This an old post I had elsewhere but I thought it was worth putting here
A number of current affairs has me thinking about Americas current state of being.
The two most recent issues are the failed "immigrant amnesty" bill and the conviction of two Border Patrol agents for the shooting of a drug smuggler.
Let me begin with the amnesty bill.
I am -highly- relieved that this bill has, thus far, died. It's bad enough that the illegals that are here are being given the chance to draw out of social security (something they don't pay into by the way, just like the members of the Senate and House of Reps.) but now they tried to pass a bill that would legalize what is otherwise an illegal action. But what do you expect of a corrupt government that seems to care more about everyone else more than it cares about it's own citizens ?!
Next I'd like to touch on the very recent conviction of the two Border Patrol Agents.
While I will grant you they engaged in a couple of very very stupid actions in an attempt to cover up what had happened, I have to point out that had they not had their hands tied (figuratively) and been allowed to actually do what they were paid for, this entire situation would be academic.
The long and short of it is this, the two agents in question tried to stop a drug smuggler (muling 800 lbs. of pot) from crossing the border.
Subsequently, the smuggler got shot (in the butt no less, heh heh heh), when he refused to halt.
Now, here is where the stupidity comes in: it is my understanding that the job these agents are responsible for is -stopping- illegal crossings -and- to help put a halt to drug smuggling attempts, yet, they were allegedly "under orders" to -not- stop anyone crossing the border.
On top of that, the two agents were sentenced to 11 and 12 years, respectively, in a federal pen. All this after the smuggler testified against the agents after having his medical bills and other expenses covered, all because these guys were doing their DAMNED JOBS!
So I have three words for you:
WHAT
THE
FUCK!
How low have we sunk in our state of affairs when someone can commit TWO crimes and not only be given a free pass for them, but can also be PAID, after a fashion, for doing so ?! AND this scumbag isn't an American citizen!
While I have no argument about people coming to America, I do believe that they should do it the right way, and crossing the border illegally isn't it.
Do I despise or begrudge these people the chance at a better life ? no , and to be honest, what they would get here IS a better life when compared to what mexico has, or in this case what it doesn't have, to offer and they should feel welcome to obtain it here. But again, they have to do it the right and legal way.
Now I know many of you would argue that the process of obtaining legal american citizenship is both expensive and ridiculously prolonged, and I would agree. But let me point a few things out.
1) as for the "cost" perhaps you should be made aware of the fact that, on a regular basis, these immigrants pay a few thousand to smugglers and "border guides" to help get the immigrants across the border. So, having pointed this out,why should they not just use the money to go the proper route ?
2) Yes, the experience and trail to legal citizenship is long and difficult, but name something worthwhile that isn't.
Teddy Roosevelt, in one of his final speechs prior to his death said it best:
"In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here does in good faith become an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with every one 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 man’s becoming in very fact an American and nothing but an American.
"If he tries to keep segregated with men of his own origin and separated from the rest of America, then he isn't doing his part as an American.
"We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile. We have room for but one language here and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, and American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding house; and we have room for but one soul [sic] loyalty, and that is loyalty to the American people."*
He is right.
If you want to come to this country, it behooves you to do everything possible to truely become part of this country.
So, before you level all sorts of obtuse and erroneous accusations and insults at me, stop and think for a moment; why should we change our country to suit other countries ?
Why should we be forced to accept a criminal act because illegal invaders feel entitled to that which they have not earned ?
The plain and painful answer is...... We shouldn't
This is OUR country, these are OUR laws, and any who would come here and be part of America has NO choice but to accept these things and do whatever possible to assimilate.
We have lost our national sense of self.
*the rest of this speech and others can be found here: http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/troosevelt.asp
Also, if you honestly think these immigrants have the best interests of EVERYONE in the US at heart, perhaps you should check this URL out as well: http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/hispanic.asp
Here's a link for more on the plight of the Border Patrol agents: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244441,00.html