Posted on 07/06/2002 8:01:02 AM PDT by Lockbox
Sure there is, you are just being obtuse.
It's has nothing to do with the proper use of english, its a mindset.
Since people who engage in identity politics insist on putting their former country or culture before ours they call themselves silly things like: "Cuban American"
The "Cuban" comes first in their mind and the "American" is tacked on to the end as though it's merely an after thought or at the very least doesn't take precedence.
If I am going to bring someone into this country what I expect them to do is to love it and put it first.. to be an "American" lose the hyphens and dedicate themselves to America first. Like I do and I hope you do. Our Constitution, our laws, our Country comes first..
A really graphic example what happens when this doesn't occur would be a "Palestinian American" dancing in our streets on 9/11.
The reason they would do this is because although they like all the comforts and the money that comes along with residing here they do not love America. Probably won't defend it and only want the luxuries associated with citizenship.
I don't want to incorporate such a person into our society. And I think that's quite reasonable.
I mean, if I went to mexico.. Told them I hated them and hoped something bad would befall them but argued that they should let me in anyway so I could benefit financially somehow from citizenship they would laugh themselves silly.
This isn't one of them.
Well then I guess you will just have to ban me Luis.
We are in a magnanimous mood today. Your transgression shall be overlooked.
Thanks for proving my point.
I don't care who it is..
Make it anything you want.
(I can't even talk to you about this stuff without you getting mad.. )
That's why Mexico is Mexico, and the US is the US.
But, if you were going to give some immigrants citizenship would you want to give it to:
"Group A" (a totally generic term) The group who REALLY love our country, our government and our FReedom. (and all the benefits that go along with that.. financial and otherwise)
"Group B" (another generic term) The group who actually hate us and would dance in the street over 9/11, don't respect us or our laws.. But they need the money.
Now my point was imply that I don't want "Group B" here. And if they want to come here then they need to adapt to our culture and what we stand for.
In my opinion.
It's just that you seem to think that the hyphen is the immigrant's idea, it isn't.
It's the system that divides and categorizes people. People just like to acknlowledge their ancestry, their ethnicity and their roots...that's simply human nature. We see this when we watch something as American as St. Patrick's Day parade, or a Columbusd Day celebration. But by and large, everyone comes here to be American.
Now, be honest...when you're looking at a guy wearing a turban giving you change at the local Stop 'n Shop...are you thinking "American"?
Well, no.. but I want HIM to be thinking it.
That was my point. I mean, I don't care if he calls himself a "Turban-American" He can call himself anything he wants.
But if he wants to come here and be a citizen then I want him to be American first. Not show up with some massive, cultural chip on his sholder.
That, simply was all I meant..
IOW We as a nation need to tighten up greatly. No more illegal immigration and make legal immigration skills based. We sure don't need 3rd world clowns like that unskilled Egyptian born terrorist who shot up the El Al ticket counter! Said idiot was about to get the big prize..... US citizenship .... but the call of Jihad was stronger!
So then, who has a problem here?
1) For our benefit (and likewise, this also benefits others)
2) No jihaders or others with huge ammounts of cultural baggage just boiling beneath the surface..
That pretty much sums up your bias, and your blind prejudices.
You are willing to write off entire nationalities based on your views of a nation. There are brilliant, hard-working people in every nation, even in those "undesireable third-world" nations. If they are willing to come, work hard, mind the laws, and defend the nation when the need arises, then why not?
How can their migration hurt the US?
I am the one who has a problem, and it hinges on the word "may"
If he wants to be a citizen then he had better be wanting to be an American first. Cause we may need him to defend us "infidels" someday.
And he won't do that if he's here for the paycheck and otherwise hates US. If he doesn't want to be an American then he can just remain a citizen of wherever he's from for all I care..
You got "Open Borders Gonzales" going on how we need to just let anyone and everyone in to do as they please because he feels sorry for them.
"That was my point. I mean, I don't care if he calls himself a "Turban-American" He can call himself anything he wants."
Ok, one of us is confused here...and I don't think it's me.
How can their migration hurt the US?
In great numbers? Yes! How many immigrants do you propose from the cream of the crop of these undesirable 3rd world nations? 5 million each year into the United States? The USA is a big ripe piñata too to many people.
MAMA MIA!!!!
Just intentionally clouding the issue and overlooking the point.
Both statements are valid.
You, like so may others on this thread, immediately try and shade any immigration talk with the subject of illegal immigration, that's not the discussion here. However, my views on illegal immigration are well recordeed in FR, and they fly in the face of your insult.
You lie about me because your argument is weak in the face of some simple logic.
I'm sorry, I guess I was wrong about you all along.
At least be honest when you debate.
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