Whatever happened to....?

**TheScamDetective** · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 1351 Location: California

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an e xact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people".
~
I wish our political leaders would remember this!!
I wonder what other gems from the past have been long forgotten.
_________________
"It's our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Dumbledore
to Harry Potter

Aquarian · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Homestead, Florida

Hey SD,

I do believe that the best way we can alter the current flux of this situation is to rid of NAFTA, FTAA, and to withdraw from the WTO. Remember during the 90s when the Clinton Administration touted this plan as the ultimate antidote to "illegal" immigration? Well, apparently that did not work. Currently, over 500,000 people continue to cross our borders. Unfortunately for most, they often end up being exploited by Big Agribusiness and slave labor. I don't support any form of indentured servitude, thus, I do think the government should move towards constantly inspecting businesses that tend to hire these people. I do think that they should face extremely heavy penalties, including high fines and possible government-imposed closure. After, I think the U.S. should scrap all these poverty-perpetuating trade agreements that only decimate local communities in developing nations and move towards fair trade agreements: trade that has high standards of labor rights, higher wages, right to unionize and strike, environmental quality principles, etc. That would aid in the destruction of poverty instead of just displacing it in other places. That would definately improve the situation we are currently facing. Although I do think the ones that have established families here should be granted a path to immediate "legalization". I hate using these terms "legal", "illegal" and what-not, because I don't think any human being should be considered "illegal". It certainly is disheartening to see the xenophobic sentiment increase year after year. We should be a nation that does not just close the borders, shoot human beings in the border, etc. Instead, we should be expanding peace through reformed trade agreements and a new approach towards foreign economic aid.
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**dr wu23** · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Posts: 2297 Location: Indiana

Scam,
Nice sentiments from FDR...but he was probably referring to legal and not illegal immigrants.
There is a big difference though some seem unable to see it.
Wink

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"Some say the valley has always been haunted ever since River ran.
The rippling waters fast as the colors conceal the Green Man."
Roy Harpur from The Green Man

**TheScamDetective** · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 1351 Location: California

Dr Wu
It was TEDDY Roosevelt, not FDR.
Of course he was referring to those who emmigrate here legally.
What irritates me to no end is how our government
(and here I am speaking of the state of Calif.) will print everything they send out in ....12 different languages!!!
They allow public displays of Mexican flags...they allow public "fiestas" to celebrate the liberation of Mexico from Spain.
Where I reside, (central Calif.) there are more Mexican holidays celebrated here than American holidays!!
Employers will not hire you if you cannot speak Spanish.
I have nothing against those who come here legally and become citizens...but even THEY push for more recognition of Mexican "privileges"!!
This is becoming a real issue with me.
_________________
"It's our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Dumbledore
to Harry Potter

Aquarian · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Homestead, Florida

Hey SD,

I don't know about where you live, but people who are hired because they speak Spanish are considered special employees because they can better communicate with what is becoming a cultural reality in this country: The Spanish-speaking population is increasing. That does not mean that this country is being destroyed from within. If anything, it is our foreign policies that contribute more to the dismantling of U.S. respect abroad. So what if in some communities there is extensive Mexican pride? That's great! We are supposed to be a country that welcomes and celebrates diversity and recognizes diversity as a strength, not a weakness. In the big picture, we're all the same if you really think about it. I also take issue with the way you phrase the issues. I don't think Mexican immigrants are asking for special privileges. They're just asking for fairness, that's all...
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Vote For Dennis Kucinich!
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**TheScamDetective** · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 1351 Location: California

