the Chinese culture is dominant in Chinatown. There will always be numerous religions, foods, forms of music, literature, and ideas that have been brought here from almost every nation to be found, even in the smallest of towns throughout America. The freedoms granted to us by our Constitution permit us to practice religions found here without fear of being persecuted for our beliefs. We can aspire to any profession or operate a small business. We can do just about anything within our physical limits insofar as we do not break any laws or jeopardize the safety and well-being of our fellow man. These rights along with the freedom of speech, the freedom of press, the right to bear arms, the freedom to petition, the freedom of assembly, and several more are ensured to us because of our American citizenship. These freedoms that characterize us as a country were brought about when we broke our colonial ties from Great Britain, then they were set in stone on July 4, 1776. What our forefathers gave to us, through the many desperate battles of that war, through their patriotism, and through their desire and dedication to preserve the ideals that are the basis of our culture and creed was something they called Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. These concepts were strengthened by the Civil war and the many amendments to The Constitution. I believe these words and the blend of cultures of the people who have come to America for these freedoms and ideals define what it is and what it means to be an American. Jesse Clifft, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

42

Camden Central High School Camden, Tennessee

Teacher: Wanda Allen

Freedom: How It Happened By Cassie Hassell

11th grade
It has been almost two hundred years since Thomas Jefferson wrote the inspiring words for the Declaration of Independence. They were approved and applauded by his co-signers of the Declaration and by men of good will everywhere. Many Americans didnt realize the significance of the words all men included in this document. No one can actually say for sure what our fathers were thinking when they included these words, but historians were able to look back at the backgrounds of the colonists involved in the making of the Declaration and conclude that the term men referred to those people who had similar European background. It did notinclude the [American] Indian, the African American [or women]. Many unhappy people immigrated to America in hopes of a better, freer life with more rights and freedoms. People journeyed from all over the world to make this great land their home. England established the Thirteen Colonies which became the start of [what is] today the United States. Many of these settlers came to escape religious persecution, and others to avoid going to [debtors] prison.

43

Most people thought that by coming to America they would be gaining freedom, but there was a group of people that had no choice.African Americans were forced[They were] purchased in their native Africa and taken to America on slave ships. African Americans were not all slaves in the seventeenth century. In early court records they were listed as indentured servants [as were many English, Irish and Europeans]. After working without pay for a certain number of years, some were given their freedom. As years went on and more Africans were brought to America, economic changes took place and slavery took hold in this free country. African Americans struggled for many years to gain the equal rights and freedom that they so rightly deserved. The Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791, and guaranteed the individual freedoms of all Americans. Even though we had been given these many basic rights it failed to fully cover the civil and human rights that belonged to the people. No exact standards were set for voting privileges and womens rights. For African Americans, these and other rights were ignored. Slavery remained and began to grow rapidly. Around the time of the Revolutionary War, the slaves rights to freedom began to be recognized. After the war had ended, many slaves were given the gift they had been hoping and praying for, their freedom. As time progressed more anti-slavery laws were passed After many years of struggle for equal rights, citizenship, and desegregation, the African American was given the freedom they had wanted. Now, in the 21st century, African Americas have the same rights as everyone else, and they are rarely discriminated against. Just look at how far theyve come since Thomas Jefferson first wrote the Declaration. Not only were African Americans discriminated against, but so were women. For a long time, women were not able to be hired at a workplace or given the right to vote. After much fight and protest, the women finally won. On August 26, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified by the states, adding womens voting rights to the Constitution. I agree with the eighteenth century conservatives argument that government must be a native growth, must emerge from the spontaneous evolution of the nation itself; from the spirit of the people. I believe that the government must change and evolve as the nation itself evolves. As new and different people with different ideas, morals, and

44

beliefs enter our [country] we are going to grow and change because of those people. What does it mean to be an American? America means capitalism, free market, democracy, and competition. I think it means that you are given the freedom to do many things. You have the freedom of speech, religion, and of choice. If you dont like something about the government, you have the right to say so. You can be different without being persecuted. You can worship however you want and not be punished. Over the years, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution have improved significantly. Even though the government has ensured liberty and justice for all, I believe it is up to each individual, as a citizen of this wonderful country, to look at each other as fellow Americans rather than judging each other by race, sex, religion, or morals. If everyone could do that then we would become more united and have a greater feeling of being an American citizens. Cassie Hassell, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

45

Camden Central High School Camden, Tennessee

Teacher: Wanda Allen

The American Spirit By Joshua Elliott

11th grade
Many people of the multitudes of other nations ask what it is like to be American. Why are we Americans so proud of who we are, of the nation we create together? They wonder also at the government with which we seem so hypocritical, scorning it within our own borders then shouting its praises from the rooftops of foreign countries. How do we actually feel about this ambiguous ruling body? The answer will differ from person to person, but there is one certainty. No matter the religion they practice, the language they speak, or of which race they are born, they are American and will never hesitate to point it out. One of the [attributes] of an American is that pride we carry always at the forefront of our actions. It is safe to say that America is one of the strongest superpowers in the world, but there is more to it than that. We enjoy one of the highest standards of living worldwide, as well as the greatest sense of security that any nation has ever experienced. We usually puff out our chests when we say that. Fortunately, we have good reason for an otherwise snobbish action. We have fought tooth and nail for the right to say we are a nation in battle after battle. First in the Revolutionary War and then again in the Civil War, we used every ounce

46

of strength we had to try and define a growing nation. Men and women bled and died for this definition. When the dust finally settled, we discovered who we are as a nation. More importantly, we had a sense of what we could do when threatened. From then on, we were prominent in the international scene and we were extremely confident of our actions. Our pride comes also from the seemingly endless diversity of people who stand together to say We are America. From the day we began this country, we were a country of various nationalities and cultures. As the country aged, more people from even more countries found their way onto our shores and into our hearts as fellow countrymen. Many of these people had to fight for their chance to claim their piece of the American pie. In a sense, many of them have even more reason to be proud of their American heritage than those of us whose ancestors were here in the beginning. Their struggles and hardships further enhance our countrys definition of itself. The amazing number of differences they brought, and continue to bring to incorporate into our nation is invaluable in shaping our identity. How do we as Americans feel about our government and what does it tell about being American? The opinions of our current government and its actions range from one end of the spectrum to the other. Its incredibly easy to find a person on the street who loves the government, then turn around and find another who hates it completely. The common grounds by which these people live under the same ruling body are often obscured by the very opinions these people proclaim. However, they exist nonetheless in the principles and thoughts that this government was originally based upon. Every American today holds dearly to the call of liberty and freedom. We adhere to them as we do nothing else in this world. From these mightiest of words sprout such ideas as government by consent and individual rights that, as Samuel P. Huntington says, create the American Creed. This is the greatest factor in defining Americans, the most powerful of all our countless traits. Where others may divide or individualize us, our beliefs that we control the ruling body that governs us and that we are all entitled to the same rights no matter who we are, unite us and create our American spirit. Being an American is more than your place of birth or where you live now. It goes beyond the language you speak or the color of your skin. It

47

outweighs the religion you practice or your opinions on the government today. Its the power in your heart to do what you feel is right, what you know is right. When we act as we should by the words of our forefathers, we are a nation and a people to be reckoned with. That, to me, is the true definition of an American. A real American will always stand up for his or her beliefs and rights. We will always offer a hand to those who wish to do the same, for they have a piece of that American spirit in them as well. Joshua Elliott, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

48

Camden Central High School Camden, Tennessee

Teacher: Wanda Allen

Immigration, Imperialism, and the Spread of Democracy

By Evan Gaskin
When we allow immigrants to enter our country legally, we are helping fellow members of our global society to better their lives, in most cases. If they follow common procedure and become a naturalized American citizen, then they become a legal part of the democratic way of life, and in turn spread the ideas of democracy to the ties they keep with people in their native country. It is easy to see that our Founding Fathers meant for this to happen because most of them were immigrants or the direct descendants of immigrants. However, I do not believe that our Founding Fathers thought that the numbers would escalate into the numbers that we witness today... When a nation is subjected to this high rate of immigration, its culture becomes extremely diversified. Then, in turn, the government has to become more diversified. This is accomplished through the election of officials from generation to generation, who are elected by the spirit of the people. However, we as Americans must come to realize that we have to look out for ourselves somewhat. I am talking about the

49

increasing number of illegal-immigrants in the U.S. Currently, two-thirds of all births in Los Angeles County Hospitals are to illegal-immigrant mothers. These mothers, that most likely do not have health insurance or any means to pay their doctor bills, have an excuse to stay in the U.S. , because they now have a son or daughter that is a natural born citizen of the U.S. Now the doctors, who will most likely not get paid for their services, will have to raise their prices to make up the difference, and that is when it affects our pockets. Those natural born citizens will attend schools in our public schools systems, where they will have to enroll in bilingual classes. When a student is enrolled in a bilingual class, this severely hurts them for chances at higher paying jobs in the future. This is because a student is not made to learn their new language fluently in order to succeed in school, but they will have to be fluent in English in order to get out of the sweatshop-type jobs that their parents hold. Not only do bilingual classes harm bilingual students, but they also harm the monolingual students. When a teacher has to stop teaching in order to explain something to a bilingual student, they are taking valuable time away from monolingual students to learn as much as possible. Now ask yourself, would you rather a teacher stop to explain something to a bilingual student, whose parent is here illegally, so they can learn more, or to a monolingual student whose parents are native-born citizens. In conclusion, to be an American one must love and/or respect our country and our government, and want to make life better for all the members of our global society. They must want to do this in a manner that will help mankind, but there is nothing wrong with looking after yourself a little. Evan Gaskin, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

50

Camden Central High School Camden, Tennessee

Teacher: Wanda Allen

A Nation of Superior Quality

By Brittney Watkins
America is a place that captivates millions. It causes many who are not citizens of our great country to yearn for something more, and many of those millions will ultimately attempt to become citizens. Many of those immigrants risk losing every material thing they have ever worked for in order to start a new life in our proud land. Some even risk their lives. Despite the challenges of arriving here, America still shines like a beacon of hope for all those questing for a better life, which brings forth a question. What is it about America that is so appealing? Perhaps our most sought after quality is our system of politics. We as Americans, citizens of a democratic society, are given more power within our government than almost any other people in the world. Citizens of America have the ability to elect nearly every political leader around them, from officials on lower levels, such as a mayor, to the highest power in our country, the president. In fact, when our system of government was established, our founding fathers had not only the citizens of their time period in mind, but also the citizens of future America, which leads to another redeeming quality of our wonderful land.

