Being a Good Citizen

U.S. citizenship may be the most sought after status on the planet.

Foreword by FOX News Channel’s John Gibson

In the United States, the most valuable asset in life is a simple word: citizenship.

Some people born here may take this right for granted, or take it so seriously that the very idea no longer requires much thought. But the thousands of people who are trying to get into the United States, and struggling for the right to stay, are a walking, talking, real-life demonstration that U.S. citizenship may be the most sought after status on the planet.

Does money draw people to the United States? Certainly. After all, economic freedom is important too.

But more than that, American citizenship confers absolutely the rights of our Constitution, which protect an individual’s basic freedoms. Non-citizens have constitutional rights as well, but we have seen in recent years that their rights to remain here are not absolute.

If by the good fortune of the geography of your birth you are a U.S. citizen, you should breathe a sigh of relief every day. If you have worked hard and attained these rights by the rites of naturalization, no one need tell you how precious they are.

What do Americans think about citizenship?

When American Profile asked readers what makes a good American citizen, hundreds expressed their opinions and love of country. Their responses were as colorful, passionate and diverse as the nation itself.

Some submitted patriotic poetry and eloquent prose. Others shared philosophies of life, political views and religious convictions. Many wrote about the virtues of humankind: love, respect, graciousness, courage, kindness, loyalty and responsibility.

They spoke of a citizen’s responsibility to vote, serve in the military, pay taxes, protect the environment and share one’s opinions. They wrote of their love of God, country, family, neighbor and community, and the need to respect the laws of the land, the American flag and the opinions of others—even when counter to their own.

Some were wordy, while others were succinct in their comments about what makes a good American. “I do,” wrote Maggie Neily of Windsor, Vt.

Lon Romanski of Cadillac, Mich., suggested that we should have phrased the question “What makes a good United States citizen?” because America is a continent, not a nation.

A Nebraska woman graciously expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to express her opinion. “I was humbled to be able to participate, as a naturalized American citizen from the Philippines,” wrote Sally Dyer of Alliance, Neb.

Below are responses from other readers:

“The qualities needed to be a good American are synonymous with those needed to be a good neighbor, good friend, good mate, good parent, good grandparent, or any other person. A good American must believe in themselves, their country, its goals and aspirations and defend freedom anywhere in the world.”
—Lester C. Van Bibber III of Lincoln, Ill.

“A good American uses the freedom they have been given to make life better for others; working for the common good is a hallmark of a good American. A good American knows that individual rights spring from the roots of justice and are nurtured by respecting one another’s equality.”—Einar Swenson of Blackfoot, Idaho.

“A good American is someone who thinks more highly of others than he does himself, who shows kindness to all people, who is humbled by the freedoms he enjoys, and who stoops to pick up a piece of litter instead of passing it by.”
—Diane M. Pankonin of Oregon City, Ore.

“The best citizen puts ethics before law, law before gain, nation before self.”
—David A. Todd of Bella Vista, Ark.

“We must be truthful, straight and honest; respect our freedoms and those of others; be trustworthy; always do our best; and pay taxes and support our great country.” —Gentlemen’s Gathering Group, whose members reside at Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant, Neb.

“A good American is a person who is ready, willing and able to be and do all he or she can to promote, protect, defend and support the basic freedoms of all Americans regardless of their color or creed.”
—Peggy L. Dildine of Ardmore, Tenn.

“A good American shows respect and tolerance for his country and for those who guide it. He speaks highly of accomplishments. He voices concern for questionable actions in a sane and respectful manner. He builds his country up. He thanks God everyday that he lives in America.”
—Pat Loring of Columbia, Calif.

“A good citizen is the person who always gives more of himself or herself than is received.”
—Jean Holmes of Tylertown, Miss.

“A good American is a civic-minded person who votes and volunteers. To be a good American you also need to have confidence in yourself and therefore be accepting and respectful of the many human differences that make up our country and make our country great.”
—Edith Brown of Espanola, N.M.

“Freedom in its raw form is selfish—doing only what feels good. Yet, a free society is dependent on individuals who will sacrifice or compromise in order to do what is good for all of society. A good American disciplines himself to live within the laws of the country and will sacrifice to protect the Constitution on which our freedom is based.”
—Jana W. Yeates of Manassas, Va.

“A good American strives to act honorably when faced with substantial truth; does not place trust blindly in authority; gives his best when needed; accepts responsibility for all his conduct; and will not accept defeat lightly.”
—David Hissong Jr. of Howard, Ohio.

