What ever happened to "Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free..."

CookingWithCarlo.com ^ | 01/11/2004 | Carlo3b Dad, Chef, Author

[carlo3b]

 
IMMIGRATION INDIGNATION, holy smoke! DID YOU SEE WHAT I SAW?

What ever happened to  "Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free..."

They came here for several centuries for the same reasons – freedom and hope -- and then a Frenchman created a statue that embodied their hopes and dreams. And it embodied America's promise as well. "Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free..."
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

I have been watching with a bit of sadness, and more than a little concern, the debate that has been raging over President Bush's Administration proposed guest worker program. I haven't seen anything definitive yet, but I have to admit that I have some uneasiness about what is being said, and what may be done.

First and foremost, I do not wish to trivialize the genuine fear and the authentic concern that most of the protesters of the proposal have expressed. Nor do I disagree with the legitimate anxiety over what the future may hold if this proposal is actually what is being portrayed, "a blanket amnesty for illegal aliens". That being the case there would be in fact, national as well as historical principles at stake, and we must be ever vigilant in the protection of our liberties as well as our sovereignty.

"Principles have no real force except when one is well-fed."
-Mark Twain

Immigration is now and always has been a tricky affair. The delicate balance of need and want, verses can and should. We can certainly understand someone living in desperate conditions wanting to improving their lot in life. What better place to do it than the greatest nation on earth. America is the envy of the world. We are a magnet, and a beacon.

Who wouldn't choose to be free, unless as is the case in too many places, they are incapable of understanding the reality of freedom. Who wouldn't want to have wealth, if we all agreed on what wealth really is. To someone without anything to feed themselves or their children, a neighbor possessing a sack of flour, is indeed wealthy.

To a nation of plenty, it has to be understandable that a desperate and starving parent wouldn't break down a door, or cross a sweltering desert to feed their child, or a family would risk their lives in a sealed boxcar to work for a steady meal.

I must admit, and state for the record, that as a policy, I firmly believe that all law breaking must be prevented, and law breakers should be punished.. the sooner the better.

That said, I may be a candidate for a flogging I might be at most a fugitive from justice, or at the very least a shameful hypocrite, because I have in the past, and without a moment of indecision would again, give employment to someone I suspect but cannot prove, may be an undocumented worker, ..yes, AN ILLEGAL ALIEN!

I have experience with this issue.. up close and very personal...

I AM A PRODUCT OF FORMER ILLEGAL ALIENS.. Thank God.

As a young boy, I watched as my 92 year old great Grandfather, an immigrant from the bowels of depravity in Italy, as he stood in a crowded church basement and took an oath, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to his beloved country to finally become a citizen of the United States Of America. For him, becoming a real member of this wonderful country was the culmination of a lifetime of work, and struggle and hope, and prayers.

My great Grandfather, his aged body bent from years of hard work, managed to stand tall as he listened closely to my uncle, who whispered in his ear, everything that was said from the podium. In those days, hopeful immigrants had to study and be tested to prove they knew enough about this country, and it's founding, history and government, to be qualified to contribute to it's greatness.

He had done his homework, and he didn't want to miss a word.

It was that day, in the cold damp basement, in a soft grainy light, walls decorated with flags, and with his fine and honorable family looking on, he and a large group gathered to prove that they were worthy patriots. That day this proud man who had overcome language, illiteracy and poverty, was at last to be rewarded, he was finally a real American.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, he broke down and cried for the first and only time I ever remember in his long and distinguished life. At that moment,  I remember thinking, it must be special to be an American.

Yes, my family crossed a border from Canada into the United States in the dead of night in hopes of securing a better life for their children. They suffered the pain of fear, poverty and ridicule to take a chance. What was being said throughout the world, was true, America was and still is a nation of opportunity.

I do hear the call of fears and doubt of my fellow Americans, and I share the pain when my neighbors hurt as a nation. There is real worry about the costs and loss of jobs. There are legitimate concerns about lawlessness, and precedent of the apparent "reward the lawbreakers", at the expense of the law-abiding and innocent.

