Caring more about liberty than safety and/or comfort.

For me, over time, it has become a mindset rather than a geographic or historic association. In that sense there are a precious few "Americans" all over the world.

To me, being an American means that we're part of a political system that scrupulously attempts to find the proper balance between frequently competing interests of individuals and other individuals, and individuals and the power of the state, with an emphasis on civil liberty. The system isn't above making mistakes, but our Constitution (above all others), recognizes God given individual rights and provides a viable platform for those rights to be exercised in a way that allows Americans to prosper if they are responsible and have the initiative to do so.

It means that I am living in the very best country on this Earth. I have lived in several others, and none compare. It means that I have both freedom and opportunity, with a chance to live a better life. It also means I have a responsibility to maintain our society such that those freedoms and opportunities continue. We have been blessed with a founding document that miraculously sets forth a government that protects our liberties.

flashguy