Opinion
The other day I was presented with this question; “Bill, do you consider yourself a true American?”
Well, to be honest, this question took me by surprise. How could anyone ask me such a question? Not in my wildest dreams would I think someone (anyone) would have grounds to ask me this question. It made me sit down and ask myself what I may have said or done that spurred this question to be asked.
I hit Facebook and reviewed recent In the Pickle Barrel with Bill Pickle programs to see if I had said anything that would cast doubt on my pride in being an American… nope, not in my mind.
I examined several recent writings, commentaries, Facebook entries, Twitter entries, etc. and found nothing (in my mind) that would cast doubt on who I am and what I may have said or wrote that would tarnish my American status.
However, it did make me ask my own list of questions as to what makes someone (anyone) a true American? (Oh, before we get started pay no attention to the order of things shared, they are all important):
Do you believe in the Constitution of the United States of America? To be more to 
the point, do you believe in our Bill of Rights? Do not know them? Take time to look them up. It’s worth the time and effort.
Have you volunteered to serve in any branch of our military to help protect our nation? Do you exercise your right (and honor other people their right) to practice the religion of choice?
Have you participated in politics as an activist, candidate or office holder? Oh, if you have or currently doing so, di/do you listen to the people who elected you? Do/Did you respect the views of those who may not have elected you?
Do you (have you) serve (d) on any community Board, Commission, Advisory Committee or other service committee in your community?
Have you served as a volunteer first responder such as firefighter, law enforcement deputy, Guardian ad Litem, Scouts or other organizations to help others in you city or neighborhood? What have you done to help those less fortunate than you who cannot help themselves?
Tricky question…do you obey the same laws you expect others to obey?
Are you willing to work on solving our deficiencies and shortcomings when dealing with all people/issues?
Do you believe it is within everyone’s right to protest what you may not believe in or think appropriate?
Are you willing to take criticism and try to learn something new from it? (personal note: I assure you I have learned I do not know everything.)
Do you believe we are the best country (or at least one of the best countries) on this planet, yet, we are not perfect?
Alright, I could go on and on. I hope you get the message that all Americans can be patriotic and still not be the same!
God Bless America!
Bill Pickle is a regular columnist for The Standard and hosts the radio program “In the Pickle Barrel” with Bill Pickle.
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