The right to protest is as fundamental as any of our rights
as Americans, so the protests at the Trump rallies are an example of why we are
a great nation. But who are these people? Why are they so bent on turning these
protests into violence? Why are they waving Mexican flags?
Don’t get me wrong; I recognize that America is an immigrant
nation. I believe that fact has not only has made us uniquely special among the
nations of the world, it has helped us remain the greatest example of democracy in
the world. And, the last I checked, Lady Liberty is still standing in New York
Harbor, lifting a torch of freedom and beckoning to the world: “Give me your
tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Breathe free.
What a gift that truly is. Freedom does not make me free of responsibility for
my fellow man. Actually, it is quite the opposite; freedom calls upon us, each
and every one, to rise above personal interests and to act in the best
interests of the needs and liberty of others. That is the essence of American
freedom.
Also, I should say that I have a deep affection for Hispanic
people. I speak their language and I love their culture. My family and I lived
in both Costa Rica and Ecuador and I have visited most Hispanic nations. Our
huge Hispanic population strengthens and blesses our nation; their contribution
to America is enormous and without dispute.
But frankly, I don’t see passion for the good of their
fellow man in these protests. I don’t see love for America and respect for
others. What I do see is self-interested thuggery and blatant disregard for the
very core of our values.
Also, I find it curious that while exercising one of the most precious rights granted by the U.S. Constitution they wave Mexican flags. If it is Mexico they
care about, then go back and change that nation. If they want to become
Americans, then we welcome them with open arms, but not with these behaviors of
violence.
A couple of things come to mind. As an American, I understand and share your concerns. However, these concerns often suggest that Hispanics are a monolithic group. The largest # of Hispanic protesters are Mexicans who believe that a big part of the Southwest was a massive land grab by the US and have been taught for generations that the SW is still "Northern Mexico. That makes a huge difference to them, although not to you and me. They don't believe they should go back to Mexico, because they ARE, in Mexico. I'm sure you know this, but it is often relegated to the back of the discussion.
ReplyDeleteThe small number of Costa Ricans, Hondurans, and other Hispanics, have a different interest and perhaps may be joining the protests simply because they want to stay here and enjoy the liberties and opportunities here they may not have at home.
The present administration's policies have served to blur the lines as to who is an American. As a result, citizens of other countries feel they have a right to be US citizens because they are citizens of the world.
Pandora,s box has been opened by the one who thinks he sees "hope and change" in the bottom of the box. Until something happens to counter the current trend, chaos, mutiny, anarchy, and lawlessness will continue to expand.
Great points JL. Thanks for your insights.
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