2. Think about how your actions affect others
The fence separating you and your neighbor is one thing but when you infringe upon another American's rights simply because of your beliefs - how American are you? The country was founded on the principles of freedom, but too often in our quest or it - we deny others of theirs. Its okay to have a position but put yourself in the other person's shoes first.

3. Fulfill your duties...
You are afforded rights as an American... use them. And that means more than just voting. You have a right to free speech - execute it. When you see waste, excess or wrongs - it is your duty to report it. Just think about how soon we might have learned about the housing crisis if those who had been bamboozled simply opened their mouths.

4. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours
Current neighborhood designs have made it almost impossible to really get to know your neighbors. So we are often living with waves to greet each other as we drive into our garages. But knowing your neighbors allows you to look out for one another. Whether its retrieving another's mail while on vacation or alerting them to suspicious activity up the block, scratching each other's back is beneficial to all involved. We teach our kids to have good manners and to share yet it seems like we forget it in our own lives.

5. Treat others as you wished to be treated.
What a novel concept? Respect. Remember, you don't have to like someone, but you should treat them with respect. It is a human right to be respected. But to respect each other, you do need to take time to get to know each other. Wouldn't you want someone to do the same for you? We cannot afford to speak ill of or defame each other. We should be working towards common goals that are rooted in the respect of each other and the country we wave our flag for.

6. It takes a village...
The next time you find yourself saying "I wish someone would clean up that mess" why don't you become that 'someone'. Waiting on a higher power or authority to mow a lawn of an empty home next door to you will work your last nerve. So eliminate the problem and your headache and do it yourself. It takes a village to maintain standards - not a lawmaker 150 miles away in a big dome. Stop assuming that the problem won't go away until you find the right person to complain to - handle it yourself. Your action will spur inspiration throughout your village and you all will feel a sense a pride in knowing that collaboration is key.

7. Remind yourself that you are an American every year or so.
When is the perfect time to do this? This weekend. When you throw some dogs on the grill -recite the Pledge of Allegiance. When you light those firecrackers - sing the Star Spangled Banner. Your neighbors might think that you've lost it (but hopefully not if you followed step 6) but it doesn't matter. You are an American - no matter how you got here. Remind yourself that only in America can you grow up in the projects and die in a mansion. But what makes America great is that you are afforded a second chance. So take it. And use the previous principles to make America a better place for your children and grandkids.