Another List of 5ive Things

I've done a lot of thinking about this immigration, illegal that is, thing. I tend to try to think things through before I go shooting off my mouth about something. I have had a little experience with living in a foreign country and that fact has made it a bit easier for me to say what I'm about to say.

In 1961, my family moved to Mexico City. It was quite a change to my life, going from a very small place in southern California (Coronado) to a gigantic city like Mexico City. We immediately set about to learn the language, learn the culture, respect the traditions of the country we chose to live in. In 6 months, my brother and I were both bilingual. We were well liked, as were my parents. The day that John F. Kennedy was assasinated, our Mexican friends were coming to our home to express their sorrow at our loss. We had endeared ourselves to the friends we had met. I tell you this because I'm sick of the crap that is going on in my country by those who demand that we forgive that they broke the law. That we turn the other way and allow my country to become just a plot of land for anyone to come and take what they want, with no consequence to having broken the law in the first place. I've heard the "We are all immigrants!!!" line one time too many. Someone add LEGAL in front of immigrants!! My father immigrated from Greece with his mother, fleeing a war in his country, when he was 6 years old. His mother played by the rules. They both became naturalized American citizens. What has changed???? Have we become so dependent on illegal immigrant/aliens because we can pay them so little (under the table) that we can't afford to NOT let them dictate the conditions upon which they can stay? The argument that no Americans will take some of the jobs that illegals hold is a crock.

Our country is suffering. We have hispanics (and a few others, but predominately hispanics) marching in the streets waving their flag and, after some bad press, now wave the American flag too. Good recovery. Am I the only one who feels that the government has done too little to fix this? President Vicente Fox of Mexico refuses to even acknowlege that there is a problem of illegals crossing our borders. Its been reported that there are even informational pamphlets for those considering fleeing to the US, showing where water is, where help is and how to survive the trip.

Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against the people of Mexico. What I do object to is a group of people trying to take it upon themselves to make changes to the rules through force. Play by the rules. Welcome to America. If you think the way to accomplish what you want is to intimidate and make demands, think again. If I break the law, I will go to jail. I doubt I'd have much luck changing the law to keep me from going to jail. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Is that so hard??

So, here is my List of 5ive things anyone contemplating coming to America needs to do.

1. Do the paperwork...legally, not conterfeit. Unfortunately, it includes paying taxes and supporting your new country.
2. Learn our laws. Pronto. Remember, you are no longer in your home country, but your new chosen country.
3. Learn to speak the language of the United States of America...English. Don't just rely on your young children to act as interpreters for you.
4. Get a job. Become a productive member of society.
5. Serve in one of your new country's armed services...they are the best in the world.

Respect this country and realize that living here is a privilege, not a given right. The freedoms and benefits you will enjoy here are worth it.