Thursday, May 6, 2010

Quote to think about:

In light of the prior post, I offer you this on nationalism, and what it takes to be an immigrant citizen of this country:

"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 exact 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."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907
 
Truer words have never been spoken.
 
So to those who are more proud of the country from which they came than the country in which they live: I say this to immigrants of all races, cultures, and creeds: If the country from which you came is such a wonderful place, so worthy of pride; why did you leave it and come here??
 
If you love your former country so much, why don't you go back?
 
Or did you leave for a reason?
 
And if you wish to change this country into that which you left, will you gain anything by doing so?
 
Rather, adapt and assimilate to this country. Learn the language, learn the culture....become an American. Many, over the years, have, and most were successful.
 
Or go home. Soon.
Else become loyal to this country. Do that, and I will welcome you. Don't, and you are not welcome.
 
Simple.
 
To those who would call me racist for the above remark: please justify your label. Perhaps I am: if so, feel free to justify your label. Otherwise it is just name calling.

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