`  :That's actually a very good point. Not all those who use English speak it as their first language, and many of them are bound to use the word ``American`` differently than those who do. It would be nice to have some reliable sources on this, but I doubt there are many. And unless some are found, we really can't add speculation into the article. Most sources we do have - dictionaries and the like - are geared towards native speakers of English and its prominent dialects (Canadian English, African American Vernacular English, etc.) As to the use of ``American`` as a political tool to enforce Manifest Destiny and deny the sovereignty of other American states, well, I don't think there is any significant debate on the matter. I've never even heard of such an idea from anyone besides WilyD. But you'll notice that the article does not discuss it; doing so without citing reliable sources would constitute original research on his part, and he's done a commendable job trying to keep this and other articles free of that. / `