Still appplicable today?
(This article was submitted to me by Stan M. - Thanks, Stan!)
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 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
posted by John Good @ 11:46 AM
8 Comments:
Right on. I've always wondered why black people call themselves African-American. You're American, plain and simple. I'm not Italian-American - you're not African American. Get over it.
I think they were trying to get away from the term "black"(and some other labels), but your point is valid nonetheless.
HA! You wanna talk confusing? I'm Swiss/French. I get angry alot, but don't really wanna get involved. .lol
Hmmmm, John is part French. I'm shocked. ROTFLMFAO
That explains much.
My grandparents on both sides immigrated from Germany AFTER World War One. In both of those families many men fought in World War One on the German side.
After they came to the US World War Two came around. Sons from both families immediately joined the army and went to fight for America...
I wonder if our current batch of immigrants would do the same thing?
My blood by birth is French/Swiss, but I was an adopted child. My parents came from German and Irish backgrounds. My Dad served in WW2 as a Lieutenant Commander of an LST. He was always interested in law enforcement, and worked for the Indiana DOC later in life.
The story I am trying to get to here is, Dad tried to join the FBI in the 1940's but was disqualified due to his German heritage. But he was qualified to put his live in danger in the South Pacific. Hmm. . .
It's also history, Andy. I only brought it up in context with the events of our world today. Hopefully we aren't judging any Americans who happen to have names like Habib by their heritage, but by their actions.
One of the big problems in our land today relates to your thoughts on "Nascar people". It's not just Nascar, but TV in general, sports, and many other venues that distract Americans from what's happening around them. Too many people are paying too much attention to "distractions" and ignoring what is happening around them. That is nothing less than a full-blown crisis. People are far too tuned-in to who's winning on Survivor or American Idol than to what our elected officials are doing on a daily basis.
You seem to be pay alot of attention to what is happening around you. I commend you on that, even when our perspectives do not align. Vigilance can never be over-rated, and awareness is key to making a difference in one's world.
Andy,
You make alot of sense when you take the time for discourse like this. Sometimes you shoot from the hip (in humor I presume), and are taken out of context. I have been guilty of that with you, I suppose.
I enjoyed the discussion on JFTR regarding the tax issues tonite. I'll try to get involved more often. And I'll try to put your warped sense of humor into context as well. =) Peace.
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