Register
Log In
Home
January 12, 2012
Offline
In recent years I have watched our country, the greatest in mankinds history, appear to be traveling down the same road that ultimately led to the Fall of Rome, the 2nd greatest nation/empire in mankinds history. In the last century of Rome, according to Gibbons book on the Fall of Rome, the unbridled check of barbarians flowing into the provinces of Rome bringing their own customs and lanuage with them. Refusing to learn the Roman Way,refusing to embrace the ideas, lanuage and customs of mighty Rome. Accesssing the Roman government and military with these same barbarian ways, customs, and lanuage. Outright rejecting the concepts and ideals that made Rome, at that time, the greatest empire in the history of the world preceeded the sacking of Rome by"other" barbarian hordes. Are we (United States) not doing the same thing with the unbridled check on our borders. A make-believe border enforcement where maybe 1 of 5 illegals are apprehended and sent back. We, as U.S. citizens, being compelled to learn Spanish on our own soil so we can communicate with those who "refuse" to learn our lanuage, embrace our customs, honor our flag, honor the founding fathers and "those" politicians who say "that"behavior is okay! The result, as we see in the news that reports, is chaos and calamity! The sacking of Rome in ancient times and the ruthless law breaking going on our side of the border today. Are these issues not one of the same? These are but a few things my friends that trouble me about our great nation. I hope, no, I pray that I am wrong about the above. I, like most of you, are outraged about the attack going on in the US on our 2nd Amendment Rights by some so-called Americans. I believe this is going hand-in-hand with the ultimate down fall of our country or leading to massive civil disobedience by lawful gun owners who refuse to bow to unlawful demands from an oppressive, out of control government. I've went on too long and ask your forgiveness for my shortcomings and great alarm concerning our country.
David
February 4, 2009
Offline
David, I usually try to avoid commenting on posts such as yours since it would be considered a hot topic in the current political climate and opens many doors for heated disputes. Having said that, here are my feelings on your thoughts. I am quickly becoming convinced that a large amount of the population believes everything they are told or hear, regardless of the source and validity, because they are incapable of looking at the big picture and drawing their own conclusions. I have some very dear friends who unfortunately fall into this category. Right or wrong, this makes it very difficult on those of us capable of thinking for ourselves, making us the bigger threat to the current government, than those who are open to unsubstantiated suggestion.
IMO, yours was a well thought out post with valid concerns.
Living in a border State myself, I see many of the things to which you refer. I am currently unemployed and have been taking a look at the job market over the past few weeks in my area.
I personally have no issues with those who want to enter this country in the appropriate "legal" manner and learn the language and customs, but my neck of the woods is painting a very different picture. I see MANY Mexican flags flying on top of the US flag around here, assuming there is even a US flag. I can walk into any local grocery store and hear more Spanish being spoken than English. I have run into countless job opportunities requiring me to be bilingual. I can speak some Spanish although I am hardly fluent in any sense of the word. Would I want to learn a new language? Sure. Do I want to learn a new language so I can work in Central Texas? NO- I already know the native language of this country.
I am not pleased that many people entering this country, who have little respect for the laws and customs, are requiring me to learn a new language. My wife and I went on vacation earlier this year to French Polynesia and guess what? I tried to conform to their native language in order to communicate. Did I do a great job? No- but at least I tried. The islanders did seem to appreciate that I came into their country and attempted to communicate in their language though, not mine.
I am not so obtuse to believe that things are as rosy as our own government would have us believe. A very sad and potentially dangerous situation indeed. I am in no way a "doomsdayer" but I can read between the lines and think for myself- the current general outlook for this country is, at best, bleak IMO. We are undoubtedly in a bad place with no "one size fits all" solution. If we were to enforce the laws already in place, that would be a good start. Unfortunately, this doesn't savvy with the current political outlook in the white house. They appear to be too busy worrying about pushing their socialist agendas than actually trying to get this country back on its feet by enforcing the laws and ideals that made this country great.
To anyone who may take my post as offensive or completely out in left field, my apologies. This would be the primary reason that I don't respond to these types of posts. It is not my intention to go against the grain of anyone's beliefs. This post is only reflecting on my personal beliefs and experiences and in no way meant to convince anybody that they are wrong in their beliefs, should they differ from mine.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
I am in the interesting position of reading a (so far) very entertaining and educational series of historical fiction novels by Jeff Shaara. This all begins with the pre-Revolution, and follows from the viewpoint, actions, and words of the prominent players of the time. I must say that I have learned more American history this way than I ever did in school!
