What does it mean to be an "AMERICAN CITIZEN" in 2020?

2020-07-18T14:32:18-04:00

There are unique distinguishing factors to our existence in the world as an American in these United States. What is there to know and understand in what it is to be an American Citizen?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 18 at 2020 2:34 PM

2020-07-18T14:34:31-04:00

I am a citizen. I am also a retired Soldier. SMSgt Billy Cesarano

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 18 at 2020 2:57 PM

2020-07-18T14:57:12-04:00

It means living a life of virtue, helping others when I can, and contributing to the well being of society. It means I will buy a dinner anonymously when I see an elder woman eating alone, behaving that she is waiting for someone who will never show up. I tell her waitress to say dinner is paid for and to give her a big smile. It means I will be in the corner of someone with PTSD if they want my help. It means I will accept contentment when happiness can not be achieved. It means I don't care about the color of someone's skin because we all bleed red. It means I try to practice empathy and sympathy.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2020 2:59 PM

2020-07-18T14:59:11-04:00

SMSgt Billy Cesarano Depends if you ask Conservatives or Liberals, Republicans or Democrats. Most in Republican Party believe there’s a process involving vetting and paperwork and an oath to the United States. It was like belonging to an important family because all swore allegiance to the USA as she stood. "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America. ”

That used to be special.

To think that anyone could be a visitor or illegal immigrant to this land, birth a baby on soil and it would be an automatic citizen is insanity. This is what inspires corruption like the Chinese birthing houses on American soil. There are factions in the US who support this premise, plus anyone that can successfully sneak or be transported into the USA, is like an American citizen or equal to one. Thus those who have not contracted by oath and allegiance to our country receive nearly all benefits of the citizens via weak laws and sanctuary cities, ie free schooling, government funding, voting rights, drivers licenses, access to labor, etc. So becoming a real American citizen is less wondrous than it used to be. Hopefully order will be restored.

SSG William Jones] SPC Nancy Greene SFC John Wade

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 18 at 2020 3:12 PM

2020-07-18T15:12:45-04:00

The best answer would come from most naturalized immigrants that worked for years to come here to become citizens. Especially, those of color. Excluding some politicians that came from a “s##thole”, and trying to turn us into what they fled from.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 18 at 2020 3:16 PM

2020-07-18T15:16:58-04:00

I like these statements, SMSgt Billy Cesarano.

Preamble to the Constitution:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.“

Preamble to the Declaration of Independence:

“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.“

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Jul 18 at 2020 5:21 PM

2020-07-18T17:21:29-04:00

I am honored to be an American, to be allowed to partake of the freedoms and bounty of this great nation. I also acknowledge that with those benefits come an unquestionable debt as well as certain responsibilities. A debt to this nation that can only be repaid with service to it and our fellow citizens. And, a responsibility to present to the world the compassion and freedom that comes with such a system, to be that shining city on the hill, to set the example for all to follow in this great experiment.

That is what I believe being an American citizen is.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2020 5:24 PM

2020-07-18T17:24:09-04:00

The book and the movie Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein is the very first thought that appears in my mind when I think of citizenship.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Jul 18 at 2020 6:32 PM

2020-07-18T18:32:09-04:00

To the person that has me blocked:
We are ALL Americans, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and non-political. Liberals and conservatives. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhist, agnostic, and atheist. White, black, brown, red, and yellow. We are all Americans!

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jul 18 at 2020 10:54 PM

2020-07-18T22:54:19-04:00

Being a citizen is whatever dictate it to be....

Response by AB Edward Mondini made Jul 20 at 2020 2:23 AM

2020-07-20T02:23:51-04:00

These individuals who made the headlines in January in Richmond, VA would easily fit that profile:

https://www.foxnews.com/us/virginia-capitol-gun-rights-rally.amp

Virginia's Capitol flooded with gun rights activists for Second Amendment rally | Fox News

RICHMOND, Va.—Thousands of Second Amendment supporters carrying long firearms and wearing stickers reading“Guns Save Lives"descended upon Virginia's Capitol in Richmond Monday for a widely publicizedrally in protest ofa recent push bystate Democratsfor comprehensive gun control.

