I am a GOOD American

I am your best friend. I am a GOOD American.

I like big cars, big hooters, and big paychecks. I believe that the money I make belongs to me and my family, but I recognize that it is to my benefit if as many people as possible get fed, clothed, and get a good education, so I don’t mind having to pay taxes. I recognize that I live in a society that makes it possible for me to live so nicely, and I’m ok with giving back to that society.

I am in touch with my feelings. I know who I am. I’m not afraid of facing the truth, even when it is ugly. I don’t believe that anyone has ever died because of something that Ozzy Osbourne sang, though I recognize that children are impressionable, so I do my best to be a good role model for those who might look for me to be one. I don’t believe that owning a gun makes you a killer, though I have no problem with gun control. I think licensing handguns is a good idea that would hurt nobody but the lazy, and that if you think that licensing is the first step to confiscation, then you really don’t know what America is all about. Don’t tread on me with your ignorance.

I don’t think that being a minority makes you noble or victimized, but I recognize that this country was built in large part by slaves who paid the way for a lot of the rich families of this country. Like I said before, I’m not afraid of facing the truth, even when it is ugly. I realize that this land was stolen from the Indians who lived on it before us. I think it’s a shame when people marginalize the sacrifices that the American Indians gave up for this great country.

I believe that graduating from college is the best thing you can do for yourself, and I don’t care how you pay for it. I believe that anyone who really wants to graduate from college can… Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Don’t come crying to me because you trapped yourself in a factory job and bought a really cool car before you put a serious investment in yourself. But don’t worry, I pay taxes to help people like you if you did. And I’m more than happy to do so, sitting in my office with a view, and diplomas on the wall.

I believe that my daughter is just as smart as your son. She could probably kick his *** too, if she put her mind to it. And it will be over my dead body that you deny her of the same opportunities that your son should enjoy. This is America, and females are Americans too.

I am happy to see that President Bush is doing his weekly addresses in both English and Spanish. America is the land of the diverse, and if you can’t handle that, then you are in the wrong place. I'm against the weekly presidential radio address being in ebonics though.

I am my own hero. I don’t need to look to anyone but my God, myself, and my family for strength. I like watching television, but I’m not going to make fictional characters my heroes. You can pretend that you’re John Wayne if you want. My little son thinks that he’s a cowboy too. When he gets old enough, he’ll realize that there is no such thing as a cowboy anymore… Just farmers, and God bless them all.

I believe that every vote should count, and I’m not fooled by the results of this last election. I’ll accept it, but I believe the next time we should actually VOTE the president in. It was a tough situation, and I can see both sides. I’m not going to pretend that one side or the other was wrong or right, but I will say that the Supreme Court shouldn’t have acted so visibly biased. The solutions are out there if you bother to look for them in every instance, including this one.

You can be proud of yourself for being a BAD American if that’s what you are. I’ll choose to be proud of being a GOOD American, because that’s what I am.

[Rick Stephens]

Taco are you so ignorant that you don't understand that there are immigration laws in this country. One of the laws to become a citizen of this country is that you must be able to read and write in English. English is the language of our country. Why do you suppose that the Constitution and Bill of Rights were written in English. Why is the language on our money and coins in English? Why are all signs posted on United States Military bases in English? Have you every served in the United States Armed Forces? Everything in the military is in English. This is because this is the language of our country.
This First Amendment is about freedom of speech. No one is saying that you can not speak in your native language. But the First Amendment is not about what language you speak. It is about the freedom to speak of ones ideals and convictions. It has nothing to do with ones language. Why is all the business in our Senate and House done in English? Why does the President give all his speechs in English? You should spend a little time and study the laws of this country. You can go online to read what is required to become a citizen of this country.

[Frazod]

Glad to hear it, Jim. Maybe I'll drop by again sometime. I am not the vehement Denise hater that some are - hell, I even agree with her occasionally .

I am, however, still waiting to see JUST ONE topic over there that actually talks about Chiefs football. Of course, those are in short supply over here as well.

Originally posted by frazod
[B]I am not religiously conservative. I don't put a lot of stock in organized religion, and adamantly believe that it generally causes more problems than it cures. How many unspeakable evils have been perpetrated against humanity in the name of God? We'd certainly have to start another thread to debate that one.

What's to debate. We agree on all counts there. But as you said, it's another thread altogether.

Now, of course I realize most Mexicans are Catholics. I know many impoverished people of the world are Catholic. But when it coves to poverty, overpopulation and the starvation of children, Catholicism simply flies in the face of logic, intelligence, and sorry to say it, decency. When it comes to third world countries, being opposed to birth control is quite simply being in favor of children starving to death. An impoverished married couple who can't afford to provide for the children they have simply shouldn't then set about having several more. This is horribly irresponsible, IMO, and not practical in this day and age. When I hear the Pope continually speak out against birthcontrol, it makes me believe that he must be oblivious to the suffering that results.

Again, we agree on all counts. But as I've maintained, you have to attack the problems, and not the symptoms... Overpopulation is a symptom. Education is the only answer I can think of... But Education and religion don't mix, as observed by the evolution debate. All the science and reason in the world won't convince some people. Again, this is another thread. I know that there are people chomping at the bit to attack me on what I just said... Start a new thread for it if you must...

To me, religion should take a back seat to reality.

