Losing America

Arizona is shining a spotlight on our souls as Americans.  The immigration debate is healthy, Arizona's law a tragedy.  We stand at the precipice of principles.

Immigration is the foundation of this country. As every school child knows, the Pilgrims arrived on this land to escape persecution. Throughout the following centuries, an eclectic mix of peoples set foot upon America from every corner of the planet, for myriad reasons. Yet, there has been one constant over the last almost 400 years that defines our country.  America is the land of opportunity, be it for economic, religious, or social motives.  We owe our lives to the tenet inscribed long ago on the Statue of Liberty.

America has a unique place in human history. Only something so powerful as equality, freedom and opportunity can draw a man here. Starvation, insecurity, or a wretched economy are factors that drive a man from his home. Both have combined for centuries to make America the shining beacon upon a hill.

Today, 70% of Arizona supports a law which gives police the right to determine a person’s immigration status. It is understandable why it passed. For years Arizona has had to deal with an influx of immigrants for which its economy, schools and hospitals cannot cope. It is not fair that those here legally, residents and citizens alike, must pay higher costs and taxes to cover illegal immigrants. Also, there have been crimes attributed to those here illegally. The Arizona/Mexico border is a porous transit point for drugs, guns and coyotes. The Federal Government tried building a fence that did not help.  Then, Arizona took the matter of illegal immigration into its own hands.

We know there is a problem with illegal immigration that is not limited to Arizona. California and Texas face similar challenges.  Surely, in other areas such as New York City, Atlanta, and Boston, social services are stressed as well due to illegal immigrants. But, there seems to be no backlash nor any pending law allowing local police to determine one’s immigration status based solely on looks and an officer’s impression.

There are murders, rapes and robberies committed in this country every day. Some acts are committed by Blacks, some by Whites, some by Asians, some by illegal immigrants. We do not lower the crime rate by asking every Black man to prove they did not committ a crime.  We will not lower the risk of terrorism if we ask each Arab to prove their innocence.  Is it acceptable, therefore, to ask someone for documentation proving residency, so as to limit the crime of illegal immigration? 

As America dives deeper into this polarizing debate, we cannot lose sight of our principles. If we were disgusted by the Nazis in Germany forcing Jews to carry identification; if we are shamed by how we rounded up the Japanese and forced them into our own concentration camps; if we love America and all that she stands for, then remember what the Statue of Liberty has been telling the world for 125 years:

“Give me your tired, your poor; Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

America is not about presuming guilt; it is not about ignoring due process; it is not about associating color and ethnicity with a crime; it is not about repeating the mistakes of our past. America is about hope, opportunity, equality and the rule of law.  Arizona’s law is inconsistent with America and it is not the solution to illegal immigration. It pushes us over the precipice and we will plummet to a future without our principles.  E Pluribus Unum.

Atticus and Linus

Now I realize that for years I had been peering out windows looking for flying pigs. But, I stopped, forever, as the days of hoping Atticus Finch would run for elected office are over.

I live in a country that I adore but where all politicians are actors, not just Reagan and the Terminator. Actors are also politicians, one is heads, the other tails. There has never been a time where I’ve been in a drug induced haze, legal or other, while hoping that a truly decent man or woman would stand up, in the act of representing the people, and simply lead this country through strength, values, and honor, not lies.

These people exist, if imperfect, in history books. They wrapped me for years in the blanket of idealism. They were called Jefferson, Washington and Lincoln. I have now learned that every Linus has to grow up at some point. This year, it was my turn.

I used to consider myself a Republican because of Ronald Reagan and my Conservative upbringing. Also, I have always worked hard and still today, hate to part with money. I registered as a Republican at 18 and through the years, donated money to the cause. That’s past tense as I can no longer do it in good conscience.

For most of my life, I demonized only democrats. Reality has now sunk in. Whether Democrat or Republican, they are all the same to me. Politicians are hypocrites, devoid of intelligent argument and genetic liars. Take a cue card or script away from them and they become incapable of orating. Values? Scratch the surface just a little and you'll hear the air escape. Honesty? That depends on what your meaning of truth is. Our government is run by the equivalent of baboons in three piece suits.

Why did I leave the Republican Party? Well, you simply cannot on the one hand preach less government and grow government at the same time. How can they scream family values but then run off to Argentina behind a wife’s back? A real moral compass does not lead you to solicit sex in a bathroom. You cannot hold the Bible in one hand while you steal money with the other. How can you say you are pro life but support the death penalty? Is it too much to ask that if you parade freedom and liberty on the campaign trail, you don't limit mine after being elected?

The Democrats are hypocrites and liars just like the Republicans. How can a President be a champion of woman’s rights while treating interns and secretaries like objects for his satisfaction? You have a representative from New York who fights for the poor yet he hides his millions of dollars of assets. Traditional Democratic states have the highest tax rates yet year after year they rank near the bottom as far as giving to charity. The current President says he doesn’t want to bicker, then in the next sentence he takes swipes at his opponents. He runs on a platform of openness yet we have no idea who received our money for the bailouts. I don’t understand if all men are created equal, why do the Democrats therefore demonize those that are rich?