I am experiencing the early history of our Nation as it wrested control from tyrannical and overbearing rulers and struggled to find it's way as the newest nation of the world. America will continue to evolve and grow as the greatest Republic in the history of mankind, but it will be a painful process, as it always has been. By far the most divisive and damaging episode in our history was the Civil War (by whatever name you wish to call that conflict). We endured devastating losses of life and wealth but eventually emerged as a greater Nation.
There is no easy path ahead for America, and this has always been so. We think of the "good old days" with fondness, not recognizing that they were the breeding ground for conflict and struggle that inevitably brought America to greater pre-eminence. I believe this will always be so, and frankly, I must believe this. While I know that the America of tomorrow cannot be the America of yesterday, and that we must change and grow as a Nation, that process will almost certainly make me uncomfortable, and challenge the strength of my convictions.
I'm not afraid for America, I have to believe that what has sustained us to this point will sustain us yet, but "sustain" does not mean stay the same.
Sorry to ramble, I don't see easy times ahead, but I have to Believe.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
October 11, 2009
Offline
The Native American's felt the same about what our ancestor's did to them and their country.
Remember how Henry Ford dealt with his workers striking for better pay and work condition's?
How about the striking Virginia coal miner's in the early 70's wanting better health care and pay.
Or we could do like the Mormon's did and just leave the United States and start our own country.
Oh wait, that didn't turn out so well either.
Fact is this, We have a bloody past in this country. But we are still the best and we have a brighter future than almost any other country on the planet. I believe in America. We have had rough times before. And always will. People complain about their job's. I always tell them, "There is the door. You don't like it and don't want to stay and endure and try to help make it better, then leave."
An old Lynn Anderson song said it best " I didn't promise you a Rose Garden". Hard times make you appreciate the good time's. " I'm sorry you are unemployed. But don't let it get you down. Keep digging. You will find something. May not be what you want or like what you had. But whatever you get be grateful. And don't take it out on the aliens. Illegal or not. They left their crappy country just like our ancestors left theirs. Be it England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland or Japan. And lets stop bashing Obama. No I did not vote for him. But he is our President, like it or not. The greater majority voted for him. So that's it. Like it or lump it. Its only 4 years. So like my Grandfather used to say to me when I was little. "Dry it up Boy". Or my football coach would say to one of us players when we got hit in the crotch. Walk it off and breath.
February 4, 2009
Offline
Dantanna,
I will go ahead and clear the air before my post leads to the wrong assumptions- which it appears that it already has. Again, I clearly should've used the "10 foot pole" method on this topic, as is my usual policy.
Thanks, but I am unemployed by choice and I am not concerned that I won't find a job due to the influx of illegal activity in this State, nor did I knowingly insinuate such a thing. I am neither an alien nor presidential basher. I don't particularly like the fact that Texas is becoming the new Mexico, nor do I like the direction that this president is taking us, but I get out and do what I can do to make a difference, such as voting. I can understand 100% why people are abandoning Mexico (or any other country) and I have no issues with them wanting to come here. It would however be nice if they would consider conforming to the lawful rules of entry.
As a single citizen, I have little control over anything beyond the walls of my home, and I realize this. Will I allow anything I don't have control over to "stew" and affect my quality of life? No- It is a fruitless waste of what little time we have on this Earth. I have been down that road and realized long ago that things could always be much, much worse.
People will never always agree on everything since we are individuals, and I believe that this is a good thing.
The purpose of my post was simply to "compare" what I see currently happening in my state to the OP's topic.... nothing more, nothing less. I still believe that we live in the greatest country on the planet and that there is still hope.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
cdf294 said
As a single citizen, I have little control over anything beyond the walls of my home, and I realize this. Will I allow anything I don't have control over to "stew" and affect my quality of life? No- It is a fruitless waste of what little time we have on this Earth. I have been down that road and realized long ago that things could always be much, much worse.
People will never always agree on everything since we are individuals, and I believe that this is a good thing.
The purpose of my post was simply to "compare" what I see currently happening in my state to the OP's topic.... nothing more, nothing less. I still believe that we live in the greatest country on the planet and that there is still hope.
Gentlemen-
This is the essence of both America and DWF. We talk, discuss, agree and disagree, then we live our lives. I (and Chris, and Dantanna, I think) accept every Americans right to be American. We may disagree (bitterly, sometimes) but we come back to knowing that we live in one of the very few places on Earth where we can disagree and still be OK with each other.
Everyone STILL wants to be America!
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
1 Guest(s)