51

In times of hardship, Americans will stand strong and fight for their beliefs and freedoms. Centuries ago, when the founding fathers first declared independence from Britain, it most certainly wasnt easy, but despite all the hardships, they stood strong and fought for our freedom by writing the Declaration of Independence. In it, they demanded that all men be treated equally. Because of thatdocument, our founding fathers earned the freedom that we all enjoy today. Even now our will and determination to protect our rights as humans burns fiercely. This urge to defend freedom also expands around the world. Many times Americans will feel obligated to stand up for the freedom of other countries as well as their own. Unfortunately, this could possibly be the Achilles heel of the United States. In our quest to protect the rights of others, America is oftentimes thrust into situations such as the war in Iraq, that are rather difficult to retreat from. Though we go into these battles with the best intentions, sometimes our plans backfire and we inadvertently offend someone in some way. Still, when we do collect new enemies, our allies are there to help us, which is another good asset America possesses. Though we do have our enemies, the strength of our allies is a force to be feared. Through every war weve entered, weve remained dedicated and honor-bound to those who we know as friends, and so we shall remain. Its just the American code of honor. Not only is America well-known for dedication to others and freedom in every field, written, spoken, and everything in between, but it is also famous for equality. In our fine country race, religion, and gender are no longer a judge of character or worth, which is a miraculous feat in todays society. In fact, when comparing the United States to other countries, one will find that America shows much more fairness in the realm of equality. For example, women are treated more like possessions than humans in many other countries. They are not permitted to run for political offices and they are mostly at the mercy of their husbands decisions. In the United States, on the other hand, women are given just as much power as men. Not only can American women run for office, but they can also own property and disagree with the choices of the males in their lives. There is also a substantial tolerance to religion within the borders of America, whereas many other countries are opposed to their citizens praying to alternate deities.

52

Finally, America, because of its diversity of cultures, is most likely the most interesting country in the world. In our unique country, one can celebrate the Chinese New Year, the 4th of July, and Christmas (or Hanukah) all in the same year. The United States also caters to your every taste bud with a wide array of restaurants ranging from sushi bars to McDonalds. Ours is also one of the few countries that are taking a step closer to becoming a bilingual nation by offering instruction booklets, signs, and cable stations en espaol for the convenience of its people. Because of its unending flare for freedom and equality and its motley blend of cultures and traditions, America is probably the most sought after country, and because of the dedication our forefathers instilled in us, it may remain so forever. Brittney Watkins, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee

53

54

Required Reading

55

56

Crisis of American National Identity

Required Reading
The following article is copyrighted by the Claremont Institute for the Study of Statesmanship and Political Philosophy. You can locate the entire essay by doing a title search for The Crisis of American National Identity on their web site http://www.claremont.org/publications/crb/. It is presented here in abbreviated form for educational purposes only. Two books by Samuel P. Huntington are discussed in this essay: Who Are We? The Challenges to America's National Identity and American Politics: The Promise of Disharmony. Unless we know what about our national identity ought to command
admiration and love, we are left at our enemies' mercy. We pay them the supreme and undeserved compliment of letting them define us, even if indirectly. Unsure of our national identity, we are left uncertain of our national interests, too; now even the war brought on by 9/11 seems strangely indefinite. And so Samuel P. Huntington is correct in his recent book to ask Who Are We? and to investigate what he calls in the subtitle The Challenges to America's National Identity. What shape will our national identity be in when the present war is overor when it fades from consciousness, as arguably it has already begun to do?

57

Creed versus Culture In Huntington's view, America is undergoing an identity crisis, in which the long-term trend points squarely towards national disintegration. A University Professor at Harvard (the school's highest academic honor), he has written a dozen or so books including several that are rightly regarded as classics of modern social science. He is a scholar of political culture, especially of the interplay between ideas and institutions; but in this book he calls himself not only a scholar but a patriot (without any ironic quotation marks). That alone marks him as an extraordinary figure in today's academy. Though not inevitable, the disorder that he discerns is fueled by at least three developments in the culture. The first is multiculturalism, which saps and undermines serious efforts at civic education. The second is "transnationalism," which features self-proclaimed citizens of the worldleftist intellectuals like Martha Nussbaum and Amy Guttman, as well as the Davos set of multinational executives, NGOs, and global bureaucratswho affect a point of view that is above this nation or any nation. Third is what Huntington terms the "Hispanization of America," due to the dominance among recent immigrants of a single non-English language which threatens to turn America, in his words, into "a bilingual, bicultural society," not unlike Canada. This threat is worsened by the nearness of the lands from which these Spanish-speaking immigrants come, which reinforces their original nationality. Standing athwart these trends are the historic sources of American national identity, which Huntington describes as race, ethnicity, ideology, and culture. Race and ethnicity have, of course, largely been discarded in the past half century, a development he welcomes. By ideology he means the principles of the Declaration of Independence, namely, individual rights and government by consent, which he calls the American "creed" (a term popularized by Gunnar Myrdal). These principles are universal in the sense that they are meant to be, in Abraham Lincoln's words, "applicable to all men at all times." Culture is harder to define, but Huntington emphasizes language and religion, along with (a distant third) some inherited English notions of liberty. Who Are

58

We? is at bottom a defense of this culture, which he calls AngloProtestantism, as the dominant strain of national identity. Although he never eschews the creed, he regards it fundamentally as the offshoot of a particular cultural moment: "The Creedwas the product of the distinct Anglo-Protestant culture of the founding settlers of America in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries." Twenty-some years ago, he took virtually the opposite position, as James Ceaser noted in a perceptive review in The Weekly Standard. In American Politics: The Promise of Disharmony (1981), Huntington declared, "The political ideas of the American creed have been the basis of national identity." But the result, even according to his earlier analysis, was a very unstable identity. The inevitable gap between ideals and institutions doomed the country to anguished cycles of moral overheating ("creedal passion periods") and cooling. He wrote the earlier book as a kind of reflection on the politics of the 1960s and 1970s, noting how the excessive moralism of those times had given way to hypocrisy, complacency, and finally cynicism. In a way, then, the two books really are united in their concern about creedal over-reliance or disharmony. To bring coherence and stability to American national identity apparently requires a creed with two feet planted squarely on the ground of AngloProtestant culture. The creed alone is too weak to hold society together. As he argues in the new book, "America with only the creed as a basis for unity would soon evolve into a loose confederation of ethnic, racial, cultural and political groups." It is not excessive individualism he worries about; he fears rather that individuals, steering by the creed alone, would soon be attracted to balkanizing group-identities. Therefore, the creed must be subsumed under the culture, if creed and country both are to survive; indeed, "if they are to be worthy of survival, because much of what is most admirable about America" is in its culture, at its best. Anglo-Protestantism Huntington's argument provides a convenient starting point for thinking about the problem of American national identity, which touches

59

immigration, bilingual education, religion in the public square, civic education, foreign policy, and many other issues. While agreeing with much of what he says about the culture's importance, I want to speak up for the creed and for a third point of view, distinct from and encompassing both. Huntington outlines two sources of national identity, a set of universal principles that (he argues) cannot serve to define a particular society; and a culture that can, but that is under withering attack from within and without. His account of culture is peculiar, narrowly focused on the English language and Anglo-Protestant religious traits, among which he counts "Christianity; religious commitment;and dissenting Protestant values of individualism, the work ethic, and the belief that humans have the ability and the duty to try to create heaven on earth, a 'city on a hill.'" Leave aside the fact that John Winthrop hardly thought that he and his fellow Puritans were creating "heaven on earth." Is Huntington calling for the revival of all those regulations that sustained Winthrop's merely earthly city, including the strictures memorably detailed in The Scarlet Letter? Obviously not, but when fishing in the murky waters of AngloProtestant values, it is hard to tell what antediluvian monsters might emerge. If his object is to revive, or to call for the revival of, this culture, how will he distinguish its worthy from its unworthy parts? Huntington is on more solid ground when he impresses "English concepts of the rule of law, the responsibility of rulers, and the rights of individuals" into the service of our Anglo-Protestantism. Nonetheless, he is left awkwardly to face the fact that his beloved country began, almost with its first breath, by renouncing and abominating certain salient features of English politics and English Protestantism, including king, lords, commons, parliamentary supremacy, primogeniture and entail, and the established national church. There were, of course, significant cultural continuities: Americans continued to speak English, to drink tea (into which a little whiskey may have been poured), to hold jury trials before robed judges, to read (most of us) the King James Bible, and so forth. But there has to be something wrong with an analysis of our national culture that literally leaves out the word American. AngloProtestantismwhat's American about that, after all? The term would

60

seem to embrace many things that our countrymen have tried and given upor that have never been American at all, much less distinctively so. Huntington tries to get around this difficulty by admitting that the American creed has modified Anglo-Protestantism. But if that is so, how can the creed be derived from Anglo-Protestantism? When, where, how, and why does that crucial term "American" creep onto the stage and into our souls? He allows that "the sources of the creed include the Enlightenment ideas that became popular among some American elites in the mid-eighteenth century." But he suggests that these ideas did not change the prevailing culture so much as the culture changed them. In general, Huntington tries to reduce reason to an epiphenomenon of culture, whether of the Anglo-Protestant or Enlightenment variety. He doesn't seeor at any rate, he doesn't admit the implications of seeing that reason has, or can have, an integrity of its own, independent of culture. But Euclid, Shakespeare, or Bach, for example, though each had a cultural setting, was not simply produced by his culture, and the meaning of his works is certainly not dependent on it or limited to it. It is the same with the most thoughtful American Founders and with human equality, liberty, and the other great ideas of the American creed. The Cultural Approach Huntington's analysis is closer than he might like to admit to the form of traditionalist conservatism that emerged in Europe in opposition to the French Revolution. These conservatives, often inspired by Edmund Burke but going far beyond him, condemned reason or "rationalism" on the grounds that its universal principles destroyed the conditions of political health in particular societies. They held that political health consisted essentially in tending to a society's own traditions and idiosyncrasies, to its peculiar genius or culture. As opposed to the French Revolution's attempt to make or construct new governments as part of a worldwide civilization based on the rights of man, these conservatives argued that government must be a native growth, must emerge from the spontaneous evolution of the nation itself. Government was a part of the Volksgeist, "the spirit of the people." Politics, including morality, was in the decisive respect an outgrowth of culture.