“A caring person with high moral character and strong family values, who is a good neighbor, friend to the environment, aspires to learn more, has a good grasp of history, keeps abreast of events and volunteers to lend a hand to the community at large.”
—Richard S. Smith of Arkport, N.Y.

“A good American citizen realizes he has been blessed by his country and seeks to give back by serving his fellow citizens. He loves his homeland despite its imperfections and embraces what makes this nation great: the right of every citizen to seek change for the better.”
—Gail Peterson of Watts, Okla.

“A good American citizen knows that freedom is not free. They also know that the United States is the best place to be.”
—Robbie Peterman of Onaway, Mich.

“A good American citizen loves God, country and their fellowmen and treats others as they would like to be treated. They abide by the law, they vote, they are honest and people of their word. They honor the flag and fly it proudly. They pray for those in authority.”
—Leona Ricketts of Mason, Ill.

“A good American cares, dares, shares and is responsible. When you truly care, you respect the rights of all Americans. By daring, you stand up for decency and for what is right. By sharing, you give of your talents to America. By being responsible, you meet your commitments to America.”
—Henry Vindiola of Manteca, Calif.

“A good American has the honesty of Abraham Lincoln, the truth of George Washington, the bravery of Daniel Boone, the strength and friendliness of John Wayne, the humor of Bob Hope and Lucille Ball, the gentleness of Fred Rogers and Captain Kangaroo, and the love of God in their heart.”
—Sarah Hogg of Lamesa, Texas.

“A good American loves this country and has true allegiance to it. He believes that with freedom there is responsibility. He plans for the future. He loves God, his family and respects his neighbor.”
—June Perera of
Centreville, Va.

“A good American citizen values himself, strives for his American dream, trusts the justice system, abides by and respects the law, voices his opinion, holds his beliefs close without condemning others for believing something else, and understands and embraces that difference of opinion makes America great.”
—Lori Thomas of Woodstock, Ill.

“The qualities needed to be a good American are synonymous with those needed to be a good neighbor, good friend, good mate, good parent, good grandparent, or any other person. A good American must believe in themselves, their country, its goals and aspirations and defend freedom anywhere in the world.”
—Lester C. Van Bibber III of Lincoln, Ill.

“A good American uses the freedom they have been given to make life better for others; working for the common good is a hallmark of a good American. A good American knows that individual rights spring from the roots of justice and are nurtured by respecting one another’s equality.”
—Einar Swenson of Blackfoot, Idaho.

“A good American is someone who thinks more highly of others than he does himself, who shows kindness to all people, who is humbled by the freedoms he enjoys, and who stoops to pick up a piece of litter instead of passing it by.”
—Diane M. Pankonin of Oregon City, Ore.

“The best citizen puts ethics before law, law before gain, nation before self.”
—David A. Todd of Bella Vista, Ark.

“We must be truthful, straight and honest; respect our freedoms and those of others; be trustworthy; always do our best; and pay taxes and support our great country.”
—Gentlemen’s Gathering Group, whose members reside at Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant, Neb.

“A good American is a person who is ready, willing and able to be and do all he or she can to promote, protect, defend and support the basic freedoms of all Americans regardless of their color or creed.”
—Peggy L. Dildine of Ardmore, Tenn.

“A good American shows respect and tolerance for his country and for those who guide it. He speaks highly of accomplishments. He voices concern for questionable actions in a sane and respectful manner. He builds his country up. He thanks God everyday that he lives in America.”
—Pat Loring of Columbia, Calif.

“A good citizen is the person who always gives more of himself or herself than is received.”
—Jean Holmes of Tylertown, Miss.

“A good American is a civic-minded person who votes and volunteers. To be a good American you also need to have confidence in yourself and therefore be accepting and respectful of the many human differences that make up our country and make our country great.”
—Edith Brown of Espanola, N.M.

“Freedom in its raw form is selfish—doing only what feels good. Yet, a free society is dependent on individuals who will sacrifice or compromise in order to do what is good for all of society. A good American disciplines himself to live within the laws of the country and will sacrifice to protect the Constitution on which our freedom is based.”
—Jana W. Yeates of Manassas, Va.

“A good American strives to act honorably when faced with substantial truth; does not place trust blindly in authority; gives his best when needed; accepts responsibility for all his conduct; and will not accept defeat lightly.”
—David Hissong Jr. of Howard, Ohio.

“A caring person with high moral character and strong family values, who is a good neighbor, friend to the environment, aspires to learn more, has a good grasp of history, keeps abreast of events and volunteers to lend a hand to the community at large.”
—Richard S. Smith of Arkport, N.Y.