"A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort."
-Sydney Smith

I know we cannot be the world policemen, or pantry. We are a mighty nation built upon a foundation of hard work and sacrifice. Much of that labor was done by immigrants, many of which were here illegally not by choice but by necessity. Many, as my family, didn't do it as a thief, but as poor frightened peasants, who came without documentation because the limits on Italians were reached, and they couldn't afford to wait until the bureaucracy opened the doors again.

Upon arrival, frightened and stranded in a strange place without money, friends or family, they did the unthinkable, they prayed and began working until they were safe, solid and accepted.  They raised a family that contributed and their offspring went to war, and they became solid threads in the fabric of their chosen country. There were a few that gave my folks a boost, a chance, a lifeline until they were secure.

So now the dirty laundry, I did the same for others, but I am apparently not alone. This isn't a unique thought to bend the some rules to help those who need help when the need is the greatest.

History is replete with law breakers that did what turned out to be a blessing. There has always been a few that took the law into their own hands when it seemed that was the only way. Moses, was spared by a benevolent stranger. Thank God a man named Schindler broke the laws to save a few hundred Jews from the Nazi's and where would we be if the Underground Railroad was derailed, because it was against the law to save a slave.

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances - to choose one's own way."
-Victor Frankl

The overwhelming numbers of our newest immigrants aren't fleeing death, or slavery, and I am not Schindler, but I could see the desperation in their eyes and feel the need in their hearts. And what was I offering? A job, and friendship. A job that few Americans wanted, and friendship that has lasted decades.

"The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."
-Nelson Henderson

There are jobs that nobody wants and few would do, unless they had no other choice, a situation which rarely arises in our country.  But they are good jobs that need to be done. By and large these jobs are hard, thankless, dirty, repetitive jobs, at odds with a normal schedule. However, they are at the limits of those that need them.

Contrary to popular belief, almost no large companies would ever pay cash to save a few dollars, or underpay wages to a poor man because he is illegal. We never paid under the table, or less than the going rate because we were a well known company, and a scandal of that pettiness, would have harmed everyone, including hundreds of employees, almost all homegrown Americans.

  "Something that has always puzzled me all my life is why, when I am in special need of help, the good deed is usually done by somebody on whom I have no claim."
-William Feather, The Business of Life

Lest you think it was all one sided, these workers were solid as a rock, and usually faithful as a clock. The work ethic in other countries is as it was in much earlier times in our history. The bottom line is they needed us, and we needed them. They stayed with me and climbed the ladder in the all American tradition, and I watched them with pride, and admiration.

For those that are really concerned about these poor people taking the bread out of your mouth, unless you are a pot scrubber, or a garlic picker, you are at little risk.. And to ease your mind, I have discovered a new money making venture, one that has a fabulous track record. This one has recent and past history has never failed to pay-off. It's remarkable in it's simplicity!

Here it is... bet against the fatalist, place all of your available milk money on the person needing something, and against the person wanting to keep it from him.. in short, betting against profits of doom.

Bet the farm, or the futon, that the screams are always louder during an election year, and the spin is more spit than polish. Just like the generations that preceded us the Italians, Irish, Germans, Haitians and Vietnamese, these folks will continue to be a blessing to our country. Take a deep breath and think about it without the shrill voices whispering apocalyptic threats.

Before you make your final decision on this matter, ask yourself a simple question. What would you do if you were in their place, but first, take a long look around your home, in you fridge and in your pantry.. and just for an added effect, and take an extra moment thinking of your children. Perhaps, you'll come away with a slightly different outlook.  Then again, maybe not.. you have that right, my once removed, illegal uncles and a lot of others died for your right to be wrong..

I am proud of our President, he knew there would be anger and once again he faced the problem head on. Dealing with this now is going to save us all in the long run, and as to the near future.. remember we are free Americans thanks to our immigrant forefathers, and some day as in the past, these new Americans may well save you and your country...

  "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today."
-Abraham Lincoln

"One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency."
-Arnold Glasgow

GOD BLESS AMERICA

[Hon]

"I have, with the best of my mind and body, served my country both on the field of battle"

Since you have brought it up, may I respectfully ask how this was possible given that your own resume shows you as constantly employed since the age of 18, first at the House Of Carlo and your many Costume Design jobs (1959-1967) then at the Westin (1967-1974).