61

But on these premises, how can one distinguish good from bad culture? What began as the rejection of rationalism quickly led to the embrace of irrationalism. Or to put it differently, the romance soon drained out of Romanticism once the nihilistic implications of its rejection of universals became clear. Huntington is right, of course, to criticize multiculturalism as destructive of civic unity. But he is wrong to think that AngloProtestant culture is the antidote, or even merely our antidote, to multiculturalism and transnationalism. Multiculturalism likes to assert that all cultures are created equal, and that America and the West have sinned a great sin by establishing white, Anglo-Saxon, Christian, heterosexual, patriarchal, capitalistwhat's next, hurricane-summoning?culture as predominant. The problem with this argument is that it is self-contradictory. For if all cultures are created equal, and if none is superior to any other, why not prefer one's own? Thus Huntington's preference for Anglo-Protestantismhe never establishes it as more than a patriot's preference, though as a scholar he tries to show what happens if we neglect itis to that extent perfectly consistent with the claims of the multiculturalists, the only difference being that he likes the dominant culture, indeed, wants to strengthen it, and they don't. Of course, despite their protestations, multiculturalists do not actually believe that all cultures are equally valid. With a clear conscience, they condemn and reject anti-multiculturalism, not to mention cultures that treat women, homosexuals, and the environment in ways that Western liberals cannot abide. Unless, perchance, such treatment is handed out by groups hostile to America; for Robert's Rules of Multicultural Order allow peremptory objections against, say, the Catholic Church, that are denied against such as the Taliban. Scratch a multiculturalist, then, and you find a liberal willing to condemn all the usual cultural suspects. Whether from the Right or the Left, the cultural approach to national identity runs into problems. To know whether a culture is good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, liberating or oppressive, one has to be able to look at it from outside or above the culture. Even to know when and where

62

one culture ends and another begins, and especially to know what is worth conserving and what is not within a particular culture, one must have a viewpoint that is not determined by it. For example, is the culture of slavery, or that of anti-slavery, the truer expression of Americanism? Both are parts of our tradition. One needs some "creed," it turns out, to make sense of culture. I mean creed, not merely in the sense of things believed (sidestepping whether they are true or not), but in the sense of moral principles or genuine moral-political knowledge. If that were impossible, if every point of view were merely relative to a culture, then you'd be caught in an infinite regress. No genuine knowledge, independent of cultural conditioning, would be possibleexcept, of course, for the very claim that there is no knowledge apart from the cultural, which claim has to be true across all cultures and times. But then genuine knowledge would be possible, after all, and culturalism would have refuted itself. Hard Sell One of the oddities of Huntington's argument is that the recourse to Anglo-Protestantism makes it, from the academic point of view, less objectionable, and from the political viewpoint, less persuasive. As a scholar, he figures that he cannot endorse the American creed or its principles of enlightened patriotism as true and good, because that would be committing a value judgment. So he embeds them in a culture and attempts to prove (and does prove, so far as social science allows) the culture's usefulness for liberty, prosperity, and national unity, should you happen to value any of those. The Anglo-Protestantism that he celebrates, please note, is not exactly English Protestantism (he wants to avoid the national church), but dissenting Protestantism, and not all of dissenting Protestantism but those parts, and they were substantial, that embraced religious liberty. In short, those parts most receptive to and shaped by the creed. As a political matter, Anglo-Protestantism is a hard sell, particularly to Catholics, Jews, Mexican-Americans, and many others who don't exactly see themselves in that picture. Huntington affirms, repeatedly, that his is "an argument for the importance of Anglo-Protestant culture, not for the

63

importance of Anglo-Protestant people." That is a very creedal, one might even say a very American, way of putting his case for culture, turning it into a set of principles and habits that can be adopted by willing immigrants of whatever nation or race. This downplays much of what is usually meant by culture, however, and it is not clear what he gains by it. If that is all there is to it, why not emphasize the creed or, more precisely, approach the culture through the creed? The answer, I think, is that Huntington regards the creed by itself as too indifferent to the English language and God. But there is no connection between adherence to the principles of the Declaration and a lukewarm embrace of English for all Americans. In fact, a country based on common principles would logically want a common language in which to express them. The multiculturalists, tellingly, attack English and the Declaration at the same time. As for God, there is no reason to accept the ACLU's godless version of the creed as the correct one. The Declaration mentions Him four times, for example, and from the Declaration to the Gettysburg Address to the Pledge of Allegiance (a creedal document if there ever was one), the creed has affirmed God's support for the rational political principles of this nation. Regime Change Yet it is precisely these principles that Huntington downplays, along with their distinctive viewpoint. This viewpoint, which goes beyond culture, is the political viewpoint. It is nobly represented by our own founders and its most impressive theoretical articulation is in Aristotle's Politics. For Aristotle, the highest theme of politics and of political science is founding. Founding means to give a country the law, institutions, offices, and precepts that chiefly make the country what it is, that distinguish it as a republic, aristocracy, monarchy, or so on. This authoritative arrangement of offices and institutions is what Aristotle calls "the regime," which establishes who rules the country and for what purposes. We hear much about "regime change" today but perhaps don't reflect enough about what the term implies. The regime is the fundamental fact of political life according to Aristotle. And because the character of the rulers shapes the character of the whole people, the regime largely imparts to the country its very way of life. In its most sweeping sense,

64

regime change thus augurs a fundamental rewiring not only of governmental but of social, economic, and even religious authority in a country. In liberal democracies, to be sure, politics has renounced much of its authority over religion, society, and the economy. But even this renunciation is a political act, a regime decision. Founding is regime change par excellence, the clearest manifestation of politics' ability to shape or rule culture. But even Aristotle admits that the regime only "chiefly" determines the character of a country, comparing it to a sculptor's ability to form a statue out of a block of marble. Much depends as well on the marble, its size, condition, provenance, and so forth. Although the sculptor wishes to impose a form (say, a bust of George Washington) on the marble, he is limited by the matter he has to work with and may have to adapt his plans accordingly. By the limitations or potentialities of the matter Aristotle implies much of what we mean by culture. That is, every founder must start from somethinga site, a set of natural resources, a population that already possesses certain customs, beliefs, family structure, economic skills, and maybe laws. Aristotle chooses to regard this "matter" or what we would call culture as the legacy, at least mostly, of past politics, of previous regimes and laws and customs. By in effect subordinating culture to politics, he emphasizes the capacity of men to shape their own destiny or to govern themselves by choosing (again) in politics. He emphasizes, in other words, that men are free, that they are not enslaved to the past or to their own culture. But he does not confuse this with an unqualified or limitless liberty to make ourselves into anything we want to be. We are just free enough to be able to take responsibility for the things in life we cannot choosethe geographical, economic, cultural, and other factors that condition our freedom but don't abolish it. Now it is from this viewpoint, the statesman's viewpoint, that we can see how creed and culture may be combined to shape a national identity and a common good. In fact, this can be illustrated from the American Founding itself. In the 1760s and early 1770s American citizens and statesmen tried out different arguments in criticism of the mother country's policies on taxation and land rights. Essentially, they appealed to one part of their political tradition to criticize another, invoking a

65

version of the "ancient constitution" (rendered consistent with Lockean natural rights) to criticize the new one of parliamentary supremacy, in effect appealing not only to Lord Coke against Locke, but to Locke against Locke. In the Declaration of Independence, the Americans appealed both to natural law and rights on the one hand, and to British constitutionalism on the other, but to the latter only insofar as it did not contradict the former. Thus the American creed emerged from within, but also against, the predominant culture. The Revolution justified itself ultimately by an appeal to human nature, not to culture, and in the name of human nature and the American people, the Revolutionaries set out to form an American Union with its own culture. This essay is adapted from a lecture presented at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., as part of the Lehrman Lectures on Restoring

America's National Identity

66

Answers To Questions Prompted By The Required Reading

67

68

Answers To Questions Prompted By The Required Reading and Certain Current Events

Q1- Explain, in your own words, the three developments in our culture that have contributed to the disorder Professor Huntington senses in the USA today.
Professor Huntington states that multiculturalism undermines efforts at civic education, which I took to mean that because there are more cultures in our society our students cannot learn as well because of these other students from different backgrounds. Instead of seeing it as enriching our education by making us more aware of the similarities and differences in our culture compared to others that we will eventually have to deal with, he sees it as draining our ability to learn about our own. This is something that I dont understand truly because, isnt our own culture itself based on multiculturalism, therefore making his point moot? The second development that he states is transnationalism, which is the loosening and opening of boundaries of communication between people of different countries. How can communication with and understanding of other countries be a bad thing for America. It seems to me that he is stating a policy of isolationism.

