[madamemayhem]

for millions of legal immigrants being american really is NOT a matter of blood or birth. it is a matter of determination to be a true blue american, it is a matter of dedication to learning american history, civics, and the english language. and yes it is a matter of faith. insofar as they have faith in the american dream, the american ideal, and the american way. they truly want to be american, not “whatever-american”, just plain old american.
unfortunately i do not believe that this is what oblabo meant.

[Think free or die]

"for millions of legal immigrants being american really is NOT a matter of blood or birth. it is a matter of determination to be a true blue american, it is a matter of dedication to learning american history, civics, and the english language. and yes it is a matter of faith. insofar as they have faith in the american dream, the american ideal, and the american way. they truly want to be american, not “whatever-american”, just plain old american. unfortunately i do not believe that this is what oblabo meant."

I completely agree. My parents are naturalized citizens, they're very patriotic Americans, and they are distressed by what is befalling us. Mom is 85, and she still writes letters to congress and challenges some of the sweet old fools in her ladies' groups. Dad is nearly 90, and although he stays informed, he spends more time fishing and relaxing than fighting commies. I'm sure he's sending out campaign donations though.

[afraidfortherepublic]

it is a matter of dedication to learning american history, civics,...

You've got a good point. I don't believe that Obama ever learned American history or civics. I'll bet he couldn't pass a Citizenship test. Don't new applicants have to know how many states we have?