I am no Arlen Specter or Benedict Arnold. I am just Conservative, except of course when expressing my opinions. There is so much to be said about the disenfranchising of Americans with their politicians. There is a growing gulf between those we elect and every day people. It continues to grow even faster than the icecaps are melting.

I know somewhere in this great country, there are Atticus Finch’s that could lead America as it should. But, they are terrible actors.

A philosphical attempt at improving our lot

Americans, whether Democrat, Republican or other, seek the same goals. No one likes stress, discrimination or crime. We all want to improve our economy and ensure our defense. It's amazing a criminal said it best, "Can't we all just get along?" As we hope for these ideals year in and out, we seem to get further away from them. We just don’t seem to advance much; what we seek we left behind years ago.

There was a one year time stamp, in each of our lives, when there was no wrong and we lived ideally. These 365 days now belong to the ages. Most of us cannot remember being three years old, although our parents can tell stories and show pictures. So, observe, when you get a chance, those who are three. You will see an accurate portrayal of what it is we seek as adults.

At three years old the world and all in it is right. There is no peer pressure. It does not matter that your feet lack the essential Nike's. You are not laughed at if you are have to ride the bus, have braces, glasses or are fat. Other three year olds play with you regardless if you are black, purple, brown or Martian. There is no finger pointing. No one cares if you rent or own; if you have a Caddy or a Kia.

At three years old you are oblivious to the constant bombardment by the American media on cholesterol, global warming, low approval ratings, car-jackings, corruption, homicides, plane crashes, incompetent politicians, teenage pregnancies, or a down stock market. You don’t care whether Lindsay or Brittney has divorced, checked themselves into a clinic, or became lesbians.

In this live quick, die quick society, anyone over three has become overly stressed. Is it the media's fault? Well, they only expose what happens outside our windows. But, at three all you could see through the glass was fun and wonder. As you got older, wonder was replaced slowly with reality. At a certain stage in aging, somehow, physical and material appearances begin to be used as criteria for determining how important you are in the pecking order and eventual ostracism. If, as a youngster, you are sentenced to the outside to look in, the reality of an unfair and cruel world set in early.

It is a tough and unforgiving place out there. Naturally, we all want it better and we feel like we fight for the ideals of when we were three. As things get worse and time trudges along, it is apparent that Americans become more exasperated and focus on the dangers around us. Our economy is in a crisis and we want change, fight crime, give me healthcare or give me death.

Is it inherent in human nature to find the easiest solution? We do seem to be like water, always seeking out the path with least resistance. Problems are not being resolved, vote them out! Like the oft seen showdowns of the devil vs. angel on cartoon characters' shoulders, life tempts us to go in appealing, easy but usually misguided directions. Underneath, is that desire which plagues Americans on the whole. Do we want the seemingly easy way or the tough path? We have made avoidance and blame habitual hobbies.

The source of greatest frustration is knowing that all Americans agree on what is a problem. But, we do not circle the wagons and win any of these battles because so many of them are internal. As a people we find it easier to fight the symptoms than the causes. We’ll yell and scream at each other while the house burns. Cancer patients choose to go through excruciating radiation treatments because they know awaiting them, after the pain, is health. If America were that patient, it would be taking pain killers for the cancer and avoiding the chemotherapy.

We used the power of the vote to kick Democrats out of town and replaced those seats with Republicans. Now, it looks as if we are going to boot out the Republicans and replace them with Democrats. The ferris wheel goes round and round.

Democrats and Republicans have different ideas on how to solve America's problems yet sometimes they don’t even agree on what is a problem. The economy; we all know we are in a crisis. If Obama wins and somehow, magically, he parts the waters and rights the economy, he’ll bask in the glory. If he can’t, then he’ll shrug and say, “What did you expect with the mess that was left to me?” Fingers point everywhere but at the self.

We were three once and all was right with the world. Today, we are not inside looking out in wonder. You and I live in a harsh world where the road to solving problems does not lie in Democrat vs. Republican, but within each one of us to get us back to when we were three.

Label me, please

I felt so pressured to fit into an ethnic group and be labeled that I decided to do something about it. Why did I need to attach a label to my name? Wouldn't a Jr, or the IV or something simple suffice? Robert Freeman, Black, White, Purple, or Hispanic, Jew, Asian. I didn't quite know back then which one would be appropriate. I was confused. So, I decided to visit a specialist for help:

Good morning Mr. Group Labeling Specialist, I am so confused and lost. There were no scholarships for college. I couldn't get hired since I was unable to help anybody get a tax break. The military needed a label and gave me one a long time ago. But, I can't quite identify with anybody in politics, basketball, the store, television shows...I feel so lonely, and that's why I came to you. I need you to give me an official label as to who I am so I no longer feel like such a nobody, a zero. I want to be able to hang out with my people who I don't know yet and feel some history! Then I can feel proud when one of my people get an award or dunk a ball or discover something important.

