Redefining what being free in America means...

[MarkTwain]

There is no question that America itself is going through an identity crisis, so it's important to remind ourselves and other people who and what being free means in America.

Now there are three key points I want to cover;

1. What is an American?

2. What is American freedom?

3. What is the constitution?

1st - What is an American ? In short being an American is having citizenship in the United States, being a citizen, is a status that entails specific rights, duties and benefits. Citizenship is understood as a "right to have rights" since it serves as a foundation for a bundle of subsequent rights, such as the right to live and work in the United States and to receive federal assistance, but these are legal rights to Americans only.

2nd - What is American freedom ?July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was approved and officially adopted by the Continental Congress, this is the foundation of Amercian freedom. The Bill of Rights defines what freedoms we have as Americans–10 amendments guaranteeing basic individual protections such as freedom of speech and religion–became part of the Constitution in 1791. To date, there have been a total of 27 constitutional amendments. This in not free it comes at the highest cost.

3rd - What is the Constitution ? The U.S. Constitution established America’s national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. Under America’s first governing document, the Articles of Confederation, the national government was weak and states operated like independent countries. At the 1787 convention, delegates devised a plan for a stronger federal government with three branches–executive, legislative and judicial–along with a system of checks and balances to ensure no single branch would have too much power. In the more than 200 years since the Constitution was created, America has stretched across an entire continent and its population and economy have expanded.

In the end, American freedom in itself is for American citizens, but it comes with responsablilty; and if you don't know your American rights, duties and benefits I encourage you too brush up. Please don't feel like you are entilted to any freedom in America unless you are or become an American citizen legally.

[bryon]

In an ideal America this would still hold true , however it is self evident that it isn't true now a days. Sadly

[Anonymous]

Being free in America means you can be black
Being free in America means you can be white
Being free in America means you can be racist
Being free in America means you can be Christian.
That's all there's to it. Not much more.

[Scrambledagain]

"Land of the free? Whoever told you that is your enemy" rage against the machine.