[Vigilanteman]

We have a winner.

I challenge any Hispanic organization to come up with something similar.

Whatever discrimination Hispanic immigrants may suffer today, it pales in comparison to what Italian immigrants suffered here a century or so ago. Maybe the emphasis on Americanization has something to do with why Americans of Italian ancestry are so accepted here today. Ya think?

[informavoracious]

Maybe the emphasis on Americanization has something to do with why Americans of Italian ancestry are so accepted here today.

Agreed. But then, our Italian ancestors were not affirmed in maintaining their culture with bilingual schooling, government documents in every language, ethnic TV channels, and welfare programs. You worked or went hungry. We were expected to learn English and assimilate, to become American. Being American was the ultimate prize.

The race baiters pretend that no one else in the history of America experienced discrimination.

[re_nortex]

Maybe the emphasis on Americanization has something to do with why Americans of Italian ancestry are so accepted here today.

Realizing you're from Westmoreland County made the abbreviation a snap to decipher. Since I grew up nearby, I was very familiar with the fraternal organizations for the ethnic groups, notably the Italians and Polish.

As for assimilation, I can't help but recall the first four words of The Godfather: I believe in America, uttered by Amerigo Bonasera, the undertaker. Sure Puzo's/Coppolla's work is fictional but the entire quote is quite revealing:

I believe in America. America has made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in the American fashion. And what have the Mexicans given us in return? La Raza (The Race) and M.E.Ch.A., leftist radical movements aimed at destroying America and these symbols of their true feelings about the United States: