To Be an American

What does it mean to be an American? Our founding fathers built the Constitution on the idea that every American should have rights that protect our freedom to practice our own religion, and the freedom to protect ourselves in our own homes. The First Amendment of the Constitution gives us the freedom of free speech. Do you know how lucky we are to have the right to speak our minds? There are a number of countries around the world who prosecute their citizens, sometimes with imprisonment or with physical brutality, for speaking out of terms about the government. Social equality is America’s backbone. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are rights set out for all Americans inscribed in the Declaration of Independence.

We are coming into an election year, and for all practical purposes, could be a historic race. Every American should be excited to watch the candidates for president debate back and forth on issues that affect us all: the war in Iraq, homeland security, the development of renewable energy resources and the uncertain expectations of Social Security being available in 30 to 40 years. Every American should get involved in the election process by reading newspapers, or if you are not able, watch news programs or listen to talk radio shows. Get involved! Please don’t think your vote doesn’t count, because it does, on a state and a national level.

With the current state budget cuts proposed by Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri, particularly in the human services field, it is our duty to stand up for ourselves and let the Governor and state officials know that we have a voice too, and we won’t be silenced. And if we stand together, there will be strength in our numbers. I am discouraged when I hear someone say they are not going to vote in any election process because they don’t feel like their vote is going to change anything. If nobody voted, your life wouldn’t be your own. Let your voice be heard.