Not Ashamed Of My Country

[moosmom]

BOB'S DAD,

Great thread!! I didn't vote for Bush. Never did.

I think the borders should be totally closed. We have enough problems supporting the LEGAL immigrants in this country without the ILLEGAL ones taking what is NOT rightfully theirs!!!

Ever consider running for President???

[Daisy and Delilah]

Very well said BOBS DAD!! I couldn't have said it better myself. I didn't vote for George Bush and I'm proud to say that. I feel that many many Americans feel the same way you do about our current administration. I don't meet too many people that like Bush so I'm still trying to figure out who all the people are that voted for him. Your vent explains it very well and I thank you for saying it. Frankly, I wonder every day how he's still in office

[CathyBogart]

As far as illegal immigration goes.....

If things were bad enough in this country that people were willing to SAIL OUT OF HERE ON MATTRESSES we might not be so uptight about people who are desperately trying to escape life in, say, Cuba, and come to somewhere where they stand a chance.

A lot of illegal immigrants take jobs that nobody here would want, like working in Los Angeles sewing together clothes in sweatshops for $3 an hour. We don't want to hear about that though, we just go to Forever 21 and buy the clothes.

IMO, we should make it easier for people to become citizens, at least for people coming from places where the situation is as bad as it is in Cuba right now.

Does is suck for us when illegal immigrants come in and use taxpayers' money on public services and whatnot? Yes, it does. However, imagine how much it sucks for the people still living in places riddled with war.

[DIANESDOGS]

They can come. America has always had it arms open to the those who were looking for a better life and were willing to work hard to achieve that goal. The illegals that you mention who are working in the sewers are certainly empathetic individuals, but we can't allow others to endlessly follow their paths. Please come legally. I do think there needs to be tighter controls and a constant vigilance to secure our borders for everyone safety.

[BOBS DAD]

I am not saying that we shouldn't encourage and even make it easier for honest hardworking people to make a better life for themselves in America... I'm just saying that we need to make sure that they do it legally. FLOATING to America on a mattress is an act of desperation, one that is certainly admirable and sad - but it is also extremely dangerous and unsafe for both the floater(s) and every American citizen. As a nation, we need to know who is here and everything that goes along with that type legal classification - are they sick? have they brought Bird Flu? have they smuggled anything illegal (besides themselves), such as dogs (there are a flood of illegal and sickly dogs being smuggled into the US by Mexican puppy mills and sold on the streets in CA)??? what are their intentions - are they simply looking for work and want desperately to become U.S. Citizens - or do they want to blow up the World Trade Center???

There needs to be a system for processing this information and that can only occur within a bonafide legal mechanism. AND we can't encourage people to sidestep the process!!!

As far as the jobs you speak of and taxpayers money, etc.. I'm all for my taxes helping others get a fresh start and assisting others less fortuneate than I. And yes, illegals do often take jobs that others won't - but to encorage this is almost like taking advantage of them - sort of like the sweatshops that you describe. And Forever 21 - I'm not sure what that is exactly... duh???

Anyway, immigration wasn't my only complaint when originally venting!!! I guess I'm just a former GW fan who feels he's made a mistake and now wants to be accountable!!!

[moosmom]

I do think there needs to be tighter controls and a constant vigilance to secure our borders for everyone safety

THAT'S what I meant.

Oh and, BTW, I'm NOT ashamed of our country, only the big guy in that big White House.

[BOBS DAD]

and work my way up!!!

Actually, I HAVE considered running for Mayor! But I don't think I could be serious enough to run an effective campaign. I immediately start thinking of goofy sign I could post mocking my opponent. Flyers I could make which say, "I know nothing about government, collecting taxes or running your town. If you want a career politician and a seasoned veteran, then YOU DO NOT WANT to vote for me... all things considered, I still think I am a better choice than my opponent - and that's not saying much for him".

Seriously though, I think it is a lot harder being President than it is "wanting" to be President. I think I really only want to be President for a day... maybe 10 minutes... just long enough to pass a law or make a decision on an issue that I am currently upset over! Then I'm done. At least until I want to be President for another 10 minutes.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I love my country too!!! The leaders, however, leave a lot to be desired!!! I too supported GW but think he has made a series of big goofs lately.

Everyone of my male relatives has been in some form of the service. I support the men and women in the armed services 100%

Maybe if we could help the countries where all the immigrants are coming from become better places to live and work, that would help solve the problem. I would rather some of our tax dollars go to a program like that than into a space program to mars or something. Either that, or make those countries part of the US, then they wouldn't need to immigrate. (just kidding folks)

We do need to stop giving illegals free services so easily though. I know lots of Americans who can't get medical help but illegals can get it easily. For them the streets of the US are paved with gold. Still, I can't blame anyone for wanting a better life for themselves or their families.

We do need to get a grip on those borders though or someday we will wake up to be the United States of ?????

[CathyBogart]

And Forever 21 - I'm not sure what that is exactly... duh???

Oops, it's a pretty popular women's clothing store chain in my area.