In some of the views expressed in this thread.
I grew up here in Arizona and no state has struggled more with how to deal with illegal immigrants than Arizona. The schools I attended had quite significant populations of both Mexican heritage Americans and illegals. I found that there were good people that belonged to both groups. I got along splendidly with them. In elementary school I was considered a geek, and being a geek then was not as accepted as it is now. But the guys (bullies if you will) who chose to pick on me were ALWAYS white, and I had more than one occasion when the guys who stopped the bullies were non-white. I being caucasian always found this interesting. I think the reason I was thus championed, was that I tried to treat everyone with respect and their race or color made no difference to me, and this was an attitude that was respected or appreciated by those who also occasionally suffered.
I very much understand the irritation caused by those who come here illegally, abuse the system, and loudly gripe that it isn't enough. But those people, though loud, really are not the majority.
A comment was made that we Americans bring this upon ourselves, and I have to agree. Any time a people are seen across the world as having a good and prosperous life, you are likely to find that there are those who will want to share in it. Is this a bad thing?? I can trace some of my lineage back to pre-revolution English colonists. Some of my lineage came in the late 1800's. My oldest son is married to a lovely Taiwanese girl who's family immigrated when she was a child. Do I hold myself above her or them?? God forbid.
When I visited Taiwan for some of the ceremonies surrounding my sons nuptuals, I prepared myself by learning a little cantonese (enough to say hello and thank you), and trying to learn a little about their culture and customs so that I could avoid as many gaffs as possible. My efforts, were accepted and appreciated by these wonderful people, and everywhere I went I was treated courteously. My desire was to show respect for them (the people of Taiwan), their culture, and their customs. It would be nice if the people who came to America would do the same. It doesn't mean that they have to forget the culture and customs of their homeland, but learning English, and trying to respect our culture and customs would be appreciated. For the most part I think that this is done, again the exceptions are what we hear the most about.
As a nation we have a right and a responsibility to limit the number of immigrants that come each year, this is so that we may incorporate them into our society. I do wish that those who come here illegally would rather choose to come legally. But the fact is that as long as our lifestyle is seen as "better" we will get illegal immigrants. Many are lured here by coyotes who promise great things and deliver very little. These con artists steal life savings from those who can ill afford it. These guys should be locked away. The victims need help and sympathy not hate.
I am disappointed because this group of people have or should have more going on upstairs than the average person. We of all people should understand that race, color, and creed have little to do with greatness of character, or strength of mind. Hate has nothing in it that uplifts, edifies, or brings dignity to mankind. I can understand what brings people to want to come to this nation, it is a good place to live.
I guess I've said more than enough, I apologise for the length of this posting.
Ed |