69

The third problem that he states is the Hispanization of America, or the fact that most of the immigrants in todays world who come here are of Hispanic origin and speak Spanish instead of English. He thinks that since we are now teaching our children Spanish, we are losing our American way of life and becoming more and more like Canada. Jessica Terry, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee The first is multiculturalism, which states that all cultures are essentially equal. The second is transnationalism, in which world leaders and bureaucrats warp our views of the nation. The third is the Hispanization of America, in which immigrants are turning America into a bilingual nation. Brittney Watkins, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee Multiculturalism, which is having many different cultures existing in the United States. Transnationalism, which are people who proclaim they are citizens of the world. Hispanization of America, which is the overall effect from Central Americans coming over the border and bringing in their cultures and Spanish language. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland They are multiculturalism, transnationalism, and the Hispanization of America. The first meaning that there are many cultures in American, the second meaning people are coming here from many nations, and the third meaning that America is in a sense, being invaded by the Hispanic race. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The first development he describes is multiculturalism. This, he says, undermines the efforts we have put forth for civic education. The second development is transnationalism. This includes self-proclaimed citizens of the world. The third development is the Hispanization of America. The professor says this threatens to turn America into a bilingual, bicultural society like Canada. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Professor Huntington talks about multiculturalism, which is the diversity of our country coming together to form one. He also mentions transnationalism where people believe they belong to the world itself but not any individual country. Last Professor Huntington mentions Hispanization, which addresses the rising Hispanic culture and society in America. Katie Brown, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

70

The first of these three developments is defined as multiculturism. The United States, as we all know is a very culturally diverse country, because of this we have been raised having to learn other cultures traditions and have since somewhat forgot about our own. With the effects of modernization, trans-nationalism has become a growing issue. It was created by world travel; trade of goods and in a sense made the world a smaller place. This is possible because of the internet, telecommunications, immigration and most importantly globalization. With immigration becoming a national issue in our government Hispanization of America is a topic that can no longer be ignored. In high school we are pushed to learn Spanish as a foreign language. People that speak Spanish as well as they do English are making more money with each passing year. Hispanics that think translating the National Anthem of The United States of America to Spanish is okay; in my opinion have some serious issues. This country was founded in a time when blacks only counted as three fifths of a person and now Hispanics are not only taking over our country but bringing their language with it. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The first development in our culture that contributed to the disorder Professor Huntington senses in the USA today is multiculturalism. This belief ensures that all citizens can keep their identities, can take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of belonging which could lead to many different cultures in the United States. The second is transnationalism. This concept contributes to the flow of people, goods and ideas between regions. This could lead to more cultural mixing. The last development Huntington discusses is Hispanization of America. I agree that if immigrants keep coming to America we will become a bilingual society, which would change what an American is altogether. Cassie Hassell, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee The first disorder that Professor Huntington senses in the U.S. is multiculturalism, which is defined as a philosophy advocating that society should consist of diverse cultural groups of equal status. Multiculturalism contrasts with monoculturalism, which is a descriptive term for pre-existing homogeneity. The second ailment is transnationalism, which is focused on the interconnectivity between humans all over the world, and the loosening of boundaries between countries. Transnational life styles could be the foundation to a multiethnic world government. The last theory that Professor Huntington speaks of is Hispanization of America, which means the recent spread of non-English immigrants impair America. Spanish-speaking

71

immigrants reinforce their nationality of their foreign country, and make America into a bilingual, bicultural society, which brings down American culture. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas One problem is Americas lack of multiculturalism. Our youth are taught very little or not enough about other cultures in the world. Secondly, Huntington explains trans-nationalism. This is defined as heightened interconnectivity between people all around the world and the loosening of boundaries between countries. Last, he brings up the idea of Hispanization of America. This is a proposal that Americas historical culture is threatened by all of the Spanish-speaking immigrants. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas One of the problems in our society today is the lack of multiculturalism. The school aged people are taught little, if any, information about the other cultures in the world. Another potential downfall of our society is transnationalism, which is a connection between countries and peoples of the world. Last, Professor Huntington states that Hispanization of America is threatening to modify our country into a bilingual entity. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The first development is multiculturalism, which weakens significant struggles with public instruction. Transnationalism is the second development. It features sanctimonious residents of humankind (Liberal rationalists) who influence a point of view that reaches beyond this or any other country. Finally, Huntington describes a condition known as Hispanization of America. This refers to the ascendancy among recent immigrants of a single non-English language which will likely to turn America into a bilingual, bicultural society. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The three developments in our culture that have contributed to the USA today are multiculturalism, transnationalism, and the Hispanization of America. Multiculturalism began as an official policy in Englishspeaking countries and challenges students in public schools who make a huge attempt to succeed. Also, it is an ideology advocating that society should allow distinct cultural groups with equal status. The second development, transnationalism, is focused on the connections among people all around the world and the splitting of boundaries between countries. It has been greatly affected by the internet, telecom-

72

munications, immigration and most importantly, globalization. The Hispanization of America is due to the power of non-English settlers which intimidates to twist America into a bicultural society. How close the lands are makes this matter worse because of the original immigrants who have came from them. Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Q2- Define and discuss the American creed, the ideology that Professor Huntington cites as one of the historic sources of our national identity. The American creed that Huntington refers to consists of the principles laid out by our Declaration of Independence and the individual rights instated by our government. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The American creed that he refers to is the Declaration of Independence and its idea of individual rights and government by consent. In other words, the idea of individual and natural rights that Thomas Jefferson borrowed from John Locke. These rights are stated in the Declaration of Independence as the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I imagine that this is what Professor Huntington meant by the American creed as this is what most Americans live and die by. Jessica Terry, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee By ideology he means the principles of the declaration of independence, namely, individual rights and government by consent, which he calls the American Creed. Patrick Selzer, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Professor Huntington describes creed as a persons individual rights and government by consent. The Creed to me seems like a building block for America; everyone must have a creed or else the government could not survive. Lesli Oatsvall, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee The Creedwas the product of the distinct Anglo-Protestant culture of the founding settlers of America in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It states in the Declaration of Independence that government by consent and individual rights are part of the American Creed. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

73

The American creed is defined by the principles of the Declaration of Independence, individual rights and government by consent. Even though these principles should be practiced universally, we, as Americans, are given more rights and freedoms in our American creed than others. Because of this, our creed is part of our cultural identity. Cassie Hassell, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee The American creed is the official creed of the United States of America. It was written in 1917 by William Tyler Page as an entry to a patriotic contest, the following year it was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives. Like the pledge of allegiance, the creed is reflected on nationalism. Nationalism is the thought that holds that a nation is the primary unit for human social life, and takes superiority over any other social and political principals. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Huntington defines the American creed as principles that are universal to all of the country. These rights, or principals, are written in the Declaration of Independence where they are called our unalienable rights. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The American creed is the individual rights and liberties outlined in the Declaration of Independence and that are established by the American Government. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas In Huntingtons book American Politics:The Promise of Disharmony he stated, The political ideas of the American creed have been the basis of national identity. He believed that, although creed has been the foundation for our identity, we had a very weak identity because of the divide between our ideals and institutions. These two issues caused periods of ethical prosperity, or creed passion periods, and ethical decline. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Huntington describes the historic sources of our national identity as ethnicity, ideology, and culture. The Declaration of Independence is what he means by ideologies, which are individual rights and government by consent. This is what he calls American creed. "The Creedwas the product of the distinct Anglo-Protestant culture of the founding settlers

74

of America in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries." Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The American creed is the ideology that builds the countries beliefs and [determines] how it runs. Some of these ideologies are shown in the Declaration of Independence and in our Constitution. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland The American creed, in which Huntington is speaking, is the principles of the Declaration of Independence. More specifically, he is talking about the individual rights and government by consent, which is supposed to be applicable to all men at all times. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas

Q3- Explain the difference between culture and creed, according to the Professor.
The Professor thinks that the creed is applicable to all men at all times, while culture depends on what region one is from and what language he speaks. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Culture is what defines us as Americans. The definition of this has greatly changed since our forefathers founded this country because of modernization and immigration. Our creed comes from our cultures and ideologies based on the Declaration of Independence. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The creed is the rights of Americans such as government by consent whereas culture is the general aspects of a persons life such as ethnicity, color, religion, and principle beliefs or morals. Katie Brown, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee The primary difference between culture and creed is that culture will change with a growing nation. Creed, which is the set of ideals a country is founded on, can never fully change or alter itself. A society will have the same beliefs even if its culture changes. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

75

The music, artwork, and religion are also a big part of many peoples culture. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Huntington elucidated in his writings that the dissimilarity between culture and creed is that culture revolutionizes throughout the centuries depending on the advances in technology and the alterations in society. The culture in the present day is completely unlike from the culture our forefathers knew, but the dogma is unchanged. Creed is different from culture in that it is constant; credo never adjusts or alters with time. The creed today is the same as the doctrine known to the Founding Fathers when they compose the Declaration of Independence. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas By the use of the term American Creed, the professor is talking about the main beliefs of the Declaration of Independence. To be exact, individual rights and government by consent are the main ideas of beliefs. Abraham Lincoln once said. Applicable to men at all times, meaning that this philosophy is very widespread and that it is meant to be. On the other hand, culture focuses on religion, language, and also some older English ideas of freedom but is too feeble to keep humanity as one. Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas According to Professor Huntington creed is applicable to all men at all times, while culture is more difficult to define. It depends on what region one is from and what language he speaks. Jason Waller, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas He explains that creed is built off of the culture of the country and that creed stands nothing without support from culture. Culture is better defined by ethnicity, language, and religion while Creed is based on beliefs and ideas. The Professor argues that those beliefs mean nothing if they do not have the support of the culture of the nation. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland

Q4- Professor Huntington thinks culture is more important than creed. Do you? Explain.