"Well that's very good of you, you're quite brave for doing so. It is important for all of us to feel like part of a group. This country is not so much a melting pot but a human stew. And it is because of this stew that has been created why you find yourself so alone. You need to remember your roots. In this manner you can have pride in your race and become part of a group. This will make you and your group stronger. Your winnings will be greater."

Sounds good doc, I am glad I came to you. I feel better already. Let's go label me!

"Yes, Bob, tell me about yourself. This way I can fit you into a label. Then companies will want you, you will get money for colleges, and other untold benefits await you that you haven't even dreamed of yet!"

Great! Well doc, my real name is Roberto.

"I am sorry to have offended you Roberto by calling you Bob."

Not a problem, here in the US I have it as Robert.

"OK Robert"

Or you can call me Bob if you're short on time.

"No, I have time. Well which do you prefer?"

I don't really care.

"Well Robert it will be."

OK. Doc, I was told I fit under white. What is white? My Greek friend is white too. But I don't have one molecule of Greek blood in me. I don’t even know what Uzo is. I have Italian friends, I love their food, but I'm not Italian.

"Well Bob from your skin color there is no doubt about it, you are white."

But Doc, is physical appearance everything? Another friend from Puerto Rico has whiter skin than I. And she is not labeled white. She is Latino. Crazy Salsa dancer too.

"Well physical is not always the primary criteria, like say in dating."

Heh heh, true, well that’s what the ugly ones say, right?!

"Now don’t judge people.”

You're right, she does have a good personality.

"Hm. You're white on the outside. Now look inside of you, who are you and what are you?"

Well, I am mostly Spanish. Then there are some Jewish roots. There is a smattering of Scottish and Irish blood too. And if I look far enough back, some American Indian.

"Boy, that's quite a mess Roberto Bob. It may get complicated and I may have to bill you extra. But it's for a worthy cause."

I was afraid of that Doc.

"Well, you said maybe some American Indian, we should ignore that since it is so small and insignificant. Scottish and Irish. That's interesting. The Scottish part won't do you any good - especially living in Boston. That's what we label white, anyway. Being white won't really get you anywhere this day in age. Jewish. Now there we may have something! Ethiopian Jewish by any chance??"

No Doc, Eastern Europe, Lithuania, Poland I think.

"Aha! That must be where Freeman comes from. Not good. I can’t label you Jewish or African American. That would have been your best bet. So far you still fall under white. Well, you said Spanish. That remains our only hope. So, where are you from?"

Madrid. I was born there. My mother is Spanish. Tapas, bulls, wine and Don Quixote Doc.

"Oh Madrid! Great. That's a beautiful city! Excellent! There are scholarships for Hispanics, Hispanics have preferences for jobs, why you could just speak Spanish and get along fine. Wait! You do have a green card? You are here legally right? Good, you know I flew to Madrid a few years ago from Dallas, and it’s not that far, we went to the Mayan ruins and..."

No Doc, Madrid, Spain, next to Portugal, across the Atlantic, it makes up the Iberian peninsula, used to be called Hispaniola, Latin language roots, we don't like the French, we colonized many American countries, Mexico, Peru, settled Florida, Puerto Rico, Cuba...

"Ah, Spain. That's right, I again need to apologize if I have offended you or your people. Wow, where is my brain! Let me see...OK you are from Spain, Latino...oooh well according to the book, Spain is in Europe and that would - SIGH - make you white also. Sorry you're not Hispanic or Latino. Say I'm going to Rio de Janeiro, how do you say YOU ARE WELCOME in Spanish?"

Oh Doc! You're saying then that I AM white?! I am not Latino? What about Hispanic? What's the difference? Am I nothing?

"Sorry Roberto, you are white, we can't get you in under African American because you're not Jewish from Ethiopia. You're too far removed from your Irish, Scottish, American Indian roots. Nor Hispanic, you're from the better side of the ocean. You just don't have the right blood in you.”

I have the WRONG blood? What are you talking about? Can I blame my parents? The government? Who??

"Let me explain. There is no wrong blood. There is just not right blood. Do you understand? I'm sorry Bob you're white. And I don't think that can be blamed on your parents. I think that's only when you murder, rape, or steal something."

I can't believe this. White?!?!? Like the Italians? Germans? Russians? Irish? British? Australians? Greeks? I don't feel like any of those people! I mean all that we have in common is red blood and yellow piss!

"I'm sorry but white it is. Feel free to cry all you want, it's different for men today."

I feel worse now than when I came here, Doc. I must be the only Spanish, Jewish, Scottish, Irish, White American person in the country. I feel worse now that I talked to. I may as well be from Mars. Being white really sucks.

Doc who made up this criteria? Can this be appealed? Can being labeled just plain American help me with anything? Will that allow me to apply for a job, or schooling, or loans, without prejudice?

"Hm. Don't really know. I have Alan Dershowitz’s number, he's still at Harvard. Try him, he performs miracles.”