Pg. 4 It is simple to follow the easy and familiar path of personal ambition and private gain. It is more comfortable to sit in the easy approval of friends and of neighbors than to risk the friction and the controversy that comes with public affairs. It is easier to fall in step with the slogans of others than to march to the beat of the internal drummer – to make and stand on judgments of our own. And it is far easier to accept and stand on the past, than to fight for the answers of the future
There is always room at the top * Daniel Webster
1. This quote from Daniel Webster is a prime example of how it is very easy to become mediocre and average but to become great you need to make uncomfortable decisions. I think this highlights American culture because Americans are known to have great ingenuity. We find a way to be at the top in the world in all aspects ( military, sports, business, etc.).

Pg. 11 All of us, from the wealthiest to the young children that I have seen in this country, in this year, bloated by starvation – we all share one precious possession, and that is the name American. It is not easy to know what that means. But in part to be an American means to have been an outcast and a stranger, to have come to the exiles’ country, and to know that he who denies the outcast and stranger still amongst us, he also denies America. “History has placed us all, Northerner and Southerner, black and white, within a common border and under a common law. All of us, from the wealthiest and most powerful of men, to the weakest and hungriest of children, share one precious possession: the name American.” - John F. Kennedy 2. These words of brilliance from Robert’s brother John signify what it means to be an American. To come together no matter what race, gender, religion or any other difference and progress under one flag as Americans displays the brotherhood America posses. Pg. 25 Everything that makes man’s life worthwhile – family, work, education, a place to rear one’s children, and a place to rest one’s head-all this depends on decisions of government; all can be swept away by a government which does not heed the demands of its people. Therefore, the essential humanity of men can be protected and preserved only where the government must answer- not just to the wealthy, not just to those of a particular religion, or a particular race, but to all its people. 3. I believe this passage from the book represents America because is really highlights the importance of freedom and democracy. The passage emphasizes that the government has to answer to everyone, not just the high class and how a government must respond to the needs of the people if it is to be successful. Pg. 23 We know that if one man’s rights are denied, the rights of all are endangered. Freedom means not only the opportunity to know but the will to know. 4. This short passage from the book talks about the main reason on why this country was founded and something that many people today take for granted: freedom. We are allowed to say what we want about the government and express our opinion in any way we want. This luxury is so coveted that people have fought and died for it. The passage lets us know that we need to know what is going on in the government for if not, it is the waste of our freedom. Pg. 77 Together, we can make this nation where young people do not seek the false peace of drugs. Together, we can make this a nation where old people are not shunted off; where, regardless of the color of his skin or the place of the birth of his father, every citizen will have an equal chance at dignity and decency. Together, Americans are the most decent, generous, and compassionate people in the world.
5. This passage shows the strength of community and the strength of brotherhood America displays. It shows us a goal or dream that we are capable of if we all make an effort to get there. But most of all this passage shows what our fore fathers dreamed America would be; a place where no matter who you are, you are welcomed.