Response by AB Edward Mondini made Jul 20 at 2020 2:37 AM

2020-07-20T02:37:13-04:00

Or these American citizens in the Michigan capital of Landing just this past April protesting the illegal & un-Constitutional COVID lockdown imposed on Michiganders by the state’s Democrat Governor. All hard-working Americans.

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/30/michigan-protests-coronavirus-lockdown-armed-capitol

Armed protesters demonstrate against Covid-19 lockdown at Michigan capitol | Michigan | The...

Police and capitol staff held back protesters – some armed with rifles – attempting to enter floor of legislative chamber

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jul 20 at 2020 10:24 AM

2020-07-20T10:24:35-04:00

Whether one agrees or disagrees... it's a question of law, not opinion. There are plenty of people born in the United States who take their legal status as citizens for granted, some who "renounce" it, and others who betray it. There are many who become naturalized citizens; usually because they highly value and honor this status. The questions seem to hinge on those who come here and stay illegally... are they de-facto "citizens" simply because they may not break additional laws or have ulterior motives to increasing their standards of living? Again, the law, not our "emotions" makes the determination.

However, as it has been said, "justice must be meted out with mercy".

Illegal immigration causes three serious problems: First, it permits criminals to act on the periphery of society with less ability for law enforcement to track and counteract their movements. Second, it creates a drain on resources when people not directly contributing to social welfare programs illegitimately lay claim to the benefits thereof. Finally, it creates a predatory institution supporting mass illegal immigration, largely run by organized crime entities that ultimately victimizes otherwise innocent people trying to circumvent legal immigration processes.

Personally, I believe the law cannot apply a "cookie cutter" approach. People fleeing cartels and tyrannical regimes should be able to apply for and receive asylum efficiently. Individuals wishing to work here on a temporary basis should have a clear, concise, (again, efficient) means of obtaining visas. Those escaping poverty should have a reasonable and just method of applying for and obtaining citizenship. In theory... all of the above already exists. However, having personally interacted with the process, it is not always as "fair" or "efficient" as it could be. I believe there is a great opportunity for the private sector to support the administration of these process (under regulation and oversight) through contracting.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 11:01 PM

2020-07-22T23:01:05-04:00

Based on current events? It mean being selfish, stupid, tribalistic and cruel..

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jul 23 at 2020 1:00 PM

2020-07-23T13:00:02-04:00

Unfortunately in 2020 the term has so many different meanings that it almost doesn't mean anything.
For some it is permission to do or say anything regardless of how it affects others. Burn, loot, victimize, etc., With no fear of repercussion. I think some feel they have a right to live a life with no accountability. A sense of entitlement that allows, or even encourages, individuals to go out into the streets and find ways to tear the very fabric of our society to pieces. This Antifa movement is a bigger deal than a lot of people think. It is pervasive, especially combined with the disconnect caused by COVID. A large cross section of a generation of young men and women have been tainted. They have been taught to not trust the government elected by the people. If you have teenage and early 20s kids, talk to them. If you don't, someone else will.

Response by TSgt Jose A. D. made Aug 21 at 2020 12:22 AM

2020-08-21T00:22:00-04:00

I was born to a Philippines Scout and later US Navy family, my birth place is Guam, my sister was London. We are all bilingua [English, tagalog and bisaya]l. I'm a US citizen the day I was born, I joined the AF in 1984 retired 2004, my first duty stationed was Rhein Main AB, got married to Filipina and we had a daughter born in Gross Gerau, Germany, on Aug 08, 1988.

From then up to present, she is 32 yrs now, I never heard from her that she wanted to be a German citizen, or plan to work nor live in Germany. Because our parents raised us to be AMERICAN CITIZEN, with or without benefits of being one. My self and my wife never applied for Dual Citizenship (FILAM), don't get mistaken we all love the Philippines, our roots, language and culture.

My parents always says being an AMERICAN IS GIFT OF GOD, GOD BLESS AMERICA!