Cigar: Cohiba Siglo V
Drink: Bourbon/Havana Club & Coke

Today, I think about the country I love. I recently returned from Washington D.C. and while there I visited the National Archives and saw the Constitution. Even though this is the second time I have seen this piece of paper, it still sends shivers down my spine. I have a copy of it in my house. This is what I have sworn to protect against all enemies, foreign and domestic. It’s the domestic enemy that I wish to heal today.

When President Obama won the election, even though I honesty didn’t vote for him, as an historian I was very happy. I told my wife I believe the nation will finally start to heal from the wounds that it has inflicted upon its self for the last 200 years. However, I honestly don’t believe its healing. I believe its getting worse, and possibly, I’m one the few watching and getting sadder because I can’t do anything about it.

I was running around D.C. when I saw the census notifications on the doors. I started to think about what I wanted if I received on. I, living in Germany; will not receive that form. Although, I think, they would find my answer to be very interesting. Every two years, a squadron in the Air Force conducts an environmental survey to inform its new commander the status of their people so they have the ability to focus on issues to make moral better. When they do this, it is anonymous. The only thing that is known about anyone is race, sex, and rank. When they came and asked me what my race was, I told them AMERICAN. They looked at me like I was on drugs. They asked me are you white? Do you claim Angleo Saxon? Do you claim Native American. I said, no. I’m not white. I’m not Native American. I’m simply an AMERICAN. I told them to write that down. They said, white it is. I then informed them of the problem of America and why it will not heal. They wouldn’t listen.

So now, I’ll put it on paper, why I think this nation will never heal.

We forgot who we are and where we come from. Everyday, on the news, when I’m visiting the states I see people talking about being an American, however, they have no problem putting a dominate title before it. African American, Asian American, German American, Mexican American and there are many more. This, I believe is part of the problem. When someone decides that being something else is more important then being an American…I think there is something wrong.

Now, let’s get one thing straight. Taking pride in your heritage is a wonderful thing. Myself, I’m Blackfoot/Cherokee Indian. I’m also Scottish and English. My last name is English and also an alcoholic drink. When I wear my kilt, I have the Duncan Clan for my Kilt Pin. My Grandmothers maiden name is Duncan. Am I proud of my family heritage? Absolutely! Do I walk around saying I’m Scottish American or Native American? HELL NO! I’m simply an AMERICAN! I’m not white. I’m not Native American. I’m just a simple red-blooded patriotic American.

Teddy Roosevelt in 1919 wrote to the American Defense Society:

"In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

91 Years ago, Theodore Roosevelt already saw what was happening to us as a nation. We didn’t listen. We need to listen. When 9/11 happened, many commcercials were played with people saying this very fact. I remember it, they said “I’m an American”. I thought, finally, people are getting it. That lasted months, before we got back to the normal titles that many people use today.

I know that many people don’t agree with me and that is fine with me. The first amendment guarantees that right, and I defend, with my life if asked, your freedom to disagree with me. That’s the best part about being an American. We all don’t have to agree.

Thanks for your time and patience as I let my thoughts flow today…

Lopaka