76

I disagree with Professor Huntington. I dont think people should cling so strongly to cultural identity. I feel that culture is the reason racial discrimination exists in the world and that people could peacefully unify more easily if individual rights were put first. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Keep your culture, don't be afraid of the vulture, said Bob Marley, and one can clearly see why. In order to be an individual, one must preserve their heritage and culture. If everyone was defined by a creed than everyone would be the same. On this topic I will agree with Huntington. Ryan Murphy ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland I feel that creed is more important than culture. The beliefs by which we govern ourselves and the actions they invoke should mean more than the language with which we promote them or religion backs them. Joshua Elliott, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee To be an American, I do not think that your primary language has to be English or your religion has to be Protestant Christianity. I do, however, think that you have to believe in natural and individual rights or you will never be a true American. Religion doesnt matter. That was made sure of in the Constitution when it guaranteed us the right to religious freedom. I believe that you should be able to speak English eventually in order to survive in our society, but it does not have to be your primary language. The one thing that all Americans have in common is the belief in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Jessica Terry, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee I dont necessarily agree with Professor Huntington. I agree that culture is important to life, but I think that creed is much more important. Your creed is what you stand for and what you believe in. I think thats the most important thing an American should have. If each American went by creed then Americans would have much higher morals, values, and compassion for others. Cassie Hassell, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee I would agree with the Professor because our culture is what actually defines us. Without our individual cultures we would still be part of Great Britain instead of being the great United States of America. Our creed like I said before is partly based on our ideologies which have

77

become somewhat corrupt through the years. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Yes culture is important because it defines who we are as a country. Yet we wouldnt be who we are today if it wasnt for creed and culture both working together. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas The first is multiculturalism, which states that all cultures are essentially equal. The second is transnationalism, in which world leaders and bureaucrats warp our views of the nation. The third is the Hispanization of America, in which immigrants are turning America into a bilingual nation. Brittney Watkins, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee No. We follow our lives around what the creed is about. Eric Schroeder ,McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Culture is something very personal and dependent on ones upbringing while creed is more universal and depersonalized. Ryan Murphy ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland Yes, I agree that culture is more important because culture is what we live with and creed is what we live by. Culture is transmitted through generations, as humans we are used to having the customs and beliefs we started our lives with. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I believe it is, yes. Sure, everyone has their individual rights, but everyone needs their culture or a background to lean onto. A culture is sort of a crutch. An example is how people pray when they are upset; religion is a type of culture. Lesli Oatsvall, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee I believe that culture is more important than creed. Culture is what brought about the American creed. First, we had to have culture to create the principles we live by everyday in our country. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I am adamant on the fact that culture is more important than creed. Even if the people of a certain country lacked certain rights, there would

78

still be culture among them. Culture gives life to a group; without culture, there would be no given rights. Culture is the very essence of society today. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I disagree with Professor Huntingtons philosophy that culture is more valuable than creed. Creed is the foundation of all progressions in the government and in the humanity of a country. Culture comes and goes with time, but creed will never falter. It will be a stronghold, a sanctuary, a safe haven when the culture has vanished. The dogma on which we rely will in no way expire or fail on us, no matter how the culture may transform. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I believe culture is more important than creed, along with Professor Huntington. Reasons why I choose culture over creed is because it has been considered to be the way of live for an entire society. It includes etiquette, the way one may dress, verbal communication, faith, rituals, and other various types of behavior or systems of belief. Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I feel differently from what Professor Huntington thinks. Culture is important and people should not lose sight of that but the fact that culture is such a big deal is the reason we still face racial discrimination. If culture was not held so strongly then the world might be a more peaceful place. Martin Vander Linden, Burlington High, Burlington, Kansas I believe that culture is more important than creed because our culture is who we are and where we came from and creed alone could not hold humanity together. According to Huntington, America with only the creed as a basis for unity would soon evolve into a loose confederation of ethnic, racial, cultural and political groups. Myca Burke,Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas To individuals, culture means more because it is what they live by and who they are that they show pride in. I think that as a nation, the ideals and beliefs that the nation runs by is more important because it is what defines the nation across the world and it is what the people live by. Our laws and our Constitution are built [from] the beliefs of our founding fathers and are what [Americans have] lived by for over two centuries. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland

79

Q5- Discuss founding as expressed by Aristotles Politics.

Founding is like the internal workings of a country. It is the offices, departments, policies and regulations that set a country apart from all the rest. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas You give it unique features such as law, institutions, culture, etc. In addition to giving the newly made country all these features, you would also have to decide who rules this country and what the purposes are. This is all part of the founding expressed by Aristotles Politics. Cassie Hassell, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Founding, according to Aristotle is giving a country law. It is clearest manifestation of politics' ability to shape or rule culture. It goes beyond culture and is often the political viewpoint. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Aristotle emphasizes that one of our freedoms is our ability to choose our countrys future based on the men we choose to run it. We elect our government and have the choice to make it diverse to include all aspects of our country. We choose the founding of our country. Katie Brown, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Founding is what makes a country tick, the inner workings and especially those that are specific to one nation. Ryan Murphy ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland Aristotle defines politics as giving a country the law, institutions, offices, and precepts that make the country what it is. To build a nation and distinguish it as a republic, aristocracy or monarchy, which yields to politics. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Aristotle states that founding only chiefly determines the character of a country. Basically, the government does not completely represent the country, rather it is the people who should be the representatives. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas According to Aristotle, founding is regime change par excellence. It is the clearest manifestation of politics ability to shape or rule

80

culture. Aristotle also points out that the regime only mainly determines the character of a country, just like sculptors are able to form a statue of grandeur and beauty out of a plain block of marble. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Our current military terms of engagement state that it is cruel to attack those who are in mourning. I believe that it may not be favorable to us, but that taking the honorable approach in the matter will convince the rest of the world to have more respect for America. Brittney Watkins, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee Aristotles Politics defined founding as regime change par excellence, the most comprehensible expression of politics capability to control culture. However, Aristotle himself acknowledges that the establishment only chiefly influences the disposition of a nation. There are limitations to what government can do and change because of the binding ideals of the citizens that must be considered when instituting modifications. Aristotle says that it is like a sculptor trying to create a masterpiece. Even when generating an idea, he, the artist, must consider the material he is given to work with and how well his product will work with his means to create. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Founding means to provide a nation with the set of laws and other guidelines that primarily form the country, and that also sets it apart from others. Aristotle believes that every founder should start from something, whether it is natural resources, certain beliefs, of laws. Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Founding in Aristotles point of view is this: to give a country the law, institution offices, and precepts that chiefly make this country what it is as a republic, aristocracy, monarchy or so on. To me this would mean giving the country anything it needs to be great, whether you want it to be good at war or you want it to be great at peace. Lesli Oatsvall, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Founding means to give a country the law, institutions, offices, and rules that for the most part make the country what it is, that distinguish it as a republic, aristocracy, monarchy or so on. Jason Waller, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Aristotle views founding as the establishment of officials and laws

81

within a country that creates its form of government. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland

Q6- Complete the sentence attributed to Aristotles thinking: We are just free enough to____________________. (Fill in the blank.)
We are just free enough to accept the factors that limit our freedom and hold ourselves responsible for them. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Aristotles thinking: We are just free enough to be able to take responsibility for the things in life we cannot choosethe geographical, economic cultural, and other factors that condition our freedom but dont abolish it. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Take responsibility for the things in life we cannot choosethe geographical, economic, cultural, and other factors the condition our freedom but dont abolish it. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Aristotle stated, We are just free enough to be able to take responsibility for the things in life we cannot choose the geographical, economic, cultural, and other factors that condition our freedom but dont abolish it. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

Q7- Which took precedence in the founding of America; natural law and rights or the British Constitution?
In the founding of America, natural law and rights took precedence. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Even though both natural law and rights and the British Constitution took part in founding America, I think that natural law and rights had precedence. The natural law and rights give us the right to defend ourselves, judge right from wrong, make moral judgments, etc. These laws and rights are what made America. Cassie Hassell, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee

82

Natural law and rights came first in the founding of America. Our founding fathers were trying to get away from British law and only used certain laws and concepts from the British Constitution. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Natural law took precedence, although both were used in the founding of America. Our founding fathers used natural rights and the British Constitution, but the British laws could not impose on the peoples natural rights. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I would say that natural law and rights took precedence. In founding our country it was all about us. We wanted to start out own country designed for us and our laws and rights to have precedence over the British Constitution. Lesli Oatsvall, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee These conservatives, inspired by Edmund Burke but going far beyond him, condemned reason or rationalism on the grounds that its universal principles destroyed the conditions of political health in particular societies. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Creed and culture merged to form the nation we call America today. When founding this country, the Founding Fathers used the criticism of the mother country (Great Britain) and its direction towards parliamentary supremacy. Our nations creators wanted to restore the ancient constitution that was more consistent of John Lockes ideas of natural rights. Natural law and the British Constitution both went into the conception of the Declaration of Independence, but the latter only when it would not contradict the former. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Natural law because the Americans gained freedom from Great Britain and they would keep some of the British Constitution out since that is what they were fighting against. As for natural law, it focuses on the freedom of the individual and the individuals equality with each other. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland

Q8- What was the reason for the traditional conservatives opposition to the rationalism that fueled the French

83

Revolution?
They felt that the government must be started from the roots of the nation and focus on what was important to the people of the region. The rationalism behind the French Revolution was trying to create a country based on the globally applicable rights of man. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The traditional conservatives believe that the universal grounds of rationalismists universal principles destroy the conditions of political health in particular societies. Opposing the French Revolutionists who attempt to make or construct new governments as part of a worldwide civilization. They argue that government must be a native growth and must emerge from the nation itself as a whole. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The traditional conservatives felt that government was something personal to a nation, not a universal creed as exhibited by the French. Ryan Murphy ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland The French Revolution was looked down upon by traditional conservatives because its ideas destroyed the political soundness of the government. They felt that the country needed to grow with the government from inside itself instead of spontaneous political uprising. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The conservatives condemned the rationalism because they said its universal principles destroyed the conditions of political health in particular societies. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Traditional conservatives said that they opposed the rationalism that stimulated the French Revolution because its general principals obliterated the state of political wellbeing in French culture. They held that political health consisted fundamentally in nurturing a societys own practices and eccentricities, to its distinct identity or culture. Government must be, according to traditional conservatives, a native growth and must emerge from the spontaneous evolution of the nation itself. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The governing people felt that they must start from the roots of a nation and focus on what is important to the people of that region. The