From 1972-1984 you claim to have been running several bars and restaurants. You would have been 43 in 1984.

So when was your military service, and when were you in combat?

[carlo3b]

My friend, I am flattered that you are so fascinated with my accomplishments, and that as such, you have taken on such a personal interest, but I hope that you have noticed that you've allowed yourself to become obsessed.

Before this escalates any further, I'll tell you that I am occupied personally, and have no interest in any other relationships. I think it would be healthier for you to find something else to do with you time, or seek a friend more accessible. Have you thought about getting a dog to keep you company..

Dealing with you holds me on line continuously because you are a snake and as you have shown, sneaky enough to wait until I leave to live a life, then post your vile which fouls this thread until I return..

This reminds me of a quote by Thomas Jefferson;

"But as it is," Jefferson wrote, "we have the wolf by the ear, and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go."

I have no interest in dealing with you any further.. Because your real interest I believe, is to derail any defense of immigration, or an honest dialog that can shed light on the subject.. I would be interested however, in finding out what initially brought you to my unwanted attention.. will you to answer a couple of questions??..

• Has an immigrant replaced you in your job?
• Have you been replaced by an illegal immigrant with lesser skills or a lower wage?
• Do you HATE Mexicans, or other Hispanics?
• Do you HATE Bush, and find this wedge issue a possible way to lower his reelectability?
  Are you more interested in stirring the Republican base to cause them to lose interest in the election?

[FITZ]

"Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free..."

That wasn't written by an American but by some French guy --- and he didn't write it for his own country so the "us" is a little strange. Post Great-Society it's turned more into "longing to be on welfare programs", "longing for freebies".

[FITZ]

I know they voted for Reagan in his bid for reelection. Because we told them it was this President that allowed them to have this opportunity.. :)

That's certainly not the way the majority did --- at one time the "hispanic" vote really was primarily Republican. Post 80's amnesty it began to go heavily democrat. Clinton got 80% of the hispanic vote, so there is no evidence at all that amnesty-pandering helps the Republicans in any way at all.

[FITZ]

Bad news. The Indians were immigrants, too. And there is pretty good evidence that they displaced somebody else when THEY arrived...

That's true -- Indian tribes who couldn't defend their territories were often pushed out by others who came in and took them over. Indians moved around often and were invaded by enemy tribes. Some people have very little understanding of history and think that the Indians had all their ancestors originate here --- when in fact the came over the Bering Strait and they believe there was one big happy united Indian nation when it was in fact many separate groups.

[FITZ]

Why would you want to document them, signor Carlo?

They won't be as easy to exploit for low wages with no benefits once they are given blue cards --- illegal employers won't comply with the new laws any more than they complied with the old laws --- for the same reasons. The new excuse will be --- why hire a blue card holder and be forced to pay minimum wage and certain benefits, when you can bring in illegals who will work harder for less money.

[A Navy Vet]

With all sincerity, when did you serve in combat and what branch were you in. Very impressive resume, by the way.

[Jim Cane]

It's a nice pile of emotional pablum you've posted here, but it has nothing to do with the current tide of illegal aliens from south of the border.

I can take you for a drive right now to construction site after construction site chock full o' illegals who have no interest in assimilation. They are not interested in Liberty, nor learning U.S. civics, nor the English language, nor becoming citizens of this nation.

This is simply war by other means on the part of Aztlan, and weepy stories about gramps pledging allegience to the Red, White, and Blue billowing in a cherry blossom breeze, while a chorus holding apple pies, hums "Hymn of the Republic" in the background, will not prevent the civil war that will result from the government blessed balkanization of the southwest U.S.

Vote Tancredo in 2004.

[carlo3b]

This is really getting a bit too personal for me on an open thread . This asshole is about to really piss me off.. But yours is a fair question.. I served in the AIR FORCE 1959-1962, involved in a 1961 little covert operation code named "Operation Zapata".. this was not our nations finest hour.. I was a brief POW, but not long enough mention. We were initially a team of 6 guys grabbed as soon as we hit dirt.

