Millynneum Insight

Saturday, May 24, 2008

MEMORIAL DAY REFLECTIONS
What's your UST?

Determine your UST quotient by answering these questions from the “United States Test”, Millynneum Insight’s txt for the formal US citizenship test.

Recently, America welcomed more than 18,000 Los Angeles area residents into our multicultural mosaic, according to reports from The Associated Press. Latino media is to be partially credited for this citizen surge; broadcasters continually emphasize the importance of the vote and encourage each person to make their voice heard—resulting in a successful democracy for all.

Include substantive discussions during your Memorial Day backyard barbecue chats. Follow-up discussion with “do.” Volunteer … tutor … take time to make your community a better place—it can’t happen without you!

Countless people are still dying for yes, our land of opportunity. In their honor, it’s the least we all can do.

Register voters. Be vigilant and vocal in your fight on important issues, in your own backyard. Get involved as a community leader; run for city council. Understand that via the internet, YOU now have worldwide reach! Support your candidate of choice; lend your support by clicking a donation to China or Myanmar.

Encourage people to see your point of view. Massage each message. Persuade and persevere.

Broadcast by example how great it is to live in America. Good friends know I’d like to perhaps live in South Africa one day. But guess what? I’m going for dual citizenship, and cannot fathom ever relinquishing the land of my birth. Like I said, too many have sacrificed too much.

The great majority of us were born here and tend to take our freedom for granted. As a colleague, Gordon Balkcom reminded me this morning, “freedom is not free.” His sister Sharon, a true patriot, sacrificed her life during the World Trade Center tragedy.

First, upgrade your UST quotient and refresh your knowledge of American history. Then, enhance that wisdom with your own cultural insight, reflections and unique perspectives. Finally, spread the wealth and value of “Made in the USA!”

UST - United States (Citizenship) Test
*answers below

1. Who’s in charge of the executive branch?

2. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

3. Name one of the two longest rivers in the U.S.

4. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

5. What is the name of the current Speaker of the US House of Representatives?

6. Name the US war between the North and South?

7. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

8. Name one US territory?

9. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

10. Who was President during World War I?

* Answers: 1. The President; 2. Thomas Jefferson; 3. Mississippi, Missouri Rivers; 4. Nine; 5. Nancy Pelosi; 6. The Civil War; 7. Represents original 13 colonies; 8. Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, North Mariana Islands; 9. Fought for Women’s Rights, Civil Rights; 10. Woodrow Wilson.