Can I start by saying that I am pro-immigration? I want people to come to this country, or any country for that matter, if they are seeking a better life and are willing to assimilate. The problem comes when a few "bad apples" ruin it for everyone.
I know that is sugar coating it, but lets be honest. If there wasn't such uncertainty with people coming to this country from predominantly Muslim backgrounds, Trump wouldn't have instituted a ban on these individuals. The reality is that people aren't assimilating.
When I was in school, long ago, I learned about the immigrants seeking freedom, opportunity and a chance to be part of the American culture. Today however, we are accepting that people bring their culture here with the intent to change us. I understand that not all immigrants are looking to chance our society, but what makes America great is the uniting under the Star Spangled Banner and coming together as one people from many diverse backgrounds but one unified nation.
Unfortunately, too often we see burning of our great flag. This is completely fine as a right, but it is saddening that we have individuals willing to express their freedom of speech in this manner. I am deeply saddened that so many people refuse to become part of the American culture in favor of maintaining their own but simply reside in the USA.
Don't get me wrong, I love my heritage, I love learning of my families journey to America. All of my ancestors were immigrants as well. What I have trouble with is that while my family remembers and honors our past, we also have chosen America as our future. We didn't throw away our ancestry, we didn't betray our history, but we did choose to be part of the fabric of this country. It is our willingness to embrace the great melting pot and participate in the American experiment that adds to the flavor of this country.
Of course we will continue to participate in activities that honor our heritage. I wear a kilt to lead Kirkin. But I am first and foremost an American. I'm not a European American, I am not a Scottish American, I am an American. We need more immigrants wanting to be a part of the American society and claim that they are Americans first. I know several immigrants who have taken the painstaking process of following the legal system to gain permanent citizenship. They have embraced the American life, as have many others. But this country will gain its strength again not from new laws, not from border walls, but from the American identity.
America is probably the only country that doesn't need border walls or fences so long as the people embrace what it means to be an American. If we can adopt the American ideal and join together again, then skin color, hair style, religion, gender, age, and any other possible way to categorize a person becomes irrelevant. That is the great melting pot and the American experiment.
God Bless,
Geoff
No comments:
Post a Comment