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Fighting Words or Full of Hot Air?
Posted May 21, 2010 by Kris DiGiovanni
Updated May 21, 2010 at 01:28 PM
I read a letter to the editor this week that really irked me.
You know I’m all for the expression of opinion. It’s what I do here. But I’m really getting sick and tired of hearing the same egotistical rant over and over from people who claim to be “real” Americans.
As far as I know, the only real Americans are Native Americans. Everyone else is here only because some Western Europeans invaded and took over. But I know this guy’s use of the term was not meant to refer to the founding of the country, but to his own personal brand of patriotism.
He starts off proudly proclaiming that he pays his taxes, parking, and speeding tickets. The taxes, I get, but how does admitting to breaking the law make you a “better” American? Please explain that one.
He goes on to say that he believes in the enforcement of illegal immigration laws, although that might label him a racist, and that he believes congress should enact all laws favored by the majority of the public.
His first statement likely refers to the recent legislation passed in AZ, which I sincerely doubt he has actually read. Unfortunately that bill is not so much about the enforcement of existing laws as it is about creating new ones.
Like this part:
The problem with this passage is the word “reasonable suspicion.” Just how does one come under suspicion? Well, obviously by doing something, saying something, or otherwise “seeming to be” an alien. Here’s this plays out. If you’re a Canadian visitor, it’s probably safe for you to drive through Phoenix. But if you’re a 3rd generation American of Puerto Rican heritage from New York, that trip might not be such a good idea. Oh, unless you always carry your passport or birth certificate with you, and don’t mind possibly having to prove you have a right to be here every time you pass a cop. Our “real American” correspondent apparently feels that being detained and humiliated is a fair the price to pay for living in or visiting the Grand Canyon State.
Regarding passing all bills most Americans support, perhaps a tiny civics lesson might clarify things for our not-so-gentle writer. The reason the US is a democratic republic, and not a true “majority rules” democracy, is precisely to avoid the type of mob mentality he apparently favors. Our elected officials are sworn to act in our best interests – not to simply do what we tell them. Of course they have to listen to our opinions. But then they have to go do right by us. In a true democracy (every individual gets an equal say) things tend to get out of hand. Think Salem Witch Trials. Want intimidation, lynchings, vigilantism? Mob rule will get you there. Want reasoned judgment and equality under the law – well-qualified elected representatives are your best bet.
Up to this point, I can forgive the letters writer’s rhetoric as simply uninformed, but his last statement really got my dander up.
our next battle is to save this great country from the progressives.
Sounds so familiar. Where have I heard that statement before? Ah yes, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, and others who continually spout anti-progressive venom. By all means, let’s save our country from any more of those abhorrent initiatives progressives have been responsible for in the past. I’m talking of course about those abominations like women’s suffrage, the National Park System, the abolishment of child labor, safety inspections for food, medicines, and consumer goods, The Clean Air and Water Act, Medicare, Social Security, the Civil Rights Act, anti-trust laws – and when you get right down to it, the American Revolution.
Yup, those pesky progressives are always up to no good, and dad gum it, our esteemed letter writer and those other “real Americans” are determined to take their country back.
Me? Well, with the help of my progressive friends, I’m equally determined to keep taking it forward.
The author can be reached at KrisDiGiovanni [at] gmail [dot] com
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