84

rationalism behind the French Revolution was the government trying to start a country on the globally applicable rights of man. Martin Vander Linden, Burlington High, Burlington, Kansas The reason for this opposition was Romanticism. They believed that the country could grow from its natural native growth and the evolution of the nation itself. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas They opposed rationalism on the grounds that its universal principles destroyed societys own traditions and culture. They thought that the government must be a native growth. Cassie Hassell, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

Q9-American Intelligence efforts uncovered a group of Taliban leaders attending a funeral. By current military terms of engagement no action could be taken against these sitting duck enemies. Why? Is this, in your opinion, a good or bad outcome? Defend your position.
I think that this is probably a good policy because if we as a nation started attacking people in civilian environments then this would only encourage the Taliban militants to do the same. This encouragement would only make things worse for our military and citizens throughout the earth. This was a good outcome because if our troops had taken action, innocent civilians could have been hurt. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Granted we are at war but I believe this says a lot about our country that we can still respect peoples rights such as attending a funeral. This rule was instated based on human nature and rights not just for American citizens. Katie Brown, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Our current military terms of engagement state that it is cruel to attack those who are in mourning. I believe that it may not be favorable to us, but that taking the honorable approach in the matter will convince the rest of the world to have more respect for America. Brittney Watkins, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee

85

I think this was a very good outcome. They were vulnerable in a nonmilitary, personal situation and were in no way a military threat. We as a nation should not lower ourselves or our morals in order to find victory. A dishonorable victory is not a victory at all. Joshua Elliott, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Although it is extremely hard to believe, members of the Taliban are human beings just like the rest of us. That is why it is understandable that their peers not be shot down while paying their respects to the deceased. Yet, these terrorist are being let go when they could have easily being taken out. What if tomorrow those same terrorist that our military neglected to take care of carry out an attack on our country like September 11? They have no respect for The United States or all the innocent people that live here. Why should we respect them? We already in a full on war with the Taliban and they should be finished off before they can do any more damage to this country or the world. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Action could not be taken against the Taliban leaders because a funeral is neutral ground and grounds for a cease fire according to the military terms of engagement in respect of the deceased. Though I do not like the fact that we could not act against these enemies of state, I do like the fact that our people honor the terms and rules of engagement laid down to preserve both our honor and the moral of our people. Jessica Terry, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee They couldnt attack because it was a funeral and there were plenty of innocent people attending that funeral. Whether it was a good or bad outcome depends on whether they found them afterwards. If it was me, I would have tracked them then attacked. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas In my own opinion, I think the military took proper actions to be respectful. Our military would like to be considered a group that shows respect for people mourning the loss of human life. This sometimes means they allow a bad situation to pass by in order to have a good outcome. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas As Americans we have morals that were laid out to us by our Founding Fathers. We were based on Christianity and by that we would never interrupt a ceremony in honor of the dead. I think it is good and bad in

86

different ways- good because it says a lot about our country in not disturbing something like that. However it is bad because they could get away and they dont care and if it were turned around the Taliban would attack the funeral. Kendra C. Summers, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee Our military follows some rules of engagement which prohibit us from attacking worshipers of a religion, funeral attendees, and things such as mosques. I believe this is a good outcome. It shows that Americans have morals. It shows that though we have this enemy, we still respect their culture and creed. I think that this illustrates us as a high and mighty country to accept other peoples customs. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas The United States has certain rules for combat; among these rules is the one that says you may not attack an enemy if he/she is attending a funeral. This is a good outcome, because the person is present at a solemn celebration; the closing of a lifetime for a close relative or friend. It would be immoral to attack the person and interrupt the funeral. The family of the deceased would be upset that they could not even give their loved one a decent funeral. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas It makes me very proud to be an American. Knowing that we have strict and clear rules on how to treat Prisoners of War and knowing that they are not being horribly tortured like in other countries. Even knowing that the Taliban and Al Queda members would torture any prisoner we still know what is humane and how to treat people no matter who they are.Kendra C. Summers, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee We were unable to show aggression towards these sitting duck enemies because, by terms of engagement in almost any civilized society, it would be cruel and barbaric to attack mourners while they are paying their respects to the dead. Americans by and large are a decent people, and we expect our military to behave in a refined manner even if there is a cost. Sometimes we must take the high road to set a virtuous example to the rest of the human race. If we believe the Taliban to be savages with no respect for human life, how can we allow ourselves to be lowered to their level? Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

87

This conduct makes me proud to be an American, because it shows that we are not willing to torture another human, even if they are our prisoners. It shows that we are compassionate and want to work things out in a torture-free way. Elizabeth Beasley, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee No action could be taken against these sitting duck enemies because you are not allowed to fire a weapon at a funeral, meaning you couldnt shoot them there. Yes it is a good outcome because it could have become a bad deal. Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas They could attend a funeral if they want. Everyone has a life, whether they are a good or bad person, and they had a right to attend that funeral. Brandi Miller, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee This policy is good because if as a nation we started bombarding people, then it would look as if we were pursuing terrorist acts, which would justify their attacks against the U.S in their eyes. Jason Waller, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas This is a policy that is good because they are in an area of innocent people and by attacking them, would be heartless. If we started attacking people when they are in a mourning state would encourage them to do the same. Everyone should be entitled to a public funeral without having to worry about being attacked. Martin Vander Linden, Burlington High, Burlington, Kansas Although it is extremely hard to believe, members of the Taliban are human beings just like the rest of us. That is why it is understandable that their peers not be shot down while paying their respects to the deceased. Yet, these terrorists are being let go when they could have easily being taken out. What if tomorrow those same terrorists that our military neglected to take care and carry out an attack on our country like September 11? They have no respect for the United States or all the innocent people that live here. Why should we respect them? We already in a full on war with the Taliban and they should be finished off before they can do any more damage to this country. Myca Burke,Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

88

They could not take action against these leaders because they were in a site of religious significance. Our military laws forbid attacks upon things that are of religious importance which I think should not be in effect at a time of war. If we can capture these leaders it would lead us to gaining more information on the Taliban and a funeral should not be able to get in the way. I agree that the military should not be able to desecrate churches or mosques but capturing someone at a funeral is completely different. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland Not attacking the sitting ducks is the American thing to do, if we did then we would be on the same level as the Taliban attacking innocent American, and we are distinctly above that. Ryan Murphy ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland I think that that is a great, great moral outcome. It would be wrong on several levels to bust in [on] a funeral and take people from it by force when they and the people around them are mourning for the death of a loved family member or friend. I just think that there would be a better way to take them out if necessary later, outside of such a touchy environment. Jesse Clifft, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

Q10- The Geneva Convention requires signatories, (the USA is one of a multitude of signatories) to enact their own laws in keeping with the ban against torture. Currently U.S. law prohibits conduct denigrating the dignity and rights of foreign prisoners that is so narrowly defined as to be codling in the opinion of many Americans. The military acknowledges that this conduct would not be reciprocated by Al Qaeda and Taliban terrorists. Does this military code of conduct make you proud to be an American? Why or why not. If not, what should be done to correct the situation?
The Geneva Convention requires signatories, (the USA is one of a multitude of signatories) to enact their laws keeping with the ban against torture. Currently U.S. law prohibits conduct denigrating the dignity and rights of foreign prisoners that is so narrowly defined as to be codling in the opinion of many Americans. The military acknowledges that this

89

conduct would not be reciprocated by Al Queda and Taliban terrorists. Does this military code of conduct make you proud to be an American? Why or why not. If not, what should be done to correct the situation? This makes me proud to be an American because we are good enough people to set an example for other countries to follow, in order to treat prisoners of war as actual human beings. Evan Gaskin, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee I am proud of our country for being part of a treaty such as the Geneva Conventions; however I believe that it is our responsibility as a nation to look out for our best interests. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I am proud to be a part of any country that treats their wartime prisoners with kindness. When you treat an with kindness or respect, whether they do or not, you show that you are stronger in character than your enemy. Joshua Elliott, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee I believe that any terrorists that are attacking our country should be punished to the fullest, disregarding their dignity and rights. If someone could do something so terrible, they should have to pay the price. Cassie Hassell, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee Yes, this military code of conduct does in fact make me proud to be an American. It means that we have the honor and pride in ourselves to hold ourselves to our commitments and means that our word is good in everything else as well. It proves to other countries that our word is good. This means that they will be more comfortable in their treaties with us. Jessica Terry, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee This does make me proud to be an American. It is this train of thought that preserves America as the greatest nation on earth. Ryan Murphy ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland I will always be proud to be an American but I do think at times that our military may stretch The Geneva Conventions too far. It is hard to say one way or the other because of how the military tries to keep scandals like Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay a secret. I also feel that there is proof of the Abu Graib prison scandal and those who took part in the degrading acts to the prisoners should face trials with harsh punishment. The military should allow more press inside these prisons to

90

help deter the soldiers from torturing the prisoners. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas This does make me proud to be an American because we are setting the standard not following others right or wrong. To be an American is to have rights as a human being and freedoms. We show these rights and freedoms to others despite what they do to us. Katie Brown, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee It makes me proud that our military upholds agreements made with other nations. I believe the military guide for the behavior of our troops is important because we want to show other nations how civilized we are. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I do not believe that torture is necessary. There may be a situation where we find out there is going to be an attack on a building in our country in four hours and the only way to find out is this one man. Of course, he will not say anything and thousands of peoples lives are on the line. I think that this is a necessary situation to use means of torture against someone, but I do not believe torture is otherwise accepted. America can impose its form of government on other nations. We see it in Iraq today. Today, we are in Iraq setting up a democracy, just as we did in Afghanistan and other countries. However, sometimes I do not believe that this is right. Why do we have the right to enter a country and change their entire way of living and rule? However, if they impose a threat to our country then I do think it brings about a different situation. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas This code of conduct makes me proud to be an American. I think that it is amazing that even in battle and terrorism, Americans can still treat other people that have wronged them with respect. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I am proud that we have a military that respects rules and regulations agreed upon with other societies However, I do believe that our government should enact laws that allow our military and intelligence agencies to interrogate foreign prisoners without crossing the line into Americas definition of torture. As to the notion some American citizens have that the Taliban and other terrorist groups would torture our

