Archives
6:16:00 PM PST
Speaking a Common Language
I accidentally sent this to my own journal. It is a reply to Aimer's entry ( Illegal Aliens- 15 Nov. 2006)
Amen! Great Job, Kid! You covered all the basics as well as the more technical issues in regards to South American immigrants.
A couple of points I'd like to mention. Living here Las Vegas, there is a large population of Hispanics who live here. I've lived, worked and played in the same environment that they do. As all of your respondents mentioned, except the lone one, they are just like the rest of us. There are the good, the bad and the ugly. Most of them are good people. They want the same things we want, a good life.
I became friends or friendly with many Hispanics, not just Mexicans, for there are many Hispanics from South American countries, beyond Mexico, that come here as well. The problem? They are "illegal" because gaining citizenship is so difficult. Why? Because of our government's policies. Solution? Make citizenship easier. The reason? For better screening and tracking of criminals. A more stable way to convert to a legitimate, systematic management of people, i.e. taxation, licensing, etc. They are going to come here, anyways. Hell nor high water will ever stop them.
I'm one who frequently uses the bus lines here in Las Vegas, which means I'm always forced to be a pedestrian using crosswalks to get from one side of the street to the other. One must understand, Las Vegas has a 45 MPH speed limit on most city streets. Like anywhere else, many motorist exceed the limit upwards to 60 MPH!
There are many deaths here due to motor vehicle/pedestrian "accidents" and the high rate of legal speed limits. I can not tell you how many times I counted my prayers in close-calls with motorist violating the "must stop and yield when pedestrians are in the crosswalk" laws. Except with the Hispanics! I NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THEM! They always use caution, they are patient, polite and courtesy, allowing me to cross without fear. They aren't the ones breaking the laws here. It's non Hispanics who violate the pedestrian/motorist laws here in Las Vegas, a 24/7 drink & gamble town.
Some of the Hispanics might not know English, but they sure do know common sense! And they know how to obey the laws where someone's life could be endangered. In general, they are a very caring group of people. I would welcome Hispanics here. But I would also like to see them be fully legal. To do that, our government needs to loosen the citizenship requirements. The rewards and benefits our nation would receive is a Hispanic citizenship of hard working, dedicated, caring and generally Christian people.
This nation was founded upon the principles of all people being afforded the opportunity to immigrate here regardless of race or nationality.
A few years ago I was working with several young Mexicans at an auto dealership. I was in sales and they were low-paid porters who washed cars, working hard in 100+ degrees weather. I happen to ask this one fellow something while we were in a conversation. Earlier, he had told me he sent most of his money home, to Mexico, to help out his family. (As many Mexicans do)
I asked him, "Are your a citizen?" He paused, sizing me up with his eyes, I suppose to gauge if he could trust me or not. We knew each other for some time. He then tapped his watch and said, "My watch is a Citizen!"
God, Love 'em!
And... Christopher Columbus never discovered America, as the history books tell us. Did not the Indians shake his hand on the beach when he landed? The land we all live on has always been a land of immigration. Even the America Indians immigrated here, they were the first. Some came by choice. Some did not. But what makes this nation great, despite the fact it is not perfect, is that we are a proud nation with people from every corner of the earth.
The hatred in the world must end and we all just need to start getting along and working together with the common goal of a better life for us all. We should extend the American dream and opportunity to our neighbors as well.
Again, Aimer, excellent writing. As was by most of your respondents as well.
RIVER
Written by riversharki Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | 
digg this
-
Wow, we finally made it to the last entry. Raven remind me sometime about this entry and I'll explain something to you, which I'm sure you already remember since you are so worldly wise.
You know what is funny. I never ever intended to start a journal. It was my first time here at AOL and I came across Aimer's article and meant to comment and ended up accidentally creating a journal, feeling embaressed.
It has been most pleasurable. You and Aimer are great!
River. -
I enjoyed Sheria article too. I have written quite a few articles about the Immigrant policies but I feel, the United States is becoming a poor nation. This probably sounds extreme but with our national debt and the lacking of funds to support those that are citizens, I think the immigrant issue needs moderation. We can't be a land of milk and huney if we extend and can't care for those born here. I believe there is room for more giving to others and I know God would wants this. I do think we need to honor their labor because they do the work that most of us dont want too. I am a big fan of the average joe blow blue collar. Hard work gets as many props from me as corporate America does. We are in a season that if we dont play it right, we could find ourselves as natives to what we onced owned or today, own with much debt to still pay. ~Raven
-
I like your solution. I suspect that many of us who are citizens of this country by birth might have trouble gaining citizenship if we had to pass a test.
12/28/06 2:48 PM