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Kim Andrews
January 17, 2002
Ms Cabrera – 4th
What does it mean to be an American?
Let Freedom Ring
What does it mean to be an American? That is the question on so many lives today. Many people have lived in America during its hundreds of years of existence, but they probably do not truly know what freedom means. Freedom means that every American has the right to free speech, religion, and the right to express themselves in any way that they see fit.
The United States of America was founded in 1776, and allowed settlers to come to a "New World" in hopes for a better life. With the start of America, came the Declaration of Independence. This was a document stating all the rights of each American. Any person can agree with these rights. Yet, after the events of September 11, these "rights" seem much more like privileges. When a person’s freedom is taking away in a split second, the whole world responds with pride and patriotism. The uncontrollable terrorist attacks have brought this country closer together, and allowed Americans to bond on a new level. Even though the attacks are not over, this country has united to stand up for the rights of all Americans. By raising American flags, wearing symbolic shirts, or by just showing true patriotism, this country has shown how far they will go to exhibit how much freedom means to them.
Freedom is defined as the quality or state of being free. The Bill of Rights clearly displays the rights and regulations of each person living in America. Every American has the right to stand up for what they believe in, and worship any or all religions that they would like to worship. Also, anyone may bear arms, or carry a gun, as long as they have a permit for it. Another advantage to being an American is the right to vote. In some countries, only selected people are given the opportunity to vote, but in the U.S. anyone over 18 may vote. While freedom defines the United States of America, it does not shelter us from the violence in the world. September 11 is a perfect example of a country’s hatred toward America’s freedom.
How could anyone not want his or her freedom? Well, many people have given up their right to their freedom by committing crimes. Any person that decides to commit a crime must face the consequences that go along with get caught. For instance, a guy shoots and murders someone; he is responsible for his actions and must deal with the punishments that fit the crime. Most likely he would be sent to trial, and if found guilty, he would go to jail. While in jail, he is stripped of his rights and freedom. He must abide by and listen to someone else. According to some, this is not fair, but how fair is it for him to walk? It is not. If a person is charged with a crime that severe, then they do not deserve to have their freedom. As it was said earlier, freedom is a privilege that can not be taken lightly, and if it is then it will not be long before it is gone.
In conclusion, this paper emphasizes how freedom really does define what it truly means to be an American. With the information provided, it is clear that every American has a lot to be thankful for. Considering all the bad things in the world today, freedom always seems to make it worthwhile. Freedom is the only word that can distinctly describe what it means to be an American, because it summarizes the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. As long as those two documents are still in effect, freedom will still be the designated term for the American people. Let Freedom Ring!
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