For Lisa

Submitted by Zella (United States), Jan 6, 2009 at 21:40

I don't know what you mean about the United States killing innocent people. Let me remind you that extremists have been killing innocent people all over the world for many years. As a matter of fact, they kill their own people.

I think you have been listening to some of the extreme rhetoric that prevails in certain circles in this country. I happen to live in a neighborhood that has a large population of people from other countries. When they complain about our President and people, I ask them why they came to such a horrible place. Further I remind them that I have been stationed in other countries and I exercised good common sense and never criticized the people or the government officials. As a last resort I ask them when they are going back home. The next time I see them, they usually smile and say "hello." I demand respect and I receive it.

I am sick and tired of people coming to this country and using all the many services we have and do nothing but complain. Do you know that I have to pay for my education but the immigrants can acquire financial aid in the blink of an eye? I know several young men who have been going to college for 7 years and still haven't finished. One actually became offended because one of his Professors confronted him for falling asleep. If I was his Professor, he would no longer be allowed to sit in my classroom. The major problem with some of the young men in the community is they do the same thing in the U.S. as they did in their countries of origin....DRIFT. No motivation and no respect for self and others causes major problems. Quite frankly I feel that any man or woman who is 18-42 years of age should never be granted citizenship until they have served in the military. The military instills pride, dignity, and discipline, characteristics that many people in this country as well as others do not have. I bet many of them would think twice before they decided to come here.

I come from a very diverse background and am multi racial and, yes, some of my ancestors were brought to this country as slaves on ships from Spain. These ancestors were Muslims. My great grandmother wore the scarf and abaya until she took her last breath. I was raised in a very poor environment but we were encouraged to become educated and exercise good common sense. We were also taught to respect our elders.

Lastly, Lisa, do you think I hate the people who brought my ancestors to this country on a slave ship? Of course I don't. Hate is like burning one's house down to kill a rat. It serves no purpose. Do you think I hate people because of their religion? Of course not. My friends are Christians, Muslims, and of the Jewish faith. We get along very well because we are educated and we respect each other. We also know that we need each other.

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