A Nation Like No Other by Newt Gingrich Page B

values which I believe in. It really means a lot to me to become a citizen of the United States—I am in the process—because then I can consider myself as an American. I am really proud to wear any colors that are red, white, and blue.

POPE BENEDICT XVI
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO THE U.S., WELCOMING CEREMONY AT THE WHITE HOUSE, APRIL 16, 2008 8
    From the dawn of the Republic, America’s quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator. The framers of this nation’s founding documents drew upon this conviction when they proclaimed the “self-evident truth” that all men are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights grounded in the laws of nature and of nature’s God. The course of American history
demonstrates the difficulties, the struggles, and the great intellectual and moral resolve which were demanded to shape a society which faithfully embodied these noble principles. In that process, which forged the soul of the nation, religious beliefs were a constant inspiration and driving force, as for example in the struggle against slavery and in the civil rights movement. In our time too, particularly in moments of crisis, Americans continue to find their strength in a commitment to this patrimony of shared ideals and aspirations.
    . . . Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience—almost every town in this country has its monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate. It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one’s deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate. In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good.

JEFFREY KOFMAN
CANADIAN IMMIGRANT AND ABC NEWS CORRESPONDENT, FROM HIS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT HIS OWN NATURALIZATION CEREMONY, FEBRUARY 25, 2010 9
    When the interview was over the immigration officer reached to the far side of her desk and grabbed a bulky rubber stamp. I watched as it hit the paper. When she lifted it, it left behind a big red imprint. In the middle, the single word “APPROVED.” As I looked at my application and at the bright red stamp, it hit me.
    I am now an American.
    And at that very moment I wondered how many people before all of us have put so much of their future on that red stamp and that single word: APPROVED.... I know that at least some of you came from lives of hardship to realize this day and this dream. But think for a moment
about the people of previous generations who achieved this day. For them U.S. citizenship in a significant way marked the end to nightmares and violations of dignity that we can only begin to imagine.
    I think it is fair to say that what drew you and me and all of those before us to this country and this moment is a simple concept that we can all understand and share. It is summarized in a single word: FREEDOM.
    Perhaps it was to escape a state of oppression, or extreme poverty, corruption, or violations of human rights. Or perhaps, as in my case, you simply came here to pursue a dream.
    What we all share is a thirst for Freedom: a desire to live as we want, without unreasonable interference, without unfair obstacles. A dream that through determination and hard work we can rise to a level we deserve.

CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS
BRITISH IMMIGRANT, AUTHOR, AND COLUMNIST, INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN LAMB, C-SPAN, APRIL 26, 2009 10
    The American Revolution, the one that says build your republic on individual rights not group rights; have a Bill of Rights that inscribes these and makes them available and