I do not choose to be a common man.
It is my right to be uncommon, if I can.
I seek opportunity, not security.
I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled
by having the state look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk;
to dream and build, to fail and succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.
I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence;
the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence,
nor my dignity for a hand out.
I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect, proud, and unafraid;
to think and act for myself; enjoy the benefits of my creations
and to face the world boldly and say this I have done.
All this is what it means to be an American.
