Written By tessler. On Aug 18. In Politics
Guest Blog by: K. B. Hartwell
Follow Kathy on Twitter: @KathyHartwell
Lately, the topic of immigration is one of the most debated political and ethical issues in the United States, except for “Obama Care.” I have heard pros and cons in the media about whether or not our forefathers would have condoned such an influx of folks from foreign nations and religions (whether legally or not). I have been reading a book by Thomas E. Woods, Jr., titled, “33 Questions About American History You’re Not Supposed to Ask” (2007).
The first question in the book asks, “Did our Founding Fathers support immigration?” Before I give the answer as to what the author writes in his book, what do you think? Do you think our Founding Fathers would have condoned unregulated immigration? Some would argue that the United States should allow everyone into the “melting pot,” because, after all, our forefathers were immigrants. Remember the Pilgrims? The Irish? The Jews? The Protestants?
Now, let’s consider what Mr. Woods (2007) wrote about what one of our most respected forefathers believed concerning the topic of immigration: Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was one of the leaders for independence from England; he was the person who wrote societal proverbs under the pseudonym of Richard Saunders in “Poor Richard’s Almanac;” and he was an ambassador to England, scientist and political theorist. In short, Franklin was an intelligent person of thought and reason who believed in freedom from totalitarianism. Since Mr. Franklin was for autonomy for every individual, would it also be reasonable to presume that he was a supporter of immigration?
Not entirely. In fact, Franklin believed that too much of an immigration of people of different religions and nations would “radically change the cultural landscape in ways that the native population might not want” (Woods, 2007). Still, Franklin did not totally oppose immigration; he merely did not want to “encourage . . . [those] migrants whose cultural backgrounds were significantly different from their own” (2007).
It is amazing that what was controversial then, continues to be controversial today—only on a much larger scale. Consider the discontent of white and black Americans as to what is happening at the Mexican border and at the controversy concerning the building of a mosque near Ground Zero in New York City.
Why are people so upset and divided about this issue of immigration? Perhaps it is the grounded truth of commonality that has been ingrained into every American; maybe it is for societal and/or religious harmony; or perhaps it is for those who fought and died for this country. From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror, Americans then and now want what is best for this country, and they do not want a nation divided by numerous cultures and languages.
On a personal note, I wonder if Benjamin Franklin would condone giving illegal immigrants the amnesty that the Obama Administration is rumored to be contemplating.
Somehow, I doubt it. He notes in Poor Richard’s Almanac, “Fish and visitors smell in three days” (Smith, 2004)
References
Smith, R. (2004). Poor Richard’s Almanac. Retrieved August 8, 2010, from Recess!
Woods, Jr., T.E. (2007). 33 Questions About American History. New York: Ransom House, Inc.
Note to Reader: The opinions expressed in this blog article do not necessarily represent the opinion(s) of Tessler. They are the author’s own viewpoint.
It’s sad that it has to come down to this anyway. I think everybody should have a shot at freedom, but they should have to do it the hard way like the rest of us. President Obama will turn us against all foreigners and that’s a shame because I’m here because of a Immigrant from Lebanon. If their religion goes against Christianity then they should be made to leave. Especially if it calls for the slaughter of innocent people. I actually cringe when I think of what Obama is trying to do at ground zero. I knew that America would regret the decision to put his ass in office.
One other item that I believe that needs to be addressed with this article is the fact that we have so many who choose to come to America, but does not support America. I used to work in the medical field and it really irritated me that the foreign physicians could work in America, but because they go to their homeland for a period of time, they do not have to pay taxes on their income. I also found out that when their families came over for a visit they also were given medicaid for insurance. These physicians make an outragous amount of money each year and they should have to pay taxes like the rest of us. We give them their fees and also take care of their extended families when they visit. America needs to be compensated. If you do not support America with your taxes, then feel free to leave.
Simply what the question comes down to is “Should America maintain or increase the level of immigration?” Well its been my experience that most immigrants are some of the most intelligent, ambitious individuals who are unsatisfied with their countries of origin and bring their skills to America. Most even take low paying jobs that most Americans dont want.It improves the overall image of America internationally, as it is seen as an open, welcoming country; and immigrants who return home or maintain contact with family back home have a true image of America, not the one propagandized in much of the international media.
Well thats all fine and good but the reality is this. More immigrants means more opportunity for terrorists, drug dealers, and other criminals to enter the country.
Immigrants, especially the poorer ones, consume a high amount of government resources (health care, education, welfare, etc.) without paying a corresponding high rate of taxes.
The national identity and language is disappearing. The great “melting pot” is being replaced by divisive multi-culturism.
The emigration to the United States hurts the home country, as much of the male population, workers, and top intellectuals often leave their country.
Less-skilled American citizens earn less money and have fewer job opportunities because they must compete with immigrants in the job market.
You have made some obviously good points. I hope you have a chance to contribute more to with what you have to say.
“Where You Gonna Go(?)!”
Why is this a mute subject- it is not a controllable entity at any opinion makers point- unless they are capacited to take some form of action, i.e., calling out the guard, or some other form of verb response. So any rendering of opinion serves only the realm of discussion and thought generation. Interesting mental masturbatory carnage is another way to phrase that. It is mute- because people will come into the nation – they always have, they always will, what we did at one time was welcome them, understand them, and learn from them, because they were, and are, us. What we do now is react to what the media shoves up our entry portals of thought at the sixth grade level about a subject that is mute. It’s mute because any additions to this subject can be heard from Glen Beck on FOX who as every so called conservative thinker knows is the one true voice they all turn and face to when he speaks, it’s sickening how the lofty nation of moral and ethical consideration has become the country of media dominated group think all conveniently dumbed down to the sixth grade level so everybody has a chance to get it. The cliche that we need to wake up is past tense, the cliche that we need to quit dreaming is past tense, we’re beyond asleep at the wheel, we’ve entered the oncoming lane of traffic and sadly unless Beck as their mouthpiece du jour tells them to “quick Charley, turn the wheel,” the wreck is inevitable. What’s really a bummer is, in the nuclear insane age, it won’t even do those thoughtful souls who say “I’m gettin outa here this is crazy,” any good- where you gonna go?