Probably, the only music that can be considered American is Native American music.  All others are either from the Old Country or a hybrid.  But, then,  that's what America's about.

For example, if a person immigrated to America from the imaginary country of Euroland.  And, he believes that the music he hears at the Euroland hall is Eurolandish.  He is right.  Anyone could plainly see and hear that the melodies, lyrics, costumes, and dance steps at the Euroland hall are from the old country.  But, if that person were born in America, dresses like an American, speaks like an American, attended American schools, eats American food, has American friends, works in an American business, pays taxes to the American government, and attends an American church.  And, if the people at the Euroland hall sing like Americans and dance a new style of Polka that was created here in America.  And, if the musicians at the Euroland hall sing in American and play a new style of Polka that was created here in America. Then, I ask you, Can that person honestly call his Polka and Waltz music Eurolandish?

Let me state my position another way.

Anyone who has traveled abroad can tell you that the new, dynamic American style of Polka and Waltz music does not exist anywhere else in the world.  That means that no other country in the world has ever produced a Frankie Yankovic, Little Wally, Jimmy Sturr, Brave Combo, Eddie B, Marv Herzog, Ernie Kucera.  That means that no other country in the world could ever create songs like Just Because, The Minneapolis Polka, You've Got A Friend In Pennsylvania, Pretty Red Wing, Hey Farmer, EIO, and Waltz Across Texas.  Now, if that is true, then, those songs, those musicians, those dance steps, those Polkas, and those Waltzes are as American as apple pie because that's what America is, a country formed from many people.

Actually, I am writing this article to persuade Polka people to unite.   In a sea of change, we can preserve our heritage better if we find our common bonds, not as Eurolanders, but as Americans.  As Eurolanders, we remain different from each other.  As Americans we can find our common heritage and preserve it.

We could begin the process of unification with one of the world's most powerful cultural developments, the Polka.  In other words, create Polka festivals that stress our mutual interests and common heritage.

For example, suppose at one of these American Polka festivals you ordered a Hot Dog and the vendor inquired, "What kind do you want: Cleveland, Chicago, Omaha, Milwaukee, New Orleans, or Tex-Mex?"  And, you said "Milwaukee."  All the old-timers would know you just ordered a bratwurst.  But, as you can see, our favorite "meat stick in a bun" has an American sound to it, bringing us together and preserving that small part of our heritage.

I know the Hot Dog idea stretches the imagination a bit, so allow me to conclude this article with two stories for your consideration.

An Amishman had five sons.  One day, he called his strong, handsome sons together, gave them each a stick, and told them to break it.  Of course, those work hardened hands broke their father’s stick with ease.  Then, he gave them each another stick and a piece of twine.  He instructed them to put their sticks together and bind them with the twine string. When they had finished, their father told them to break the bundle of sticks.  They struggled mightily, but not one of them could break the bundle as their father commanded.

Then, the father looked into their eyes and said, "Let that be a lesson to you.  If you stick together, no one can ever break you."

The second story is true.  It’s about a very popular Minnesota DJ who announces each song as Cleveland style, Chicago style, Omaha style, Milwaukee style, East Coast style, Tex-Mex, and so on.   In one stroke, he eliminated the cultural divide and united his listeners as Americans.

Now, would you like to know something exciting?  This bright, young man is the hottest show on that station.  Would you like to know something even more exciting?  His Polka show is one of the hottest shows in the state of Minnesota with a poll rating of 90%.  Very few DJs in the world can match that.