“A good American citizen realizes he has been blessed by his country and seeks to give back by serving his fellow citizens. He loves his homeland despite its imperfections and embraces what makes this nation great: the right of every citizen to seek change for the better.”
—Gail Peterson of Watts, Okla.

“A good American citizen knows that freedom is not free. They also know that the United States is the best place to be.”
—Robbie Peterman of Onaway, Mich.

“A good American citizen loves God, country and their fellowmen and treats others as they would like to be treated. They abide by the law, they vote, they are honest and people of their word. They honor the flag and fly it proudly. They pray for those in authority.”
—Leona Ricketts of Mason, Ill.

“A good American cares, dares, shares and is responsible. When you truly care, you respect the rights of all Americans. By daring, you stand up for decency and for what is right. By sharing, you give of your talents to America. By being responsible, you meet your commitments to America.”
—Henry Vindiola of Manteca, Calif.

“Live by the Golden Rule. Look for ways to do small acts of kindness every day. Be responsible for your own decisions. Grant others dignity and respect. Be humble, none of us achieve success by ourselves. Help others succeed and you will be successful in all you do.”
—Marilyn S. Humphrey of Las Cruces, N.M.

“Someone who understands that freedoms are not free, who looks for opportunities to serve and not take, who encourages and lifts those who are less fortunate, who prayerfully chooses our elected officials, and whose legacies will include upright values.”
—Cliff Todd of Carthage, Texas.

A Recipe for a Good American
1/2 tablespoon honesty
1/2 tablespoon responsibility
1/2 tablespoon courage
1/2 tablespoon caring
1/2 tablespoon loyalty
1/2 tablespoon patriotism
1/2 tablespoon respect for
the rights of others
1/2 tablespoon fairness
—Amanda Wittrup of Albuquerque, N.M.

Can You Pass the Test?

New immigrants must pass a test on American history and government before they can become United States citizens. Below are 15 sample questions provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Can you pass the test? For more questions, log on to http://uscis.gov/graphics/exec/natz/natztest.asp

1. What color are the stars on the flag?
A) Blue
B) Gold
C) White
D) Red

2. What are the three branches of our government?
A) Democratic, Republican and Independent
B) Department of Justice, Department of State, Department of Defense
C) Legislative, Executive, Judicial
D) Police, Education, Legislative

3. Whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
A) Everyone (citizens and non-citizens living in the U.S.)
B) Registered voters
C) The President
D) Natural born citizens

4. What is one benefit of being a citizen of the United States?
A) Travel
B) Vote for the candidate of your choice
C) Health care
D) Right to work in the U.S.

5. What are the two major political parties in the U.S.?
A) The House of Representatives and the Senate
B) The President and Vice President
C) Democratic and Republican
D) Congress and the Supreme Court

6. What is the executive branch of our government?
A) The President, Cabinet and Departments under the Cabinet
B) The House of Representatives and the Senate
C) The Supreme Court
D) The states

7. What are the 49th and 50th states of the Union?
A) Hawaii and Puerto Rico
B) Puerto Rico and Guam
C) Alaska and Puerto Rico
D) Hawaii and Alaska

8. What holiday was celebrated for the first time by the American colonists?
A) Independence Day
B) Columbus Day
C) Memorial Day
D) Thanksgiving

9. Where does Congress meet?
A) In the White House
B) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
C) In the Smithsonian
D) In the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

10. How many times may a Senator be re-elected?
A) There is no limit
B) Once
C) 4 times
D) 6 times

11. What are the colors of the flag?
A) Red and White
B) Red, White, and Blue
C) Red, White, and Black
D) Red and Blue

12. How many changes or amendments are there to the Constitution?
A) 10
B) 27
C) 13
D) 9

13. What is the Bill of Rights?
A) The first part of the Declaration of Independence
B) The first 10 amendments of the Constitution
C) The Preamble
D) The Pledge of Allegiance

14. Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court today?
A) George W. Bush
B) Thomas Jefferson
C) Janet Reno
D) William Rehnquist

15. Who is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
A) The Secretary of Defense
B) The President
C) The Secretary of State
D) The Vice President

Answers:
1) C 2) C 3) A 4) B 5) C 6) A 7) D 8) D 9) D 10) A 11) B 12) B 13) B 14) D 15) B

Editor’s Note:
American Profile and Fox News Channel asked people across the country for their opinions on the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities we inherit as United States citizens. This is the second installment of a four-part series titled Democracy in America.

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