Question for Americans about ethnic identity

[LavCat]

Only the war of 1812 was a *real* threat to our freedom. Our old foes, the British empire, returned to attempt to return us as subjects of the crown. If it weren't for our pirate hero, Jean Lafitte, it probably would have been so.

Battle of New Orleans was fought after the peace treaty had been signed. If it were not for the support of Lafitte, it is true the British might have won the battle, but the primary effect on U.S. history may then have been that Jackson would never have become president.

All this is supposition. What is not supposition is that Lafitte was a great pirate and not much of a hero. After all, we sent the Enterprise against him. Furthermore, he flew the flag of Cartagena.