91

prisoners if we increased the harshness of our methods of interrogation, I must respond thusly: AMERICAN PRISONERS ARE BEING TORTURED ANYWAY. It does not matter if we gave their prisoners a five-star hotel room to stay in; the leaders of their terrorist organizations would still order the treatment of our soldiers in the same brutal, uncivilized fashion, because they are an uncivilized people. America, in my experience, does not generally fight wars with other civilized nations/organizations, and the War on Terror is a complete affirmation of this concept. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas No it does not because although we agreed to not torture anyone in our country we still do. I believe that we should stop torturing and come up with other punishments for people who make huge mistakes. Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I am proud to be part of this country, we are not mean and hateful, we just try and make this world a better place. I know that if I were a were in a warlike situation I would want to be treated the same as what America treats its enemies. Martin Vander Linden, Burlington High, Burlington, Kansas I will always be proud to be an American, but I do think at times that our military may extend The Geneva Conventions too far. It is difficult to say one way or the other because of how the armed forces try to keep scandals like Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay a secret. I also feel that there is proof of the Abu Graib prison scandal and those who took part in the degrading acts to the prisoners should face trials with harsh punishment. The military should allow more press inside these prisons to help deter the soldiers from torturing the prisoners Myca Burke,Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Yes, but I am in the Marine Corps. Eric Schroeder ,McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas I think this military code is a good idea. If we were to torture and harm the prisoners like they do, then we would be no better than they were. We are working on being a better country. We are setting an example in showing that we are a great people. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas

92

Yes, of course it does. It makes me proud because I know that I wouldnt want to be the person who has to torture someone, and I definitely wouldnt want to be on the other end of the situation, and because of this code of conduct I know that America backs up that opinion. Jesse Clifft, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

Q11-Can or should America impose its form of government on other nations?

I dont believe that it is our responsibility to impose our form of government upon the people of other countries. If the people of a nation are suffering under some sort of tyrant, then I feel we only have the option to make it possible for the people of that nation to step forward and choose what type of government they want to live under. If the form they choose just so happens to be our type of government then I still think that we do not have the right to help them in writing their constitution or stepping in to help them instate their new government. Mitch Jones, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas We most certainly could, but under no circumstances should we ever do such a terrible thing. Joshua Elliott, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee American can attempt to impose its form of government on other nations through war fare, but I dont think we should as long as they pose no threat to American society. It should be their choice to accept or reject the idea of democracy. Jessica Terry, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee By judging how far the war in Iraq has came; it is beginning to look like our government will never be able to be imposed there or anywhere else. Our systems work great for us but so far not for any other country in history. I dont think a full on democracy would work in some countries, not that isnt what I want it just isnt possible. The United States is unique because each person is united no matter their heritage, opinions or religion and is treated equally. That is why I dont think we as a country should expect a government identical to our own to work anywhere else. Hopefully, in time, the people of Iraq will experience at least some form of a democracy and never have to be ruled by a dictator ever again. Chelcie Sutherland, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas

93

In my own opinion I believe we should not enforce our government on other nations. We have many allies and many enemies in the America we live in today. If we insist on our form of government in other countries elsewhere, I believe we will make more enemies than gain associates. Grace Allen, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas Yes, America should impose our form of government on other nations because democracy has proven that it causes a country to become prosperous. We, as Americans, should want others to live prosperous lives, so we should impose democracy on other nations. Evan Gaskin, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee America can impose its form of government on other nations. We see it in Iraq today. Today, we are in Iraq setting up a democracy, just as we did in Afghanistan and other countries. However, sometimes I do not believe that this is right. Why do we have the right to enter a country and change their entire way of living and rule? However, if they impose a threat to our country then I do think it brings about a different situation. Cassandra Varvel, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas America should not force its government upon other countries. However, if another country were to adopt our form of government on its own it would be acceptable for America to assist them in setting up its system (though only if that country asks for help). Brittney Watkins, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee America can push our type of government on other nations. The question of should we, though, is another story. I believe that in certain instances, i.e. Iraq, America is allowed to push for democracy and overthrow tyrants. On the other hand, America should not go into a country like Saudi Arabia and change the 200 year old monarchy. This would be unjust. Brent Stull, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas America should not impose its form of government on other nations. Imposing a form of leadership on another country is, by direct definition, to obtrude or thrust (oneself, one's company, etc.) upon others. This is not an act that America should perform. Instead, the U.S. ought to act with other nations like it did in Iraq during the War on Terrorism. Politically knowledgeable individuals entered Iraq and

94

helped the people instate a democratic society instead of a tyranny, which is all most of the citizens had ever known with Saddam Hussein. We built up the country enough that it could begin to operate itself the way it seemed to want to: as a democratic society. Sure, there are still issues that the citizens need to resolve, but that is how a terrific nation is built. We almost certainly had the same tribulations when we were a new society. Fallon Free, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I do not think that America should, or has the right to impose its government on another country. It is fine if we are helping a country establish a government they way they want. When we do this (imposing) we are taking away that nations identity and even our own. Elizabeth Beasley, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee Yes, America can impose its form of government on other nations, and proof of that is what is going on in Iraq today. I dont think it should because its not as successful as a parliamentary form of government, and we cant make it so that our form of government works everywhere. Jessica Barrett, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas It took time for us to form our government; it will take time for other nations to figure out what government is best for them. We have no right to judge them. Lesli Oatsvall, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee I dont believe so, because if other nations choose to have a certain form of government then they should be able to have that. If theres a dictator in a foreign nation then I believe that we could step in and oust that dictator, but I dont believe that it is appropriate to write a constitution for a different country because it is there freedom to choose how to live. Jason Waller, Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas America should not force its government upon other countries. However, if another country were to adopt our form of government on its own it would be acceptable for America to assist them in setting up its system (though only if that country asks for help). Brittney Watkins, Camden High School, Camden, Tennessee America should not impose its government on other countries; although if a country does need help and are willing to accept the American help

95

then I am all for it. America has a very strong government that is equally balanced and if more countries were set-up the way America is, this would be a better world. Martin Vander Linden, Burlington High, Burlington, Kansas Yes, I think America should be able to impose its form of Government to other nations. For example, Iraq is being invaded by American soldiers and has tried to form a Government there. I do not necessary believe that it should be exactly like ours because their culture is different, but I think that since Iraq doesnt even have a government formed that its good for America to start a democracy there, and not a dictatorship. Myca Burke,Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas I think that we should not impose our form of government because it does not always work for other nations. Greg Herpel ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland No, absolutely not! We are not the type of country that just tells others what to do. People have the right to live however they want and that includes their government. Sure, if their government is massacring people, selling slaves, and its people are pleading for Americans to assist them and help, its okay to intercede with our government and teach them our way. We should only impose our form of government on others if they want it. Brandi Miller, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee American can impose its form of government on other nations. But for America to do so would belittle our nation. We are the greatest nation in the world, we have set trends in global policies and government, we have no need whatsoever to impose on other, lesser nations to try and Americanize them, they will naturally do this themselves as they follow [our lead]. Ryan Murphy ,Calvert Hall College High, Towson, Maryland I think we can show them how well our form of government works. We shouldnt impose or force our way of governing on them. After all, they are free countries, like us, and have the right to rule the country how they think a sovereign state should be ruled. Ashley Morehead, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas Part of our government is our ability to choose said government which is an important aspect because ultimately the government serves the

96

people. I believe we can set an example for other nations but really we cant set their government up for them. We can help and make suggestions but ultimately the government must come from the people of that nation because if we set it up who knows if it would work for them or even last after we leave. Katie Brown, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee I dont think America should impose its form of government on other nations. Even though our government gives more power to the people, I dont think we should be able to tell other countries [what to do]. I think it would be a good idea to try and make other countries see that there are better ways to rule, but if they dont like it then thats their choice. I know I wouldnt want someone to come over to the United States and tell us how to govern. I believe that other nations would feel the same way. Cassie Hassell, Camden Central High School, Camden, Tennessee

97

98

Participants
What Does It Mean To Be An American?

Burlington High School Burlington, Kansas Teacher: Devra Parker

Mitch Jones

1st

Chelcie Sutherland

2nd

Grace Allen

3rd

Brent Stull Fallon Free Jessica Barrett Cassandra Varvel Matt Vander Linden Jason Waller Myca Burke

99

Calvert Hall College High School Towson, Maryland Teacher: George Kropp
Greg Herpel Ryan Murphy

McPherson High School McPherson Kansas Teacher: Robin Long

Eric Schroeder

1st

Ashley Morehead Richard Villanueva Chasity Stevens

2nd Patrick Selzer Billy Prickett Brock Moors Adam Wentling

3rd

Dillon Unruh

100

Camden High School Camden Tennessee Teacher: Wanda Allen

Jesse Clifft

1st

Katie Brown 2nd Jessica Terry HM Kendra Summers Amber Ward

Cassie Hassell

3rd

Joshua Elliott HM Elizabeth Beasley Brandi Miller Brittney Watkins

Evan Gaskin Lesli Oatsvall Emily Moore

101

102

Appendix
These pages are included to counter Fallons earlier portrayal of George III on page 8.

