What does a free and strong America mean to you?

Today I accepted the challenge from Mitt Romney's Free and Strong America PAC to write down in 250 or less "What does a free and strong America mean to you?"

I accepted this challenge and submitted these words:

The strength of America is in her founding principles and the devotion of her people. As a Constitutional-republic, America is a land governed by the people, for the people. As a citizen, I pledge my allegiance to our flag and to the republic for which it stands.

As inspired innovators, our Founders knew that freedom was worth fighting and dying for. They gave us a document that granted to all the ability to pursue happiness and secure prosperity through innovation and risk. But freedom requires more than just claiming we have a Constitution; freedom requires the adherence to it.

America will only remain strong if we remember that freedom requires the ability to pursue happiness through ambition, risk, and commerce. These tenants are under attack today by those who pursue narrow political gain. Rather, they should be celebrated by all freedom-loving individuals.I don’t question the devotion and patriotism of others, but I am concerned that our appreciation and understanding of the wise and innovative, and indeed risky, sacrifices of the Founders is being forgotten.

I speak of apathy, fiscal irresponsibility, selfishness, greed, corruption, accountability, the abandonment of personal responsibility, and the lack of respect for others including the Founding Fathers and the Constitution. Some blame a rush towards socialism; I blame a lack of understanding and devotion to the Constitution.

For America to remain strong, we must more fully appreciate and understand our founding principles and remain devoted to them.