I have a great respect for my immigrant Mexican neighbors — their work ethic, their demeanor and the contributions they make to the United States. They are a big part of what makes all our lives easier and more enjoyable.
I also have a great respect for the country my family and my immigrant ancestors built, along with a society and affluent lifestyle next to none. Do I want to compromise that for a “watered down� and permissive country where anyone can come here, legally or illegally, and demand recognition? The answer is emphatically no.
Make fair laws and then put discipline in them to protect the America that is so sought-after in the first place, lest it become another economically challenged country like our neighbors to the south.
If we are afraid to look to the world like we have no compassion, then so be it. Being permissive and politically correct is certainly not the correct immigration policy. And let’s assure the immigrants who do become citizens — with all the associated privileges — that they are Americans, not Mexican-Americans, Haitian-Americans, Asian-Americans, Japanese-Americans, African-Americans, Irish-Americans, French-Americans, Canadian-Americans or whatever-Americans. And let’s all march with American flags, not any other flag.
Let’s teach English as the primary language in all schools. Let’s print all ballots and election materials only in English. If people want to vote, they can learn English. Let’s take down all the materials in our state buildings that are printed in a language other than English. Those who can't read English should make it a point to learn it.
Teddy Roosevelt was a principled man and a great American leader, and I don't think any American immigrant of any nationality was treated unfairly under his leadership or any of our succeeding leaders.
— Fred Cordia, Thousand Oaks
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