Depending upon one’s knowledge of history and which part of that account we are willing to embrace, only Native Americans are the legitimate Americans; all the rest of us are technically illegals.
After all, no Europeans who settled here centuries ago could claim they did so because of an invitation by a Native American nation. So what does that have to do with the question of illegal immigrants? The path to citizenship, which hopefully will soon be legislated, makes the most rational step towards solving the economy that problem represents.
But more significantly, we can then as a nation refocus our attention towards rebuilding the brand (America) that has defined who we are, which is the most tangible testament to what all of us had built, illegals included, for every effort adds value to the result.
That thought brings to mind the idea that politics of government should be about our country’s brighter future, particularly our youth and those yet to be born. What it should not be about is the promotion of benefits for the few at the expense of the many, which, repulsive as it sounds, has its champions in Congress.
Why? Not that long ago we were told that China’s development will be mutually beneficial and just to be sure, American businesses were induced with tax-free privileges to relocate. Millions of ruined lives later, as the rich become richer and the middles class becomes a myth, China has become our creditor, which begs the question: Were we sold a bill of goods?
Tax-free privilege is supposed to help, but who are benefiting? Consider quasi-religious and other organizations with CEOs who are paying themselves million dollar salaries granted by that privilege. Isn’t it time we level the playing field and put an end to their abuse?
Oni Sioson
East Haven