bluestratos
New member
After years of living here with my born and bread American Wife I finally went ahead and became a US Citizen. While as a Canadian born immigrant I had not seen the reason to go through the effort up to then since both countries are so much alike. It took 24 years of living among the people of this great nation to understand how much of an honor and privilege it is to be called an American.
The process was long and expensive but what I feared the most was the civics test. They gave me a study guide and I listened to that CD for hours every day. It was that single experience that made me understand what a great nation this was. Eventually I knew every questions answer by heart but continued to listen over and over in awe of the founding fathers and the constitution.
I passed the test with ease and in reality there should have been no fear as I realized that over the years I had come to learn most of the answers from my daily life. Then came the big moment, I stood among my peers, raised my hand to my heart and said the pledge of elegance to America for which the flag stands. I was an American!
As we slowly filed out I was humbled to look at the dozens of people that had also taken this sacred oath and who also seemed to be equally in awe of what had just happened. On the ride home I looked at the many flags displayed everyday along the way. They too, while likely naturalized citizens, were displaying their pride for this great nation, I had just never made the connection before.
Over the last several years I have watched a constant attack on the US constitution and a barrage of hate toward our country, both domestic and abroad. I now stand among those that are proud and honored to call America my home and will fight if need be to protect the rights we all enjoy. Many nations are jealous of what we have achieved and many special interest groups think that they can tear the fabric to shape their own end but given proper leadership this can, and must be, changed.
As an immigrant I respect the laws of this land anyone, that finds that difficult can simply move to a new home outside of this country at its 50 states. The young will always want change and will be impatient to do so but I warn them, watch what you ask for, you may just get it. It easy to judge when you are supported by your parents or worse, the people that work every day and contribute to the coffers for the good of all. Some day they (the youth) will grow up and understand that what they though was black and white is now much more grey, lol.
These times are very trying as I watch the few bully the many to their own end. Many try to make outlandish judgments on innocent speech , the freedom of which is guaranteed in the constitution, or symbols in our daily lives. I respect their rights but do not force your views upon the vast majority that believe otherwise. We need not do more than stand up and state our apposing views peacefully but forcefully to protect our country from those that feel otherwise.
This forth of July weekend I will spend quietly at home with my wife. We will go about the day as we would normally with one small exception. We both will ponder the many virtues of being and US citizen and give thanks to the men and women that protect us from those that would do this nation harm. Bless America and her people and thank you for the privilege to be counted among the ranks... and a happy and safe 4th to all.
The process was long and expensive but what I feared the most was the civics test. They gave me a study guide and I listened to that CD for hours every day. It was that single experience that made me understand what a great nation this was. Eventually I knew every questions answer by heart but continued to listen over and over in awe of the founding fathers and the constitution.
I passed the test with ease and in reality there should have been no fear as I realized that over the years I had come to learn most of the answers from my daily life. Then came the big moment, I stood among my peers, raised my hand to my heart and said the pledge of elegance to America for which the flag stands. I was an American!
As we slowly filed out I was humbled to look at the dozens of people that had also taken this sacred oath and who also seemed to be equally in awe of what had just happened. On the ride home I looked at the many flags displayed everyday along the way. They too, while likely naturalized citizens, were displaying their pride for this great nation, I had just never made the connection before.
Over the last several years I have watched a constant attack on the US constitution and a barrage of hate toward our country, both domestic and abroad. I now stand among those that are proud and honored to call America my home and will fight if need be to protect the rights we all enjoy. Many nations are jealous of what we have achieved and many special interest groups think that they can tear the fabric to shape their own end but given proper leadership this can, and must be, changed.
As an immigrant I respect the laws of this land anyone, that finds that difficult can simply move to a new home outside of this country at its 50 states. The young will always want change and will be impatient to do so but I warn them, watch what you ask for, you may just get it. It easy to judge when you are supported by your parents or worse, the people that work every day and contribute to the coffers for the good of all. Some day they (the youth) will grow up and understand that what they though was black and white is now much more grey, lol.
These times are very trying as I watch the few bully the many to their own end. Many try to make outlandish judgments on innocent speech , the freedom of which is guaranteed in the constitution, or symbols in our daily lives. I respect their rights but do not force your views upon the vast majority that believe otherwise. We need not do more than stand up and state our apposing views peacefully but forcefully to protect our country from those that feel otherwise.
This forth of July weekend I will spend quietly at home with my wife. We will go about the day as we would normally with one small exception. We both will ponder the many virtues of being and US citizen and give thanks to the men and women that protect us from those that would do this nation harm. Bless America and her people and thank you for the privilege to be counted among the ranks... and a happy and safe 4th to all.
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