Truer words have never been spoken

[Synnerman]

These are not my words but I agree with all that is in me.

Sorry I missed the credits but the author can sign in here also.


I am tired of the bashing that America takes. I don't give a rat's fanny if political agenda happens to coincide with action I personally feel is justified. I'm of the opinion that if there are ulterior motives so what? I'm not a person easily duped even if I am not a world-renowned political genius. I can read and form my own opinions.

I can't dazzle with vocabulary or my writing. I can't spell for squat, but I feel that we have taken necessary proactive steps in stabilizing a situation that has gone on for far too long. We could have waited yes, until the Statue of Liberty, Sears Tower, Hoover Dam, Mt. Rushmore or any of our other symbols are smashed and in ruins. We could wait until another plane filled with Americans is used as a weapon. Or until a little crop-duster passes over with a little surprise.

I was in Italy when Qadaffi erupted. I was intimate with the Gulf war - Desert Shield and Storm. I watched the towers fall and the Pentagon burn. I've been on a bus that was overturned by Anti-American protestors. I've been jeered at wearing my US Navy Uniform doing my duty.

Call me naïve, call me silly. Hell, call me anything. I'll just continue doing my level best to support the causes that I believe in - without mockery (and boy is that hard on me), without casting stones, and without a doubt of the veracity and necessity of taking necessary preemptive affirmative action. We have been reactionary long enough. I’m glad we are off our bloated asses.

Now all this is just my opinion… I have no qualms that I am a war-mongering extremist. I am just me. Flawed and human. And I am with my President and our troops, the many men and women that will make the world a better and safer place.

Do I think this is done out of the goodness of our hearts? Doubtful - we have a lot to gain in it. But that doesn't mean our heart isn't in the right place.

Thank you all, Kitty - Dreamer - Texan - Xstatic and CV for allowing me to have my say and offering your insights. I am appreciative of this forum that allows us to do just that. Try that in Iraq or Iran or ... well you know.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

Why thank you. It was me.

And I'm suffering the consequences. Seems tons disagree with me... and you.

 

[Angel]

Why thank you. It was me.

And I'm suffering the consequences. Seems tons disagree with me... and you.

You know what? This post from you is a good one, and one I can agree with even as I disagree with your general position.

Your posts in the other thread came off as elitist and snobby and intolerant of people different than you. Perhaps you worded it badly or I read it wrong.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

I certainly did not mean to come off as snobby, I am fed up with some of the drivel that comes from our educational system. The textbooks that reek of how horrible we are.

Dammit, I'm proud to be an American. I don't think it's right to make our kids ashamed to be American. And I'm sorry, the more I see, the more that is what it feels like.

Intolerant? I am descended from immigrants. I don't hate aliens here lawfully. I save my hate for the monsters.

What I do detest is so many telling me that I have to fund multi-lingual B.S. when the whole point of a melting-pot is to MELT. We are rich and diverse. But still, American.

I just think perhaps it's time to be a little more ...thoughtful about what we let pass across our boarders. And to eject those here illegally.

I'm sorry if you took me as an elitist.

I'm a mother that wants the best for her kids.

 

[Spinaroonie]

tl;dr

Thank you all, Kitty - Dreamer - Texan - Xstatic and CV for allowing me to have my say

Technically that'd be Laurel and Manu.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

'Thank you all, Kitty - Dreamer - Texan - Xstatic and CV for allowing me to have my say and offering your insights. I am appreciative of this forum that allows us to do just that. Try that in Iraq or Iran or ... well you know.' The whole quote my dear Spinaroonie!

ah technicalities! My appreciation of the forum isn't enough?

Thanks ALL!

 

[Angel]

I certainly did not mean to come off as snobby, I am fed up with some of the drivel that comes from our educational system. The textbooks that reek of how horrible we are.

Dammit, I'm proud to be an American. I don't think it's right to make our kids ashamed to be American. And I'm sorry, the more I see, the more that is what it feels like.

Intolerant? I am descended from immigrants. I don't hate aliens here lawfully. I save my hate for the monsters.

What I do detest is so many telling me that I have to fund multi-lingual B.S. when the whole point of a melting-pot is to MELT. We are rich and diverse. But still, American.

I just think perhaps it's time to be a little more ...thoughtful about what we let pass across our boarders. And to eject those here illegally.

I'm sorry if you took me as an elitist.

I'm a mother that wants the best for her kids.

