Quote:
Originally Posted by lynxpilot
I guess my initial focus was on the 'bad' and that obscures the overall. I have seen 'ethnic' neighborhoods in cities and towns that are most definitely an asset to our nation and certainly make up what it is (a nation of immigrants, but then again what nation isn't?). I have, however, seen over the years some really nice places (San Diego for example) that are becoming the Mexican annex. And if you don't mind Mexican culture, I suppose it's the place for you. I didn't like what it was becoming. Maybe it's my own personal sensitivity to Mexican culture and the dislike of it. I see things in the culture re-located here (U.S.) that reflect the old country. Arguments to allow immigration always cite corruption in government and law enforcement, but nobody seems to recognize that the government and law officers of Mexico are Mexican. They are not invaders from Mars. Mexicans created their own corruption and loose interpretation of social responsibility and it travels here with every immigrant. I hate to become divisive about it, but when I witness an apologist U.S. allowing special priveleges for illegal Mexican immigrants and blaming their ills on their former nation's corruption, coupled with their incessant desire to hang the Mexican flag on their houses, their car mirrors, their tattoos, I have to wonder what country I live in. I'm especially concerned about people like Navarrette and organizations like MeCha, and Hispanic Heritage Month, and all of the other things that are the opposite of every effort this country has made to become less divisive since the abolition of slavery. In a nutshell, this isn't Mexico. If you love Mexico so much, then move to Mexico. (the 'you' being the rhetorical 'you' and not OB)
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I get what you are saying. I come from an immigrant family myself (Irish) but I don't expect 'special privileges' for us. All we expect is the same opportunities and accountabilities as anyone else.
I am interested in your experience because the US is a big country and people in different parts see and experience different things, a point often overlooked. I've never been to San Diego or Yuma where you mentioned you lived although I intend to do so as some point (if not Yuma, then at least AZ properly because I have only been to the AZ side of the Hoover Dam).
On the East Coast, you will see all sorts of Irish, Italian, German, Polish, etc, tee shirts, bumper stickers, etc. If you ever visit the New Jersey beaches, it is actually custom there to fly an American flag first and below that the flag of their ethnicity. It isn't a sign of allegiance to somewhere else, but a positive tradition of a social nature. Ethnic associations and clubs are common but they are social and fun. I'm not Italian, but I go to the St Anthony's club near me for the bar and good food. I also have a membership to a club near me that is associated with the Byzantine Rite Catholic Church for which I have no ethnic or religious connection, but the whole club is just a cool place to dodge the pub laws for some fun. Even right here in my work complex are Italian and Chinese restaurants, a Greek shop, etc. It works out really well for the most part and leaves much to experience.
There are plenty of Hispanic groups but I haven't seen anything hostile or noticed the MeCha movement you are describing. I am not too familiar with the MEChA movement. I googled it and it doesn't seem to advocate for reannexing lost territories to Mexico and is more of a cultural pride, self-help, self-advancement thing.
http://www.azteca.net/aztec/mecha/faq.html
However, for any non-citizens who would advocate the re-annexation of former Mexican territory lost in the Texas revolution and the Mexican War (I haven't met any Mexican who does, but I am sure there are the odd ones who might out of the tens of millions), that isn't acceptable to me. People have the right to free speech so long as it it peaceful, but don't think it is wise to give anyone who holds those views permanent visas or green cards (maybe a restricted visitors visa to see relatives or do business provided no secession advocacy occurs) and certainly not citizenship. To be admitted here, IMO, a person cannot advocate for the partial secession of the country.