This was sent to me: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR "After hearing that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her drivers license with her face covered, I believe this is even more appropriate. Read on, please! This is an Editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa Newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others." I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely comprised of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multi cultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But, once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.
Ummmm, so I take it the Sioux, Apache, Mohawk, Potawatomi and numerous other native groupings must adapt to the American way or leave? Come on gimme a break... the thing that makes the USA the best country in the world is the fact that it IS a country of immigrants.. and that includes those with English as their mother language... English may be the most widely spoken language in the USA, but that doesn't make it the only one... and who says that all Americans should go play baseball or drink Bud? But on practical issues, such as the issue above about a Muslim woman, her veil and the driving license, she gotta take her veil off for the photo... no ifs or buts!! Not cos driving licenses are discriminatory, but because with no picture, how in God's name is anyone know if she is the legit driver... so on practical issues (photos on driving licenses, wearing clothes in public places etc etc), everyone must conform... on everything else, viva la difference! Cos the diversity is what makes American great... God Bless USA and all other Civilised Countries... and may God have mercy on any surviving Evil Doers once we have smoked em out and given em justice...
Candle, You agree with some of the letter, but not the premise? Ummmm, so I take it the Sioux, Apache, Mohawk, Potawatomi and numerous other native groupings must adapt to the American way or leave? Don't they have their own nations within this country? They speak and dress as they want, operate casinos, sell fireworks, cigarettes with no federal taxes etc. and who says that all Americans should go play baseball or drink Bud? The letter says DON'T tell me I can't play baseball or drink Bud because it is against your beliefs or religion or anything else. Why did you chose to post in English?
The USA is the land of freedom and liberty... but there should be constraints for practical reasons... otherwise soon arab women will be saying they want to wear a veil on their passport photo... imagine the secruity implications of that in a post-september 11th world... the USA must not cave in on issues of national security, but at the same time should allow people to live their private lives however they want to...
was thinking exactly the same thing, and was about to write it, and I got to this. Bung, you are on the money once again!!!
What a load of pure, unadulterated BS. "In god we trust" is certainly NOT America's "national motto". Furthermore, check your history books pal. The country was founded to ESCAPE the "Christian principles" that wrought havoc over Europe at the time. Now, the part about letting that muslim woman hve her face be covered in her license photo. THAT GOES WAY TO FAR!! What an absolute joke.
I didn't write the letter, posted it to see what others thought. If you moved to Bumf### Asia, and they ate dogs and you were a dog lover, would you not consume doggy burgers or would you hire a lawyer to change their customs and way of life? That's how I interpret the letter.
You may have misunderstood. My point about the muslim woman being allowed to cover her face was outrageous! There is no way she should have been allowed to do that! Of course she is the one that has to adapt, perhaps not so much to custom, but to LAW!
"Wrought havoc"?? are you referring to the age of the explorers and conquistadors, or the Puritans, or the colonial lords, or the Revolutionary period? when do your history books say the country was "founded," and which "havoc" was being wrought upon Europe during that time?