I wouldn't phrase it quite like that. As a communication specialist (that is actually my title at work) I am trained that perception IS reality. But I understand what you are trying to express.

As for the US Companies thing, yes, I know they fuck people over down there. I never said they didn't. I merely said all the problems down there aren't specifically their fault.

And I agreed. But many of them are. And much of it contributes to the illegal immigration into America.

And I honestly never noticed any acknowledgement from you that I ever had a good idea about anything until now. Must have missed whatever comment you made about the drug thing.

I did. We agree on the drug thing... for the most part. I think legalization is the only answer to this point as far as the drug war goes... Again, there's a whole different thread right there. I'm all about acknowledgement of the real problems right now.

For being a "conservative," you sure sound pretty liberal... Or moderate at least.

Originally posted by Rick Stephens
[B]Taco are you so ignorant that you don't understand that there are immigration laws in this country.

First of all you have complained a lot about me name calling against you (which I haven't this evening), yet you continue to start your posts with "you are so ignorant that..." Nice.

Second of all, I am well aware that there are immigration laws in this country. None of which are binding once you are declared a bona fide American.

Finally, which part of "Congress shall pass no law abridging the freedom of speech" do you not understand. It doesn't say "Congress shall pass no law abridging the freedom of speech so long as you are speaking English." Speech is speech. And it's all protected in America. Red, or yellow, black, or brown... Free speech is protected in America, period.

You cannot get away from this fundamental fact. All attempts will be futile.

[Frazod]

Well, it took a while, but we finally found something to agree with. Several things. I'm a bit freaked out by this, but I'll somehow manage to carry on.

I just hope the conservatives don't hang me out to dry now.... God, I hate talking about religion.

Anyway, I should have went to bed a couple of hours ago. I'm out of here. Goodnight to all.

[LapDog]

I can't speak for Rick, but I think his point was that just because you are free to speak Spanish doesn't mean that you aren't required to know English.

Another way to say it is that a law requiring you to know English doesn't prevent you from speaking Spanish when you want to, so therefore it isn't a violation of the first amendment.

[Rick Stephens]

Taco Do you know the difference between language and speech. Language is the dialect that one speaks such as English, French, Spanish, Russian, ect.
Freedom of Speech pertains to the right of the individual to speak ones thoughts and ideas. Do you not see the difference.

Originally posted by LapDog
[B]I can't speak for Rick, but I think his point was that just because you are free to speak Spanish doesn't mean that you aren't required to know English.

Yes. You are required to know english to pass the test. But that's it... Once you pass the test, you never have to speak a word of English if you don't want to. And the constitution gurantees your right not to. I realize that is an upopular thing... But the only way to get around that is to change the constitution. Cry, whine, and ***** about being respected all you want.... But it doesn't change the words "Congress shall make no law abridging the right to free speech."

Originally posted by Rick Stephens
Taco Do you know the difference between language and speech. Language is the dialect that one speaks such as English, French, Spanish, Russian, ect.
Freedom of Speech pertains to the right of the individual to speak ones thoughts and ideas. Do you not see the difference.

I am fully aware of the difference in definition between speech and language. Language is a vehicle for speech. Without language, you cannot express thoughts or ideas. And "Congress shall pass no law abridging the freedom of speech."

Do you see that language and speech are inseperable?

[LapDog]

TJ-

I've already agreed to that point. You don't need to be so antogonistic about it. Your communication style seems to contradict your self-professed occupation.

LD

Originally posted by LapDog
TJ-

I've already agreed to that point. You don't need to be so antogonistic about it. Your communication style seems to contradict your self-professed occupation.

LD

Oh? I thought I was speaking very clearly. You have to understand that it is me against the world here, so if I'm sounding antagonistic, it is because, a) I have to cater to the masses, b) I need to do it at the most basic level, and c) I know I'm good, and when I get on a roll, I tend to get a little arrogant. Understandably so. I have really turned the tide on this board, if you haven't noticed.

The cry whine ***** comment wasn't necessarily directed at you... I was just trying to make a point, as there has been a lot of that aforementioned activity in regards to the topic.

[LapDog]

TJ

Yes I had noticed. Congratulations on acquitting yourself so well. I was never personally against you, just against what you were doing. You'll see even in my first post I recognized that you are a worthwhile member of society. Your intelligence has been obvious to me from the beginning.

On the communication, you are correct that your words and meaning were very clear. My point was that communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking. By being antagonistic, you are putting others on the defensive, thereby decreasing the likelihood that they will listen, and increasing the likelihood that they will flail out with attacks, instead of communicating back.

I know it's you against the world on this thread. I applaud your courage in staying to fight it out.

LD

[Rausch]

but American HAS NO official language. Look it up. Way back when, German lost out to "No official language" by one vote. America's official language was almost german, not english. English has just been spoken by the majority of immigrants, and soon, that will no longer be the case. By 2050 more americans will speak Spanish than any other language.


Better get bilingual quick!

[Rick Stephens]

Taco

Language and speech are entirely different. If one were to say to you the number "one" in English they would say "one." If they were to say to you "one" in Spanish the would say"uno" So as you can see "one" means "one" reguardless of what language you say it in. But it does not change the fact that English is still the language of the United States of America. This is the reason that all our schools teach English as the primary language.