whosez

The way the debate, over some Mexicans entering the United States, has been framed is classic obfuscation, misrepresentation and spin. The question is, are we still a sovereign nation of laws or are we just a large land mass open to colonization and Balkanization by the rest of the world?

For two centuries, the United States has had waves of immigration. Until recently, you needed permission and to meet requirements to immigrate. Until recently is a misstatement because these laws are still in place but are not being enforced.

The argument is made that we are a nation of immigrants while conveniently leaving out the word legal. Objection to illegal immigration is spun as being anti immigration. I find this extremely offensive. You see, both of my parents were immigrants.

They came here not just for a better life but to become Americans. They did not expect to return to their country of birth. They both learned English and became Naturalized Citizens. My parents were proud of becoming Americans while retaining pride in their ancestry. That fierce American pride was born of coming here legally. How can an invader, who breaks the law to get here, develop pride in being American?

The issue of English as the official language never came up because there was no bilingual education when my mother entered grade school in NYC. She learned English the way all experts say is the best way to learn another language: Total emersion. The Germans, who were the largest immigrant group, did not receive bilingual education.

Since everyone was expected to learn English as a condition of citizenship, neither ballots or any other official documents, were bilingual.

A country is defined by the security of its borders and its fidelity to the rule of law. Sacrificing law for expedience degrades our society.

# posted by Roc : 11:33 AM  0 Comments