In those times of turmoil and earsplitting acrimony in public life, the term referred to those Americans who didn't raise much commotion, but whose fidelity to tradition was unwavering.

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But the uncle didn't know what was happening and called 911 when he heard a commotion downstairs.

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And by a miracle (don't say it), a nearby shop door opened and out stepped an American who had heard the commotion.

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