We were helped out really early by a Cuban guard, and a mess of farmers. The envision as you know was a tragedy, only 18 of us were white Americans. 13 of the guys weren't fortune enough to make it out.. Not anything I like to either think about or talk about.. It was better known as the bay of pigs, I was part of a drop in behind the lines.. and it pretty much finished me with Democrats and candy-assed liberals.. Now Thats it.. no more about this chapter, thanks.. Really thanks for your service.

[A Navy Vet]

And thank you for your service and response.

[carlo3b]

Clinton got 80% of the hispanic vote, so there is no evidence at all that amnesty-pandering helps the Republicans in any way at all.

I don't think this issue is about votes, although the outcome of the elections in many states and local will indeed be determined by immigrants.. but it has always been that way..

My beef and I hope yours as well is what the liberal state governments is BS like motor voter, and no ID's necessary to vote.. That isn't Bush's fault, and I have been told the legislation pending, (WHICH NOBODY HAS SEEN YET) has some steps to avoid that and other stuff that is really a problem.. I don't like this anymore than anyone else, nor do I want to see this problem, which is mostly a state problem, continue.. only the argument has deteriorated into bash these poor peasants that cross to work to live..

We have to find a way to organize this mess and if anyone that tries is going to get bashed.. we will never see an end to it!

[FITZ]

If there really is a need for guest workers --- which I'm not sure there is because I've never seen any proof that recruitment efforts were made in inner cities and high unemployment neighborhoods before going off to recruit in Mexico, then we still have to see that much of this labor if needed is only needed in agriculture which is very seasonal work. If a worker is here for 3 years but has a steady job for 3 months -- they don't need to be here the other 9 months.

I could see a guest worker program where farm laborers are bused or flown up to a farm that provides them housing, they stay until the crops are in and then they are bused or flown back home. No pass that lets them come and go as they please, they could come back again for the next season as long as they committed no crime while here. The families would stay in Mexico where it's much cheaper to educate and provide them health care --- and they stay their own government's responsibility. The guest worker would bring back money to invest and build up his own homeland because that would be where he would be staying.

[carlo3b]

It's a nice pile of emotional pablum you've posted here, but it has nothing to do with the current tide of illegal aliens from south of the border.

I'm sorry to have the audacity to show another side of the story. What is this with Vote Tancredo in 2004. Are we seeing another Perot in the offing.. Should we tolerate a DEAN administration for 8 or more years,like the wackjobs that touted 3rd parties that brought us CLINTON.. NOT AGAIN!

[Jim Cane]

I'm sorry to have the audacity to show another side of the story. What is this with Vote Tancredo in 2004. Are we seeing another Perot in the offing.. Should we tolerate a DEAN administration for 8 or more years,like the wackjobs that touted 3rd parties that brought us CLINTON.. NOT AGAIN!

A vote for Tancredo is a vote FOR Tancredo. If your candidate fails to muster enough votes to win, then it's not because I voted for a superior candidate, but that your candidate failed to earn my vote.

If Dean wins, then at least bad laws will stop being passed, since a divided government produces gridlock, and that's better than the current foot race between the dims and RINOs to more socialism.

[carlo3b]

since a divided government produces gridlock, and that's better

Fair enough, you are an honest liberal or part of the same mentality that would, to prove the point again, lose everything..  Either way I have little or nothing in common with you except the future.. I'll do what I can to see that you don't prevail. But I do wish I could change you mind..

Thanks,  now I understand.. I have to get busy in the real world .. talk to you later.. :)

[Jim Cane]

Thanks, now I understand..

I don't think you do or you'd join me in supporting a real Conservative like Tancredo.

[jellybean]

Before this escalates any further, I'll tell you that I am occupied personally, and have no interest in any other relationships. I think it would be healthier for you to find something else to do with you time, or seek a friend more accessible. Have you thought about getting a dog to keep you company..

Hmmmm...interesting...

I thought Hon was a he, but could be a she and is using one of the oldest tricks in the book. Feign contempt in order to gain the attention of the object of their affection.