Quote:
Originally Posted by macmeal
Yes I read your previous post. I didn't see anything in it that I disagreed with--I'm surprised my post caused such a negative reaction from you. I have a long history of posts--available to you or anyone else---in which I repeatedly and clearly denounce racism and bigotry, and at the same time emphasize that multiculturalism is a dangerous goal, having no proven success record and many examples of failures around the world. The wide tolerance of illegal immigration, found only in "guilt-ridden" western cultures, is, I believe, a symptom of our desire to embrace multiculturalism.
My posts represent my personal opinion. My opinion of Europe and Europeans is my own personal opinion. I frequently use words like "seems" or "appears to be", or "I believe".
I think the USA is the greatest social experiment mankind ever undertook. We have tried to be a refuge to the whole world. We assumed this would earn us the gratitude and respect of others, and for a while, it did. But we're not happy with that--our detractors, both here and abroad, are holding us to a standard of behavior far in excess of anything expected of any other nation. We seriously consider, and carefully listen, to any criticism of ourselves, no matter how unfounded or how silly. If we challenge this in any way, we're "racists" or "xenophobes". No nation can withstand this indefinitely.
That's my position. I advocate a multi-ethnic, multi-racial society in which much "cultural conformity" is required. (I live in a multi-racial, monocultural family myself). To put it briefly, I'd say to immigrants, "We don't care what you look like--but we're very much concerned with how you behave. This country is based on law, not ethnicity"...We did this once, and were able to accomplish great things. Yes, if you come here, I expect you to be grateful--and in your gratitude, I expect you to learn how the system works here. That's the way I feel about my house, and it's the way I feel about my nation as well. And, to be honest, I admit to a ceratin amount of resentment when my nation is criticized by others who seem to have their own "skeletons in the closet", and haven't made one tenth the effort America has made to welcome immigrants. That's my personal feeling---yours may differ.
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...should win an Oscar!
Well said.
If graves could give up voice, we'd hear gratitude from most legal immigrants for the abundant opportunities they found available in the US when they arrived. Most worked very hard for their place in our society, in spite of many various forms of prejudice, from within and without their own communities.
Gratitude. Aaaaah...an almost lost character trait! The lack of it has infected most of the young, alien and all. We don't appreciate ourselves. What we have. How we got it. What it cost. What it is like NOT to have it.
And if we don't appreciate US...we will never again be appreciated by the outside world.
Thank God for the LEGAL immigrants. My ancestors left various parts of European soil to find freedom to worship as they wished, freedom to work how and where they wanted, freedom to raise their families in their own manner, and blend with others who felt the same way.
And although European by birth, they became Americans by choice. Worked hard, paid taxes, voted, and built. Built a nation that gave others the same opportunities.
Opportunities that are flaunted by an illegal segment that destroys our efforts to create a better environment for all.
So, 'macmeal,' thanks again for your points, and I'm giving you a warm fuzzy for the effort! (A rep vote).
Cool in CA!
LhasaPoo
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Your post, especially the last two paragraphs...
