'we live up to that most New York and American of ideals'

[Olympian]

Hello,

The following passage is from Congressman Weiner's resignation speech.

"I got into politics to help give voice to the many that simply did not have one," he said. "Now I'll be looking for other ways to contribute my talents to make sure that we live up to that most New York and American of ideals: the idea that leading a family, a community and ultimately a country is the one thing that all unites us, the one thing we're all focused on."

I understand what this means, but I found this difficult to read.

I have the following questions that I am not clear about:

1. If 'America' needs to be changed to 'American' ideals, does 'New York' also have to be changed? Or is it not needed?

2. I am not clear on when such a change is needed, because I read something like this in the newspapers here: 'India born scientist ...'. If I remember it correctly, here, it use to be written as 'Indian born' a few years ago. Is this something related to BrE/AmE?

Thank you

[Mannysteps]

Not a teacher

The speech doesn't imply change but to uphold ideals already established:

live up to that most New York and American of ideals

M.

[Olympian]

@mannysteps, I am asking about if the word 'new york' needs to be changed to some other form. I understand about 'live up to'.

America -> American (ideals)
New York -> ? (ideals)

[SoothingDave]

You're asking if the adjective form of "New York" is something else. Like, perhaps "New Yorkian."

No. I have never heard any other form.

[Mannysteps]

Not a teacher

I've seen and heard quite often "New Yorker".

M.

[SoothingDave]

"New Yorker" is a noun describing a person from New York. Not an adjective.

A famous cut of meat is the New York strip steak. It's not a New Yorker or a New Yorkish or a New Yorkian.

[riquecohen]

Not a teacher

I've seen and heard quite often "New Yorker".

M.

You're correct, but this is a noun. This New Yorker doesn't know of an adjective form other than "New York."
"He has a New York accent."
"It's a New York thing."
"He's in a New York state of mind."

[Olympian]

@SoothingDave and riquecohen, thank you. I understand now.

Any idea about question number 2?

Thank you

[riquecohen]

@SoothingDave and riquecohen, thank you. I understand now.

Any idea about question number 2?

Thank you

Regarding question # 2, look here. Definition of -born suffix from Cambridge Dictionary Online: Free English Dictionary and Thesaurus It seems that "Indian-born" would be correct.

[Olympian]

@riquecohen, thank you for the link.

Looks like it is a trend now to use words like 'India-born', 'Canada-born',
and it may become 'correct' usage if enough people start using it.