What does it mean, to me, to be a real American? It means understanding and agreeing with the Declaration of Independence, especially the part that says, “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.”

It means studying and understanding that the Constitution specifies a method for self-government that draws its power from the citizens and not from a small group of elitists.

That the Constitution wisely divides up the power among decision makers to avoid the truism that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

It means learning to speak the English language well and write it comprehensively as it is our native tongue. It means being tolerant of all religions that practice peace and a “live and let live” viewpoint.

It means understanding that the relationship between an individual and his creator is a private matter not to be controlled by others nor used to control them. It means standing ready to defend American ideals against all threats, both domestic and foreign.

And it means contributing to our economy through involvement in free enterprise and minimizing dependency on welfare, especially government welfare. This is not an easy list to accomplish, especially for those of foreign birth. It requires giving up much of your birth culture, but then if you are not willing to truly become an American, why come to America in the first place? Fitting into a community and adopting their culture and traditions is a highly successful way of being accepted and supported in your new life in America.

I believe it is equally important for those born in America to also accomplish this list. In relatively recent times these ideas were taught in our public schools, but not necessarily today. Much teaching of American ideals has been replaced with multiculturalism, equality of cultures, and now common core. It has been correctly stated that it takes only one generation to lose our way. So, on this occasion of a new year, how do you feel about America and your participation in it?

Are you satisfied with the direction in which America seems to be going?

Do you vote for what you want? Are you a knowledgeable voter or do you need to learn more about what is going on? The choice as still yours and America’s future depends on what choice you make.

By Randy Holland.