Concerning the discussion on citizenship and diversity, etc, I would like to add my two cents. I have also written a prose poem which I can send to anyone interested.
I think that it is critically important to respect and appreciate all people from other cultures,
in particular languages, religions, art and music.
When we speak of American Culture, what are we talking about?
Please define.
I do not go a day without enjoying all kinds of music, dance, food, etc.
Cultural diversity is ... terrific!
I would not be a very cultured person if I ate meat and potatoes all the time, spoke only English, listened only to 40s songs, and only watched "American" movies.
During the discussion, there have been a few allusions to American history, the constitution, the "founding fathers', etc. 
Roger Williams was a founding father who was expelled from the Plymouth colony for preaching heresy. Those original colonists were extreme religious bigots and it seems, among other things, Rgoer Williams was against Theocracy.
So he went a little southeast and founded Rhode Island to put his heretical views into practice. Williams became governor of RI and welcomed members of all religions to Rhode Island, particularly Catholics and Quakers. Williams also learned the Native peoples' languages and bought land from them at a fair price. 
I have more to say but I have used up my two cents.If you would like a copy of my prose poem, email me offlist.
Thanks,
Paul Rogers
pumarosa21 at yahoo.com


      
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