GEORGE III of England Reined 1760-1820

George III was born on 4 June 1738 in London, the eldest son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. He became heir to the throne on the death of his father in 1751, succeeding his grandfather, George II, in 1760. He was the third Hanoverian monarch and the first one to be born in England and to use English as his first language. George III is widely remembered for two things: losing the American colonies and going mad. This is far from the whole truth. George's direct responsibility for the loss of the colonies is not great. He opposed their bid for independence to the end, but he did not develop the policies (such as the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend duties of 1767 on tea, paper and other products) which l ed to war in 1775-76 and which had the support of Parliament. These policies were largely due to the financial burdens of garrisoning and administering the vast expansion of territory brought under the British Crown in America, the costs of a series of wars with France and Spain in North America, and the loans given to the East India Company.

103

By the 1770s, and at a time when there was no income tax, the national debt required an annual revenue of 4 million to service it. The declaration of American independence on 4 July 1776, the end of the war with the surrender by British forces in 1782, and the defeat which the loss of the American colonies represented, could have threatened the Hanoverian throne. However, George's strong defense of what he saw as the national interest and the prospect of long war with revolutionary France made him, if anything, more popular than before. The American war, its political aftermath and family anxieties placed great strain on George in the 1780s. After serious bouts of illness in 1788-89 and again in 1801, George became permanently deranged in 1810. He was mentally unfit to rule in the last decade of his reign; his eldest son - the later George IV - acted as Prince Regent from 1811. Some medical historians have said that George III's mental instability was caused by a hereditary physical disorder called porphyria. George's accession in 1760 marked a significant change in royal finances. Since 1697, the monarch had received an annual grant of 700,000 from Parliament as a contribution to the Civil List, i.e. civil government costs (such as judges' and ambassadors' salaries) and the expenses of the Royal Household. In 1760, it was decided that the whole cost of the Civil List should be provided by Parliament in return for the surrender of the hereditary revenues by the King for the duration of his reign. (This arrangement still applies today, although civil government costs are now paid by Parliament, rather than financed directly by the monarch from the Civil List.) The first 25 years of Georges reign were politically controversial for reasons other than the conflict with America. The King was accused by some critics, particularly Whigs (a leading political grouping) of attempting to reassert royal authority in an unconstitutional manner. In fact, George took a conventional view of the constitution and the

104

powers left to the Crown after the conflicts between Crown and Parliament in the 17th century. Although he was careful not to exceed his powers, George's limited ability and lack of subtlety in dealing with the shifting alliances within the Tory and Whig political groupings in Parliament meant that he found it difficult to bring together ministries which could enjoy the support of the House of Commons. His problem was solved first by the long-lasting ministry of Lord North (1770-82) and then, from 1783, by Pitt the Younger, whose ministry lasted until 1801. George III was the most attractive of the Hanoverian monarchs. He was a good family man (there were 15 children) and devoted to his wife, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, for whom he bought the Queen's House (later enlarged to become Buckingham Palace). However, his sons disappointed him and, after his brothers made unsuitable secret marriages, the Royal Marriages Act of 1772 was passed at George's insistence. (Under this Act, the Sovereign must give consent to the marriage of any lineal descendant of George II, with certain exceptions.) Being extremely conscientious, George read all government papers and sometimes annoyed his ministers by taking such a prominent interest in government and policy. His political influence could be decisive. In 1801, he forced Pitt the Younger to resign when the two men disagreed about whether Roman Catholics should have full civil rights. George III, because of his coronation oath to maintain the rights and privileges of the Church of England, was against the proposed measure. One of the most cultured of monarchs, George started a new royal collection of books (65,000 of his books were later given to the British Museum, as the nucleus of a national library) and opened his library to scholars. In 1768, George founded and paid the initial costs of the Royal Academy of Arts (now famous for its exhibitions).

105

He was the first king to study science as part of his education (he had his own astronomical observatory), and examples of his collection of scientific instruments can now be seen in the Science Museum. George III also took a keen interest in agriculture, particularly on the crown estates at Richmond and Windsor, being known as 'Farmer George'. In his last years, physical as well as mental powers deserted him and he became blind. He died at Windsor Castle on 29 January 1820, after a reign of almost 60 years - the second longest in British history.
http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page111.asp

106

Letter on the Loss of America

written in the 1780s (precise year unknown) by George III

America is lost! Must we fall beneath the blow? Or have we resources that may repair the mischief? What are those resources? Should they be sought in distant Regions held by precarious Tenure, or shall we seek them at home in the exertions of a new policy? The situation of the Kingdom is novel, the policy that is to govern it must be novel likewise, or neither adapted to the real evils of the present moment, or the dreaded ones of the future. For a Century past the Colonial Scheme has been the system that has guided the Administration of the British Government. It was thoroughly known that from every Country there always exists an active emigration of unsettled, discontented, or unfortunate People, who failing in their endeavours to live at home, hope to succeed better where there is more employment suitable to their poverty. The Establishment of Colonies in America might probably increase the number of this class, but did not create it; in times anterior to that great speculation, Poland contained near 10,000 Scotch Pedlars; within the last thirty years not above 100, occasioned by America offering a more advantageous asylum for them. A people spread over an immense tract of fertile land, industrious because free, and rich because industrious, presently became a market for the Manufactures and Commerce of the Mother Country. An importance was soon generated, which from its origin to the late conflict was mischievous to Britain, because it created an expense of blood and

107

treasure worth more at this instant, if it could be at our command, than all we ever received from America. The wars of 1744, of 1756, and 1775, were all entered into from the Encouragements given to the speculations of settling the wilds of North America. It is to be hoped that by degrees it will be admitted that the Northern Colonies, that is those North of Tobacco, were in reality our very successful rivals in two Articles, the carrying freight trade, and the Newfoundland fishery. While the Sugar Colonies added above three millions a year to the wealth of Britain, the Rice Colonies near a million, and the Tobacco ones almost as much; those more to the north, so far from adding anything to our wealth as Colonies, were trading, fishing, farming Countries, that rivaled us in many branches of our industry, and had actually deprived us of no inconsiderable share of the wealth we reaped by means of the others. This comparative view of our former territories in America is not stated with any idea of lessening the consequence of a future friendship and connection with them; on the contrary it is to be hoped we shall reap more advantages from their trade as friends than ever we could derive from them as Colonies; for there is reason to suppose we actually gained more by them while in actual rebellion, and the common open connection cut off, than when they were in obedience to the crown. Courtesy of the Historic Royal Speeches And Writings The British Monarchy web site http://www.royal.gov.uk

108

More About the Harry Singer Foundation

The Harry Singer Foundation is a national non-profit 501(c) 3 private operating foundation (IRC: 4942 j 3) located in Carmel, California whose purpose is to promote responsibility and involve people more fully in public policy and their communities. It was founded in 1987. It actively conducts programs, and is not a grant-making foundation. The Foundation invites participants of all ages and countries to participate in its programs but has been concentrating on young people because they are open and eager to learn, are not saddled with a myriad of other social responsibilities, (like raising a family and making their own living), and they will be around the longest and therefore have the best opportunity to make their projects work. They are ideal experimenters because time is on their side. Participation on our programs operating our programs on the history in light of the Internet's read this information www.singerfoundation.org . is through the Internet. We have been Internet since the fall of 1994ancient growth since those early days. You may and view our programs at

We bring people together to network at our headquarters in Carmel, California. When participants come up with ideas, HSF provides the opportunity to put to the test, those ideas that garner the most enthusiastic response. We do this via Pilot Projects and interacting with

109

grant-making entities and far-sighted businesses. Most businesses rightly have more than altruistic motives. They are concerned about maintaining a stable and growth-oriented economy as well as finding responsible future employees. Our projects inadvertently foster these aims as well as philanthropic goals. Although HSF is an educational foundation it realizes it is not enough to think, write and talk about problems. HSF shows what ordinary people are capable of achieving. The objective is to find out what works within a desired framework. We know a pilot project has been successfully launched when it attracts enthusiastic volunteers that we call Champions. Those familiar with the Suzuki method of teaching music will understand when we analogize to the child begging the mother to turn over the childsized violin she is playing. Champions are those whose enthusiasm leads them to volunteer to take over a pilot project that strikes their fancy. In the process they release their own unique pent up creativity while the Foundation continues to support them in their efforts to expand the project. Steve Platt, the Champion of Singer Kids4Kids is one example. We also offer materials online, free of charge, which can be printed and used in the classroom or for individual education or research. The Workbook section of the HSF web site features data to encourage logical thinking and attention to the unintended consequences that often accompany government or personal solutions to perceived problems. HSF believes that society has encouraged technology and management while neglecting principles. We need to consider not only can we do, but should we do. To that end you will find an introduction to the seldom taught subject of logic in this section along with frequently updated ethical dilemmas. The Harry Singer Foundation mission is to prepare participants for a future where there may be less government and a weaker safety net. Such a future would require greater individual character, responsibility and knowledge. There may be a need for responsible people able to care for themselves and their less fortunate neighbors. Before one can either reflect or help others, one must survive. HSF has archived the thoughts of teens over a twenty year period in the Teens Speak Out and the Archived by State forums as well as in the published books that resulted from 41 of the 46 essay contests it conducted between

110

1988 and 2007. Although many of these teen authors now are adults with children of their own, their reflections are relevant to today's youth who must learn to make successful personal and social choices regarding their own ideology and their careers. They too must withstand the peer pressure of gangs, violence, irresponsible sex and addictive substances. People change but the social issues remain. We invite you to explore our web site at www.singerfoundation.org. We look forward to your comments and participation and will be happy to provide additional information or respond to any questions you might have. The Harry Singer Foundation Board of Directors has promoted programs that provide information and teach people how to think, but not what to think, until they have looked at more than one side of any question. After research and analysis, program participants are expected to form their own opinions. Advisory Board members are championing programs that often take participants into their communities to interact outside an academic setting. We invite you to browse our pilot projects and hope that you may be moved to Champion one of these projects in your own community. Together we believe we can make the United States, and the world, a stronger and better place to live, for this generation and generations to come.

111