What It Means to Be American

On Fox News, there is a show where former Democratic Congressman Harold Ford Jr. discusses political topics with four other hosts. He is nearly always the odd man out, the liberal amongst a group of conservatives. But besides providing some balance to a lopsided show, he is also a shining example of unity in today’s divided environment.

No matter what question, attack, or charged topic that comes his way, he begins the same way, “first of all, it’s great to be with you.” It immediately settles the waters, in a way, reminding us of what we’re doing when we discuss controversial topics: having a conversation. We are not enemies; rather, we are fellow Americans. And when you hear Ford Jr. speak, you get the sense that he is sincere when he says that it’s good to be with you.

Harold Ford Jr. always attempts to find common ground, agreeing with hosts when there can be agreement. He doesn’t give in on his most important issues, however, and while I would probably disagree with him on issues like abortion or environmental regulation, I respect his conviction. I like that he doesn’t back down on his values, even when those around him think differently.

To me, all of this is part of what it means to be an American. We all have individual values and differences, but we unify under the same flag. This week, we celebrate July 4th, where Americans did exactly that in declaring their independence from Britain in 1776. There were sharp disagreements back then, no different from what we experience today. Our founding fathers, in their passions, often battled their ideas for months and years before coming together with a unified decision. But no matter what, they recognized they had a common goal: to create a republic that would last for generations, guaranteeing freedom for everyone.

Many people sacrificed to achieve and preserve the goal of freedom. From the brave men with Washington crossing the Delaware river in the frigid ice to two world wars where millions died, America has stood through much on the backs of courageous, unified people. We don’t have to agree on everything to be unified; in fact, that’s why we have fought so hard: to have freedom. To say what you want, to disagree, to battle ideas, to have friends, family, and a great nation. To stand under the red, white, and blue of the United States of America, where out of many, there is one.