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Americans on average work 2,080 hours a year. It has been proven that Americans work longer, take less vacations, and they retire later. On average European countries work 260 less hours than we do. Of the European counterparts America works longer than or equal to a majority of them.

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We have the freedom in America to choose whom to marry, whom to vote for, and to whom we pray.  We also have the freedom to speak out against government and religion. There are places in the world where religion and government are entwined, and citizens cannot speak out against it without fear of persecution. People have fought for our right to fight for what we believe in.

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Since I was born in America and I am still making my way,  I definitely have a different view than Hudgins and Roosevelt. Being an American is a responsibility to ensure the freedom of the citizens of this great nation for the benefit of humanity, Sure the majority of the world sees us as obese, ignorant, gun toting, crazy, freaks: However after learning about what drove immigrants to leave their homeland and everything they know just for the opportunity to let their hard work and dedication determine their future, I realized how fortunate I am to start on American soil.  To come here with nothing and work to have everything, that is the American spirit in us all.
Most importantly, the responsibility as an individual to recognize that we need to protect the ideals and freedoms of this nation even if its in opposition of your own personal views.   We may not agree, but I stand by your right to say it.

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Hudgins has a different idea of what it takes to be an American. "An American is anyone who loves life enough to want the best it has to offer."(Hudgins page 1 paragraph 3) In this quote Hudgins is very blunt when saying that you must have a deep love and do what is best for you, your family, and your country. Another quote from Hudgins is," The principles of this country are no mere abstractions: they are written on the hearts of all true Americans." In this quote Hudgins is saying that if you are a "true" American then you know what it takes to be a "true" American. Edward L. Hudgins shows us that it isn't living in America or having a citizenship that makes you and American it is the mindset you have, its the quality of your work ethic and wanting the best for you and your family.

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Edward's family weren't born in America. They immigrated to America from Italy for a better life, more money, and a safe place for Edward to grow up. Hudgins has a different perspective on what it takes to be an American since he was exposed to what those from other countries had to suffer through on a daily basis. He has a better concept of how lucky Americans are and how being in America isn't a requirement of being a true American.

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Another quote from Roosevelt is "To yet a greater extent it must be done in combination with others, he yielding or modifying certain of his own theories and beliefs so as to enable him to stand on a common ground with his fellows who have likewise yielded or modified certain of their own theories and beliefs."(Roosevelt page 2 "The Strenuous Life") Roosevelt, in this quote, is saying that in order for you to contribute to the good of you, other Americans, and just America in general, you might have to change your views or just make that opinion or belief not a giant part of you. Roosevelt believed that in order to be an American you must work hard, strive to fulfill your beliefs, and fight or make it so others can express their own beliefs as well.

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The 26th president of the United States believed that a true American must fight for their beliefs as well as other Americans and working hard for their country."You can no more have freedom without striving and suffering for it than you could success as a banker or lawyer without labor or effort."(Roosevelt, page one, "The Strenuous Life")
In this quote Roosevelt is saying you need to strive and suffer just as much as you need to work hard and apply yourself. The previously mentioned quote also shows that Roosevelt valued those who applied themselves and worked hard.

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Americans are all individuals who have their own beliefs. Being an American means you can practice and partake in any religion. You can participate in any political party of your choosing. Americans even get to choose the leader of their country, other countries aren't as lucky. Individuality and having your own opinion is a giant element of being an American.

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America In 4 Minutes (Official Video) || Spoken Word

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Being an American doesn't mean you had to be born on American soil. The majority of people who consider themselves to be an American feel that freedom, hard work, and the ability to be yourself are the main components of all Americans.