Aquarian
"I don't know about where you live, but people who are hired because they speak Spanish are considered special employees because they can better communicate with what is becoming a cultural reality in this country: The Spanish-speaking population is increasing."
~
That is a very offensive thing to say, imo.
Why would Spanish speaking people be considered "special" employees??????
How about this.....those Spanish speaking people who live here learn to speak ENGLISH and communicate with EVERYONE!!!
I was raised in an old world Italian household on my dads side.
NO ONE ever hired Italian speaking employees to "accomodate" us!!!! My family would have thought they were nuts if they had!!!
My grandfather, who emmigrated here from Italy in the early 1900's always told us....this is AMERICA, you must think, talk and behave as an AMERICAN.
Celebrate your heritage at home with family.
~
"I don't think Mexican immigrants are asking for special privileges. They're just asking for fairness, that's all.."
~
Then you would be wrong, because they ARE and DO.
What is fair about expecting everyone to learn Spanish so they can get a job in AMERICA???
What is fair about our state government spending our tax dollars to send out a one page letter in TWELVE different languages which turned it into a 6 page double sided letter???
What is fair about our schools doing the same thing????
I have NOTHING against the Mexican culture....but I DO object to the way our GOVERNMENT, our SCHOOLS, our PUBLIC agencies, and our EMPLYOYERS give out all those "special privileges"!!!!
If I moved to Mexico, would I get the same treatment???? No way.
If ANYONE wants to emmigrate here ...fine...become a citizen, learn ENGLISH, keep your customs and heritage in your homes and become a REAL AMERICAN.
_________________
"It's our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Dumbledore
to Harry Potter

Aquarian · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Homestead, Florida

Hey SD,

It shouldn't be considered offensive at all! Those who speak Spanish are much more capable of being able to communicate with the Hispanic population, the fastest growing minority population in the United States. Like it or not, it will continue to happen and the population will continue to surge. Most Hispanics and immigrants learn how to speak English pretty quickly. There are a few who choose not to learn English and you're right about that. If they do want to be in the workforce and what-not, it is expected from them to learn English. To that point, I'd agree with you. But I don't understand how Spanish advertisements can bother you so much! You don't need to read it in Spanish or any other language if you don't want to. If you think you've face discrimination because you don't speak Spanish, then you should report it. This is what sets this country apart from other nations: We don't force people out of this country (or atleast quite frequently) like others. They maintain their homogenous populations.

Happy Thanksgiving.
_________________
Vote For Dennis Kucinich!
http://www.dennis4president.com/home/

*Strength through Peace*

**TheScamDetective** · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 1351 Location: California

My dear Aquarian...you have NO idea how prevalent the Hispanic movement is here in California!!!
If you choose to live in another country, do it legally and then learn the language and use it. Do not expect the native citizens and govenment to change just to accomodate YOU.
Keep your heritage at home and enjoy it among family and friends.
_________________
"It's our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Dumbledore
to Harry Potter

**dr wu23** · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Posts: 2297 Location: Indiana

**Skeptical** · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 9:46 pm Post subject:

I am the grandson of immigrants, both on my mother and father's side. I firmly believe immigrants have played a pivotal role in making this country great. However, I draw the line at people entering the country illegally. It is wrong, plain and simple - and it is a grievous sin that both government and business have promoted it or, at the very least, ignored it.

Wonder where all of these cases of antibiotic-resistant staph and tuberculosis came from? I guarantee many of them crossed into America in the bloodstreams of illegals. Hell, doctors here in Ohio were actually called upon to treat a case of leprosy - in who else but an immigrant of questionable status.

When I hear that New York wants to start issuing driver's licenses to illegals, I have to think that some part of this country has totally and permanently taken leave of its senses. Rolling Eyes

S
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"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have." -- Thomas Jefferson

**TheScamDetective** · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 1351 Location: California

Very well said, Skep.
We are way too lax on our immigration policies.
It is an unsult to those who follow the proper channels to immigrate here when we look the other way as hundreds cross the Mexican border and now may even be allowed to obtain a drivers license without even obtaining citizenship first!
And the thought of giving them Amnesty is just a cop out when you are too weak to take a stand and send the illegals back to where they came from, imo.
_________________
"It's our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Dumbledore
to Harry Potter

Steve · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 93

The scary thing is lax borders not only allows illegal immigrants to cross...think terrorists.

**TheScamDetective** · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 1351 Location: California

If we weren't spending BILLIONS in Iraq, we could spend it here making OUR country safer and protecting OUR democracy!!
_________________
"It's our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Dumbledore
to Harry Potter

**Carol Nistri** · Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Posts: 3352

Scam said,"If we weren't spending BILLIONS in Iraq, we could spend it here making OUR country safer and protecting OUR democracy!!"

its because of Iraq that the question of protecting our borders is even brought up,in the long run this is becoming a safer country by far then it ever was.

**TheScamDetective** · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 1351 Location: California

Carol
Iraq didn't attack us, the terrorists were mainly Saudi's!!!
And Osama was the one who
organized it....not Saddam.
_________________
"It's our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Dumbledore
to Harry Potter