The meaning of being an authentic America is what I love about our country. With the diversity of nationalities, religions, and economic status, what is the common ground bond that will heal America from its unhealthy divisions to a union of free and independent states? It is being an authentic American as birthed in 1776.
Many people wrestle with the uncertainty of what is an American, including world-famous music artist Bruce Springsteen. Because of Bruce’s concern for America, which is communicated through his music, he’s been asked in interviews on this pointed question: “What is an American?”
Does being born in the USA make the individual American? Does being a US passport holder make one America? Is being an American citizen the right idea of American? Though these external realities are good and do have their privileges, they all fall ever-so-short of the bull’s-eye—America birthed by the Spirit of 1776 as a self-governed people.
You see, the idea of America is not political, but it certainly is governmental. She was birthed during the embryo founding era from 1620-1820 and attacked by foreign and domestic enemies over the next 200 years from 1820-2020, and I along with others possess a compelling vision of America being reborn as a self-governed free nation over a next 200-year trajectory.
In searching the historical records of those men who bore the responsibility for erecting America, I was confronted with the reality of what is distinctly good about America. What is good, my dear friend! Not what is wrong with seemingly everything, but what is good that gives hope to all who brave these shores.
I have been given the answer to the question, and it is available to anyone who looks at the evidence. The KEY question for many of us is “What is an American?” The clarity has come over a costly, painstaking twenty-four year quest to come to terms with that myself. It’s in apprehending what is an authentic American that has lit my innermost being on fire to overcome agendas that perpetrate the fraud of a thin veneer of American citizenship. As for me and my house, the command still remains: “Honor your father and mother.” I will honor those men who through much sacrifice have earned the right to be called America’s founding fathers.
Defend the authentic American lifestyle of self-governance against her enemies. Love the true Lawgiver and love your neighbor—govern yourself.
Barry Durmaz, East Lampeter Township