I'm descended from Immigrants as well, and we kept our heritage, traditions and culture intact. I have family members on all sides who don't speak any English

People come here to have a better life, not to assimilate and lose their cultural identity and I don't believe they should have to. I don't think they should melt. They should mix in without losing anything of themselves.

I'm not saying you are intolerant and elitist.. What I'm saying is that the way you presented your ideas read to me that way.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

You and I will disagree on the issue of blending and melting forever.

I believe when one raises their hand to take the oath of alligence to the United States of America it should be said in English.

My great-granny spoke with a German accent, but she managed to speak English. Was she less German? Her heritage was German. But she became American.

How much of a disadvantage is it to not embrace the language of the land?

Or should we just fund a gazillion translators to make sure we don't screw someone? I have limits on my tolerance.

 

[april-wine]

hehe.....Shaking head....Good luck Angel......off to work.....With a few immigrants even......

 

[sexy-girl]

america is the land of the free its about freedom's ... those freedom's shouldn't come at the cost of other innocent peoples freedom's ... that includes within america and outside america

 

[Texan]

When an immigrant comes to this country, they should learn to speak english.

I don't see that as "losing" anything. A person can learn new things and become part of something new WITHOUT forgetting their original language or losing their culture.

It's "addition" not "subtraction." When you decide to immigrate, you chose to ADD a new language and culture to your life. You don't have to SUBTRACT your native language and culture.

It also doesn't mean you try to modify your new home into a version of your old home. It means you enjoy your heritage and culture, but you accept the culture of your new home.

I work in Latin America A LOT, so I learned to speak spanish and portuguese. I don't even live there, but I believe it's respectful to use the language of the people of the land.

Whether people like it or not, english IS the language of America.

just my opinion.

 

[Angel]

When an immigrant comes to this country, they should learn to speak english.

I don't see that as "losing" anything. A person can learn new things and become part of something new WITHOUT forgetting their original language or losing their culture.

It's "addition" not "subtraction." When you decide to immigrate, you chose to ADD a new language and culture to your life. You don't have to SUBTRACT your native language and culture.

It also doesn't mean you try to modify your new home into a version of your old home. It means you enjoy your heritage and culture, but you accept the culture of your new home.

I work in Latin America A LOT, so I learned to speak spanish and portuguese. I don't even live there, but I believe it's respectful to use the language of the people of the land.

Whether people like it or not, english IS the language of America.

just my opinion.

Maybe you should take some fucking lessons in cherokee then.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

approx 97% English speakers in this country in 1990. Even if the percentage were to drop 10 points since 1990....
Jeez.... Sounds like the language of the land to me.

 

[Synnerman]

Loosing sight of importance



I live and work mainly in Los Angeles,California. There isn't a bigger melting pot in this great nation anywhere.

We are all immigrants in a manner of speaking and if there is a race you don't want here then tell the Red man, it was his immigration policy that started all this anyway.

I applaud those who come here and maintain their traditions their language, yes, even their cultural differences. But they don't make a contribution to the place they chose to live untill they integrate that culture with what is around it. By exposure to your culture I learn and am better able to understand you and what makes you who you are.

This is the United States and stand united is what we must continue to do. Not united as black Americans or Korean Americans but as United Americans. That has made this country great and will continue to do so.

OK, I surrender my soap box for the moment. Your turn, but please be gentle. My hide still hurts from the last racial discussion I had on Lit.

 

[]ooooo(chained)]

Bad example. Cherokee civilized. Live in houses. Speak English. Own slaves. Bad Cherokee. Capitalist pigs, Cherokees...

 

[]ooooo(chained)]

The better example might be the Original Aboriginal population that was killed off by the Indians.

Or if you want a tribe that was simply up to no good, I'd look at the Souix...

 

[Tranquility]

Maybe you should take some fucking lessons in cherokee then.

Angel
__________________

Bad example. Cherokee civilized. Live in houses. Speak English. Own slaves. Bad Cherokee. Capitalist pigs, Cherokees...


