The Honorable Dean Alfange was an American statesman born December 2, 1899, in Constanstinople (now known as Instanbul).  He was raised in upstate New York.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and attended Hamilton College, graduating with the class of 1922.  This American Creed was first puplished in This Week Magazine and was later printed in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952 and January 1954.  

I decided to post it here on my blog as a reminder of what true Americans once believed, how they once acted, and what they once fought for.  We need to get this American Creed back.  It is time for true Americans to stand up and be counted … to fight for their country … to defend it from its enemies – both foreign and, sadly now, especially domestic!

An American Creed

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 to build, to fail and to 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 handout.  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 benefit of my creations and to face the world boldy and say, “This I have done.”

By Dean Alfange

What can any real American say to that except, “Amen!”