Lot's of History
There is a lot that can be learned from history… and oddly enough, we can say that we are a spoiled generation that is being brought up.
In 2007 when we had the icestorms around here and 100K+ were without power for up to 2-3 weeks… people would complain when they were just without for 2-3 hrs because their kids had no entertainment such as cable tv, internet, playstations, etc… What about those who lived in the 1800’s that didn’t even have indoor plumbing and had to go outside in 2 degree weather…
How about families that had 12 kids and lived in 2-3 bedroom houses… they had to learn how to share and pretty much sleep where they fell… now everyone thinks that kids deserve their own rooms with their own things and if the house isn’t big enough, sell this one and get more in debt for a bigger one…
How about the families that would sell everything they had to travel across the big blue pond (aka the Atlantic Ocean) so they could be herded through Ellis Island and HOPE they could become a member of the United States of America. They would give up their identities, their homes, their family names, everything just to be a US Citizen… Now people come here illegally, and think they are ENTITLED to our money, our health benefits, our public schools all while bringing their countries traditions with them and ignoring our traditions or making us give up our traditions.
To those people who traveled so far in such harsh conditions, making it to the “greatest” land as they thought meant a lot. Back then it cost 25cents to cross the Brooklyn Bridge. On more than one occasion they’d save up everything they had (b/c remember at that time, that was a lot of money) just so they could walk across the most well known bridge in the land.
My great grandpa and his brothers were among those who gave up everything they knew and loved to travel to our beloved country. He came to the US from Turkey however he was full blooded Greek. I unfortunately don’t know a lot about him because he died when my grandma was 5 years old, but he was a painter. He changed his name at Ellis Island from Eugenidis to Eugene because he wanted to sound more American. He changed his first name too but we aren’t completely sure from what.
The Statue of Liberty was a sign that they had made it. To them, she was the most beautiful thing in the world.
She stood for Freedom.
But people are trying to take these freedoms away from us. They don’t want us to speak freely about God because we might offend someone. We see the government standing up for those who come to our country illegally, trying to keep them as long as they’ll vote for them. And this phrase upsets me, “No speak English”. I couldn’t go live in another country and expect them to bow down to me because I only know English. But we are expected to learn their language so that we can communicate with them… when they came to our country.
By all means, come to our country! There is a lot of history and culture to our country just like every other country in the world.
There are also a lot of great opportunities.
There is a lot of great history too.
And talk about the places to eat!
And the views are phenomenal!
You want fun? We even have your fun too.
But come here legally! Don’t steal our identities so you can work and ship your money back to your home country. Pay your taxes like a respectable person. DON’T think we owe you something, because if anything, you owe us… you came here so you should pay taxes like any other upstanding citizen… HELLO!
Sorry to get so political which is something I generally tend to avoid, but some days… things just piss me off and I have to express myself. I wonder if other countries have this same problem?
History is the greatest source of knowledge. I am taking a history course this semester and I super excited!!
I hear ya girlie!
What a great tribute to NYC. Just got back from this city and I LOVE LOVE it!
I love that you're speaking your mind about this! There are so many points that I agree with you on!
Working at a school that offers English as a Second Language class, it really makes me proud to see the ones who DO want to learn English. I wish they would all do it!
Yes, other countries are dealing with issues like this. The European Union has changed much. Most of my mother's family lives in Ireland and they have told me they feel they are losing their identity because of easy immigration since they joined the EU.
Amen.
Yes, other countries are dealing with the same stuff…I just wish that people would be more openminded about immigration, since most of the immigrants come from very tough situations and DO want to work hard, pay their taxes, take care of their families, and learn the language (while not giving up their identities). It's sad that those people are lumped together in the same category as those that take advantage of the system, just because they're equally 'visible'…people often judge the 'good' ones and discriminate against them, even though they're 'playing by the rules'.
Don't get me wrong Tezzie, I have nothing against people who want to do it right, and unfortunately you are right, the good ones get lumped in with the illegal ones which is sad. In fact I'm not racist or anything else, I just sometimes get frustrated for paying for people who do it illegally and think we owe them something b/c they were able to get in the borders illegally. We don't owe them anything… I work for what I have, they need to as well. And I'm definitely ok with immigration, just do it right.
Preach it sista!
You're not alone… Hubby used to work with a guy who legally immigrated to the US from Mexico. You should hear him crank up the complaining about people from his native land who can't follow the rules. I about fell out of my chair. He was on a HUGE soapbox.
I'm one of the most liberal people I know, but I couldn't agree with you more. D & I had this convo. just the other day. A friend was offended when someone said “they should learn our language” – she was offended b/c her parents are from Italy. Now, I get where she's coming from, but my father's 1st language was Italian too. I'm all for immigration – not 1 of my 4 grandparents were born in the US, but they all came here with the proper papers and worked hard to contribute to their new neighborhoods. They didn't just get pregnant & expect US tax money to educate & provide healthcare for my parents. I remember my Nana being ticked off about illegals since she herself was an immigrant and it still angers my parents since our family worked hard to achieve what they did.
Someone else mentioned Ireland too & I know Ireland & Scotland have been over-run with Polish seeking a better economy too. We have the same problems. Sadly, it's not just “those that can't speak English” – I know plenty of Irish bartenders & Londoners who work construction that have over-stayed their visas and work off the books for cash. I also know plenty of regular people I grew up with who are unemployed and would love those jobs but they can't get them, because the illegals are willing to work for less. I'm not a fan of unions, but it does make you wonder…
Thought provoking post. 🙂
In no way did I mean to imply that you were racist…I was making a general observation about the sad state of society's view of immigrants. It's a touchy subject, since I've been an immigrant twice in my life…just because I'm caucasian, people I've known have thought me somehow excluded from the immigrant label, something I've never understood. Some of their comments could just as easily have applied to me and my family, so when comments are made labelling and generalizing about immigration as a whole it tends to make me sad…'justified labelling', or not.
They call the US a melting pot but in Canada we refer to the same condition as a Mosaic, a lot of different, colourful pieces fit together in one great work of art. I like being able to proudly refer to my immigrant dad's Welsh homeland as the old country and am grateful for the little bit of that he brought with him. I think it's important to try to fit in, follow the rules of your adopted country, and make a contribution but I love not loosing where we came from too. It explains so much about me. My dad made so many sacrifices so I could enjoy so many blessings.
No one who knew you would ever think you a racist. It's alright to be offended by the offensive. The offensive never appologize; why should we for having our own opinions?
I'm jealous! I would love to go to New York one day. Now, seeing your pictures, it makes me even want to get there sooner!