What does it mean to be an American when half the country no longer shares the creed?

Nick Freitas discusses what it means to be an American on his show "Making the Argument." He addresses the growing ideological divide in the country regarding national identity and proposes three criteria to define who is an American.

1. Historical Context: Freitas notes that for many years, being American revolved around a "creedal" identity, where belief in American principles allowed inclusion.

2. Current Ideological Divide: Increasingly, opinions on immigration and citizenship have become polarized. As such, a clear definition of being American is more crucial than ever.

3. Three Criteria for American Identity:

Legal Citizenship: An individual is legally an American if they have U.S. citizenship.

Historical Connection: Those who have been in the country and share a history contribute to being American.

Cultural Appreciation: Understanding and valuing the social and political foundations of America is key to being seen as a true "countryman."

4. Controversy Over Definition: Freitas agrees with JD Vance that merely agreeing with the Declaration of Independence is not sufficient for American identity, as people may hold citizenship without supporting foundational values.

Freitas emphasizes that true countrymen are those who fully embrace and advocate for American principles, regardless of their background or how long they have been in the country. His show aims to clarify these complex issues surrounding identity in America today. 

https://www.theblaze.com/shows/making-the-argument-with-nick-freitas/what-does-it-mean-to-be-an-american-when-half-the-country-no-longer-shares-the-creed