What is an American?

To the editor:

Over this holiday season I’ve had the opportunity to read various commentaries and books.

Andrew McVeigh, President and CEO of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, wrote an excellent commentary called a “Christmas reflection.” As I read Daniel McCarthy’s article on America’s Creed and Heritage Right, I reflected on Mr. McVeigh’s words. Mr. McVeigh says in his Christmas reflection: “Christmas is not about politics or policy debates. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who entered the world in profound humility through incarnation, bridging the divine and the human in a way that forever changed history.” To be Christian gives meaning to ‘Jesus is the reason for the season.’ All are free to accept or reject the child in the manger. For those who don’t know the life or sacrifice of the baby in the manger, what do they celebrate at Christmas? The Apostle John tells us in John 3, “flesh gives birth to flesh, and the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” John also tells us “ God so loved the world that he sent His son into the world and whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (NIV) Mr. McCarthy’s article is about what it means to be an American. He defines ‘creedal nationalist’ vs ‘heritage Americans.” If an immigrant swears exclusive allegiance to America via the “patriotic catechism’ (a creedal nationalist) does that qualify him as an American more than one descended from the Pilgrims?

If your bloodline (a heritage American) goes back to the Mayflower, does that qualify you as an American? The author made me laugh when he described the average attendants to a “No Kings” rally— “heritage Americans” are in abundance, some looking old enough to have watched the Battle of Yorktown in person.”

My takeaway from his article: citizenship is required to be an American. “Being an American has never meant subscribing to one political party; at the most basic level, being an American simply means being a citizen and all citizens are equal—not only as a point of law but a a foundational principle.”

Honoring America’s heritage is a moral duty of good citizenship. I believe America is about values, and bloodlines. Freedom requires choice and responsibility. America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and values that should be taught to each generation. I’m very grateful for my American citizenship. As a Christian, I look forward to my citizenship in heaven. (Philippians 3:20)

Cindy Rodibaugh Flatonia