[Hermann the Cherusker]

and you're starting to sound like some kinda nutcase which is too bad--I agreed with much of what you stated earlier in the thread. Newsflash: There is no gene for being an American.

I think the person who first used the phrase is using an imprecise rhetorical flourish.

Nevertheless, Mitochondrial DNA markers can be used to determine everyones ancestory. Therefore, the amalgamated group I mentioned before will show a common thread of ancestory from the relatively small number of pre-1880 (and even more so pre-1800) immigrants to this country.

[grellis]

from the relatively small number of pre-1880

BFD! Not a single one of my ancestors set foot on North American soil before 1905--most of them came over in the 1920s. Guess I'm not an American, right?

Being an American--claiming to have allegiance to ANY nation, for that matter--has nothing to do with genetics. Nada, zip, zilch, zero. Ideals, baby. I am an American because I would fight for my country and I would die for my country. Being born here just means I can run for President.