Saturday, August 16, 2008
Away For a While....
Faithful readers, I apologize that I haven't posted for some time. I have let life get the better of me. In the meantime I leave tomorrow and will not be back for three weeks, during which time I do not belive I will have internet access. Therefore I have posted several more 'old' articles that I have written in the past when an issue grabbed me. Enjoy and I look forward to writing more for you again.
Illegal Immigration... Let's Think Again
Immigration, mention that word and people immediately jump to their guns ready for a hot argument. The controversy is rampant across the nation, should illegal immigrants be allowed to stay in America? Should they be punished? Is it cruel to send them back or not allow them the same privileges as legal citizens?
From many countries immigrants are traveling to the United States of America. Craving safety and a chance to make something of their lives, they come in hope of a new life. No other nation is quite equal to America in opportunities, freedoms, and rights. Is it a surprise that people wish to relocate here? Seeing this, the government has created a way for people to apply to become residents. It is not easy; in fact it can take an extended periods of time. Many have taken advantage of this and become legal citizens of America. Others have not.
The main controversy concerning immigration focuses on those who immigrate to America illegally. Without following the legal requirements of the government, they arrive and settle in America anyway. What should be cone? Some politicians have suggested that after living in America for a certain period of time illegal immigrants should receive citizenship. Others believe that all those in the country illegally should be shipped back to where they came from. Which is the right choice? What should be done?
Although it is heart wrenching to think of families being sent back, awarding citizenship will only compound the problem. If this is done then all immigrants have a choice. First, they could apply for residence and wait years perhaps to enter the country; or they can illegally enter immediately, take up residence and in a certain number of years they will receive citizenship free and clear. Which option seems easier? If a citizenship is awarded to illegal immigrants, it will encourage all immigrants to enter illegally.
Praising those that break our laws, and seemingly penalizing all who obey the law, does not seem to be a wise move. Compounding the immigration problem, America will be overrun with illegal immigrants. Sadly, if this occurs, there may be so many illegal immigrants in the country that those who apply legally will have to be refused. Think of the results of this policy. Does it not seem more profitable to reward those who do the right thing?
From many countries immigrants are traveling to the United States of America. Craving safety and a chance to make something of their lives, they come in hope of a new life. No other nation is quite equal to America in opportunities, freedoms, and rights. Is it a surprise that people wish to relocate here? Seeing this, the government has created a way for people to apply to become residents. It is not easy; in fact it can take an extended periods of time. Many have taken advantage of this and become legal citizens of America. Others have not.
The main controversy concerning immigration focuses on those who immigrate to America illegally. Without following the legal requirements of the government, they arrive and settle in America anyway. What should be cone? Some politicians have suggested that after living in America for a certain period of time illegal immigrants should receive citizenship. Others believe that all those in the country illegally should be shipped back to where they came from. Which is the right choice? What should be done?
Although it is heart wrenching to think of families being sent back, awarding citizenship will only compound the problem. If this is done then all immigrants have a choice. First, they could apply for residence and wait years perhaps to enter the country; or they can illegally enter immediately, take up residence and in a certain number of years they will receive citizenship free and clear. Which option seems easier? If a citizenship is awarded to illegal immigrants, it will encourage all immigrants to enter illegally.
Praising those that break our laws, and seemingly penalizing all who obey the law, does not seem to be a wise move. Compounding the immigration problem, America will be overrun with illegal immigrants. Sadly, if this occurs, there may be so many illegal immigrants in the country that those who apply legally will have to be refused. Think of the results of this policy. Does it not seem more profitable to reward those who do the right thing?
Make a Difference
There is a position in the government that is being rudely ignored. Those in this position are shirking their duty. Determining all other government positions and rulings, a job of this enormity should not be treated so. In 1856, 78.9% of those in this position fulfilled their duty. 1904 saw only 65.2%, while the year 2000 showed only 51%. It is time to stand against such disregard, it is time to vote.
In America we are privileged to have democracy. Uniquely, a democracy creates laws and has rulers as all governments, however, those rulers and laws are approved by the people. Unlike other governments, people desire to live under a democracy and experience the freedoms that they established. Living under a democratic government is taken for granted.
Unfortunately, people neglect to exercise the right of voting. Excuses range from inconvenience, to the misconception that only candidates with money win. While it may seem that only the rich reach political offices, the votes of people place them there. It is also stated that one vote will not matter. If all voters decided this, none would vote. One close election was the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Amazingly, the popular vote statistics showed not even a percentage point separated the men. Contrariwise Bush had 271 of the electoral votes contrasted to Gore’s 266. In this election only 51% of the eligible voters voted. The outcome of the election could have been drastically different had more voted.
While most voters believe that choosing whether or not to vote is a preference, they fail to realize that it is not only a right, but a duty. It is no small matter that Americans are given the right to vote, it is an honor that many tarnish. Carrying the responsibility of this nation on their shoulders, people must understand the weight of their task.
Voting is one of the most vital positions in the nation. Putting into place leaders that will in turn make decisions that could alter the course of history, this job is taken too lightly. The people populating America are suffering from apathy. It is time for patriotism to rule again. Fellow Americans have fought, giving their lives for freedom and the right to vote. Yet, their bravery and honor are disregarded when one refuses to vote. Take on the responsibility, take on the challenge, and when given the opportunity, vote, for yourself, for your children, for the men and women that died to give you that right, and last of all for your nation.
In America we are privileged to have democracy. Uniquely, a democracy creates laws and has rulers as all governments, however, those rulers and laws are approved by the people. Unlike other governments, people desire to live under a democracy and experience the freedoms that they established. Living under a democratic government is taken for granted.
Unfortunately, people neglect to exercise the right of voting. Excuses range from inconvenience, to the misconception that only candidates with money win. While it may seem that only the rich reach political offices, the votes of people place them there. It is also stated that one vote will not matter. If all voters decided this, none would vote. One close election was the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Amazingly, the popular vote statistics showed not even a percentage point separated the men. Contrariwise Bush had 271 of the electoral votes contrasted to Gore’s 266. In this election only 51% of the eligible voters voted. The outcome of the election could have been drastically different had more voted.
While most voters believe that choosing whether or not to vote is a preference, they fail to realize that it is not only a right, but a duty. It is no small matter that Americans are given the right to vote, it is an honor that many tarnish. Carrying the responsibility of this nation on their shoulders, people must understand the weight of their task.
Voting is one of the most vital positions in the nation. Putting into place leaders that will in turn make decisions that could alter the course of history, this job is taken too lightly. The people populating America are suffering from apathy. It is time for patriotism to rule again. Fellow Americans have fought, giving their lives for freedom and the right to vote. Yet, their bravery and honor are disregarded when one refuses to vote. Take on the responsibility, take on the challenge, and when given the opportunity, vote, for yourself, for your children, for the men and women that died to give you that right, and last of all for your nation.
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