As Cho walked through the neighborhood, he stopped to speak with several residents proudly wearing patriotic clothing. One man even sported a Charlie Kirk shirt, catching the journalist’s attention before the conversation turned to what makes America different from every other nation.
The resident didn’t hesitate to explain why he believes the United States remains exceptional.
“This is the only country where you can say and do whatever you want with freedom. Freedom of speech, you know what I mean?”
Despite living in one of the nation’s toughest neighborhoods, the man argued that America’s constitutional liberties remain unmatched and are worth defending.
Cho then asked how he would respond to people who identify as communists or regularly attack the United States.
The answer was immediate and blunt.
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“Go to hell, man,” one resident replied. “They built a nation where the future ain’t dead. We march for rights.”
The exchange reflected a strong belief that America’s founding ideals continue to offer opportunities unavailable in many other parts of the world.
Cho also noted that anti-American sentiment has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly in politics and on social media. He asked another resident why so many people seem eager to criticize the country.
The response emphasized what he believes separates America from the rest of the world.
“I don’t know. Ain’t nobody like us. We got everything. Everything we want. It’s the spirit of rebels who turned into owners,” another resident responded.
Even while acknowledging the country’s flaws, the resident maintained that America’s unique history and culture continue to inspire pride.
Cho followed up by asking whether the man would choose to live anywhere else if given the opportunity.
His answer left no room for doubt.
“Ain’t nobody can run us off,” he said before later adding that the United States is “one of the best, greatest countries.”
Although the discussion briefly turned toward financial struggles and the pursuit of economic success, the resident suggested that money alone does not define the nation’s greatness.
“We’re still chasing that paper,” he said before trailing off while reflecting on what he viewed as America’s greater blessings.
As the interview wrapped up, Cho shifted the conversation toward the men and women who served in the U.S. military, asking whether Independence Day should also be a time to honor America’s veterans.
“Yeah. So we’ve got to remember our veterans today, right?” Cho asked.
“All day. Right,” the resident responded.
The exchange served as a reminder that patriotism often comes from unexpected places. While Skid Row has become a symbol of many of America’s most serious social challenges, several residents made clear that their hardships have not erased their appreciation for the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution or their pride in calling the United States home.
At a time when national identity continues to fuel political debate, Cho’s interviews highlighted voices that are rarely featured in the mainstream media. Rather than condemning America, these residents expressed gratitude for the liberties they enjoy, praised the country’s founding principles, and emphasized that, despite their personal struggles, they would still choose America over any other nation.
For many viewers, the interviews offered a striking reminder that love of country is not measured by wealth or social status, but by an appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities that millions of Americans continue to cherish 250 years after the nation’s founding.