The better example might be the Original Aboriginal population that was killed off by the Indians. ]ooooo(chained)

Or if you want a tribe that was simply up to no good, I'd look at the Souix...]ooooo(chained)
OK usually I stay outa the political arena and freys that happen here on Lit BUT this is one time that I take offense in a HUGE way do I have thin skin NO but when people preach equality and american ways etc etc. then why not stop slinging mud all over the damn ppl who have suffered right here on their OWN lands we fought side by side in Vietnam as windtalkers (HELLO) we saved live many lives at that. But more to the point america is the melting pot of the world ppl come here for a variety of reasons mostly so they can make a better way for their families and themselves. Do I agree with Annabelle ya damn skippy! Been there done that wasn't AD military but husband sure was and we saw alot all over the world. In Israel had a gun pointed at me by a KID because we were americans and they hated us and we weren't doing anything but touring and following thier cultures and rules. As for speaking english Texan is right when in Rome do as the romans do. I have raised my son to be tolerant of everyone and their beliefs BUT when a dictaorship is given 12 yrs to straighten out and fly right and all but says "FUCK YOU" to my president time to go in there and handle business. Its not about oil its about doing the right damn thing. So if that makes me a bad person for believing we should be there well then so be it I will sit in the boat with Annabelle and cheer our men and women on til its over. Now FLAME away....

 

[Lost Cause]

Way off topic..........

If you don't learn English (The world business language), you'll limit how far you go, and how far much you'll earn.
You'll pass this limited existence on to your children, and theirs.
With that limited view and contempt for America, you'll carry on the wrong tradition of exclusion here, and have to settle for less than you can be.
Another great thing about America, you have the equal right to fail.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

Re: Way off topic..........

If you don't learn English (The world business language), you'll limit how far you go, and how far much you'll earn.
You'll pass this limited existence on to your children, and theirs.
With that limited view and contempt for America, you'll carry on the wrong tradition of exclusion here, and have to settle for less than you can be.

Very well said...

Another great thing about America, you have the equal right to fail.

...and so very true.

 

[Annabelllee2003]

Maybe you should take some fucking lessons in cherokee then.

Angel
__________________

Bad example. Cherokee civilized. Live in houses. Speak English. Own slaves. Bad Cherokee. Capitalist pigs, Cherokees...


The better example might be the Original Aboriginal population that was killed off by the Indians. ]ooooo(chained)

Or if you want a tribe that was simply up to no good, I'd look at the Souix...]ooooo(chained)
OK usually I stay outa the political arena and freys that happen here on Lit BUT this is one time that I take offense in a HUGE way do I have thin skin NO but when people preach equality and american ways etc etc. then why not stop slinging mud all over the damn ppl who have suffered right here on their OWN lands we fought side by side in Vietnam as windtalkers (HELLO) we saved live many lives at that. But more to the point america is the melting pot of the world ppl come here for a variety of reasons mostly so they can make a better way for their families and themselves. Do I agree with Annabelle ya damn skippy! Been there done that wasn't AD military but husband sure was and we saw alot all over the world. In Israel had a gun pointed at me by a KID because we were americans and they hated us and we weren't doing anything but touring and following thier cultures and rules. As for speaking english Texan is right when in Rome do as the romans do. I have raised my son to be tolerant of everyone and their beliefs BUT when a dictaorship is given 12 yrs to straighten out and fly right and all but says "FUCK YOU" to my president time to go in there and handle business. Its not about oil its about doing the right damn thing. So if that makes me a bad person for believing we should be there well then so be it I will sit in the boat with Annabelle and cheer our men and women on til its over. Now FLAME away....

A pleasure to be in your boat.

 

[Tranquility]

A pleasure to be in your boat.

Pleasure is all mine

 

[Rooster]

Here is something I found and it reminded me of this thread. Enjoy.

An American's Thoughts



After hearing that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's license with her face covered this is an editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? Read on, please!

IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.

I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!

"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.

If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every! citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.

 

[Tranquility]

Here is something I found and it reminded me of this thread. Enjoy.

And that as Paul Harvey says "is the rest of the story"....don't like it LEAVE don't let ellis island hit you in your ass on the way out and while we are thinking about it drop your green cards off at the nearst US consilant

 

[Guest]

The Pledge of Allegiance

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.


I wonder how many people remember it

 

[Paganj]

If I went to Germany I'd expect to learn the language and use it every freaking day. Same thing with Russia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China or Brazil, etc. Just because you come from a different land with a different language does not give you the right to expect the rest of use to learn your language to talk to you.

And just because we have a large number of hispanic immigrants doesn't mean we need to create a bilingual nation. Our country was founded in English and we wrote our constitution in English. When we bought the Louisiana territory from France we didn't make French our second language did we? You come to our country you learn our language. You can keep your culture, your foods, your mode of dress; just speak English.