I have spent a lot of time in the Federal Republic of Germany (mainly in the US Army). One day I was introduced to an elderly gentleman who, upon being told I was an American, said: "An American. What is an American? You are a mongrel people, not a true Volk!" To this default to an earlier and sadder mindset, I replied: "You ask what is an American? This is easy to answer: an American is anyone, no matter their place of birth, their race, or their religion who has sworn Allegiance to the Constitution of the United States!
Wonderful piece. “The more freedom you give to others, the more you will have for yourself.” What a superb speech of Pres Ford’s. 🇺🇸 God bless America. I pray for our country every day.
I taught driver education for many years at Presidio High School. Presidio is one of the oldest towns in the United States, having been a pueblo of the Jumano people for centuries and a Spanish mission since 1682. Presidio is where the great trading route, the Chihuahua Trail, which ran from Indianola on the Texas Gulf coast to Chihuahua City, crossed from Texas into Mexico.
I would guide the students in filling out the driver's license application. One of the questions related to race or ethnicity included categories such as Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American, and others. I'd look out over the multi-hued faces before me and say, "They're going to insist that you pick one, although you all look like Americans to me."
Your previous column stating “Order that is not in service of liberty can be …. problematic.” keeps bouncing around in my head. I fear that “problematic” might be too mild. I wish more politicians had the wisdom and kindness of President Ford.
"...all this Fourth of July stuff...All this Betsy Ross and apple-pie stuff."
I absolutely love the way you articulate the sensibility some call 'patriotism, or 'love of country' or simple 'American pride,' I've seen and heard you use the phrase several times now and it always brings a smile to my face. What it means to be an American is important, isn't always simple, often debated. And the idea itself is on life support. We need to find these simple, yet powerful, cues that can recover a feeling or memory that might inspire a new and better discussion. What does it mean to be an American? I have a pretty strong view on that, but would be happy if everyone simply reflected on apple pie, Fourth of July and Betsy Ross, instead of Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
Great stuff, Mr. Nordlinger. I think this new venue agrees with you (and/or you with it). One small question: would it be possible to give my old eyes a bit of a break by using a font with slightly more contract to the background? A bit "blacker"? Or is that too much to ask of Substack? Thank you.
I remember my city’s 4th of July parade-especially the red-white-blue popsicle (called a bomb-pop)-which was important as I was 6. My 1st grade teacher that fall held an “election” in class, and I was unaware until it was over that my vote for Ford didn’t count!
I feel dramatic for saying this, but I really hope we keep holding 4th of July parades given current events.
I have spent a lot of time in the Federal Republic of Germany (mainly in the US Army). One day I was introduced to an elderly gentleman who, upon being told I was an American, said: "An American. What is an American? You are a mongrel people, not a true Volk!" To this default to an earlier and sadder mindset, I replied: "You ask what is an American? This is easy to answer: an American is anyone, no matter their place of birth, their race, or their religion who has sworn Allegiance to the Constitution of the United States!
Wonderful piece. “The more freedom you give to others, the more you will have for yourself.” What a superb speech of Pres Ford’s. 🇺🇸 God bless America. I pray for our country every day.
I taught driver education for many years at Presidio High School. Presidio is one of the oldest towns in the United States, having been a pueblo of the Jumano people for centuries and a Spanish mission since 1682. Presidio is where the great trading route, the Chihuahua Trail, which ran from Indianola on the Texas Gulf coast to Chihuahua City, crossed from Texas into Mexico.
I would guide the students in filling out the driver's license application. One of the questions related to race or ethnicity included categories such as Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American, and others. I'd look out over the multi-hued faces before me and say, "They're going to insist that you pick one, although you all look like Americans to me."
Marvelous.
Very well said. If I had seen your students I’m sure that they would all look like Americans to me, too.
I believe the July 4th stuff, too.
Thanks Jay.
As usual, you state eloquently what I and many others feel in our bones. A great piece of writing. Not that I expected anything less...
Thank you, Rob.
Well said Mr. Nordlinger. We stand with you.
Thx, Gary.
Excellent article, Mr. Nordlinger.
Thx so much.
Your previous column stating “Order that is not in service of liberty can be …. problematic.” keeps bouncing around in my head. I fear that “problematic” might be too mild. I wish more politicians had the wisdom and kindness of President Ford.
Enjoyed your salute to our democratic experiment.
Thank you, Don.
"...all this Fourth of July stuff...All this Betsy Ross and apple-pie stuff."
I absolutely love the way you articulate the sensibility some call 'patriotism, or 'love of country' or simple 'American pride,' I've seen and heard you use the phrase several times now and it always brings a smile to my face. What it means to be an American is important, isn't always simple, often debated. And the idea itself is on life support. We need to find these simple, yet powerful, cues that can recover a feeling or memory that might inspire a new and better discussion. What does it mean to be an American? I have a pretty strong view on that, but would be happy if everyone simply reflected on apple pie, Fourth of July and Betsy Ross, instead of Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
Great stuff, Mr. Nordlinger. I think this new venue agrees with you (and/or you with it). One small question: would it be possible to give my old eyes a bit of a break by using a font with slightly more contract to the background? A bit "blacker"? Or is that too much to ask of Substack? Thank you.
I remember my city’s 4th of July parade-especially the red-white-blue popsicle (called a bomb-pop)-which was important as I was 6. My 1st grade teacher that fall held an “election” in class, and I was unaware until it was over that my vote for Ford didn’t count!
I feel dramatic for saying this, but I really hope we keep holding 4th of July parades given current events.