Where did the concept of being a hyphenated American originate? When did it become a necessity to define one self in this fashion? Why is there a need for an individual to define themselves as a hyphenated American? Are there Political Correctness or Identity Crisis issues in play? Is there an agenda to destroy America and what she was founded on? Do people honestly believe that America is supposed to be a democracy run by the mob rule mentality? Haven’t we learned from civilizations past that being a true democracy and having the mob rule mentality have been the downfall of these civilizations? Do people miss the word Republic in the Pledge of Allegiance? Has the Pledge of Allegiance become an antiquated document that needs to be brought up to date and revised like the Constitution and Bill of Rights?

   When a founding father was asked; did you give us a Republic or a Democracy? He is quoted saying, “A Republic if you can keep it” Who was it? Are we headed down the path where the Rule of law is going by the wayside? Are we headed in the direction where this country is run on mob rule mentality?

I guess the Rule of Law only applies when it is convenient for the individual in question. Am I missing something here?

   As far as my lineage, I do not want to be known as an English-Dutch-German-French-Irish-Native-American. Does one choose which country or cultural background they prefer to the others?

   Does an individual choose which religion or faith to be a hyphenated American? Would I rather define my individuality as being a Catholic-American, Jewish-American, or Islamic-American?

   Where would sexuality fit in? Do I want to define myself as a Homosexual or Lesbian –American? How about an S&M-American? Is it going to become a necessity to define your complete individuality by hyphenations? At some point is it going to be necessary for me to put on my résumé I am a Married-Conservative-Heterosexual-Caucasian-Christian-American?

   What happened to the days where people just wanted to be plain old ordinary Americans? I remember talking to generations past that wanted to assimilate and become Americans. These people wanted to leave behind the oppression and discrimination they were faced with.

   Often people would change their names to sound more American. My Great Grandfather and his parents were some of these people. Proud German Immigrants that wanted to pursue their American Dream to become Americans. It wasn’t because they were afraid of persecution or discrimination. It wasn’t due to being ashamed of being German, they wanted to be Americans because of the beacon of hope they saw America had to offer. To have the freedoms to practice their religion, practice free speech, and enjoy the freedom and right to live as they saw fit. They wanted future generations to prosper and have a better life than past generations had growing up.

   I can only imagine what my Great Grandfather felt as a 9 year old boy seeing the Statue of Liberty, and coming into Ellis Island. Finally realizing his dream to become an American was about to come true.

   Not once did I ever hear from my family or ancestors they wanted to be German-Americans. Being a Hyphenated American was not in the equation. They just wanted to be Americans.

   I never heard any of my ancestors stating they wanted uni-sex bathrooms because they were transgender, foot washing stations because of religious beliefs, or demanding to have school work or proficiency tests be given in public schools and college campuses in German. They assimilated, learned English, and believed what this country was founded on. My family heritage is steeped heavily in the foundation and history of this country with people like Noah and Daniel Webster, Betsy Ross, and Boston Corbett. Another fascinating figure that is an important player not only with American History, but Chinese History as well was a missionary named Hunter Corbett. The school and hospital Hunter founded in China are still in operation today.