American Values
As a nation, we have become so tolerant of everything, we have almost become intolerant of our own nation’s history and values. Our nation’s leaders act as if they are ashamed of our origins, and apologize for being the world’s leader. It is time we return to our founders’ values that built the greatest nation on earth.
Toleration is a two-way street and it is time for assimilation to be traveling back on the other side of that road. As a country, we should embrace cultural differences and celebrate individual uniqueness through festivals, unique architecture, museums, and restaurants. As immigrants enter this nation, their assimilation does not mean losing our diverse cultural identities, but it does mean immigrants should absorb some of the very values and traditions that attract immigrants from around the world to the American dream.
This nation was founded by immigrants. I welcome those who come here in search of the American dream, to make a better life for themselves and their family. All I ask in return is that they do it the same way our forefathers did – legally and with a desire to adopt the American way of life. Many school-aged children have searched the records of Ellis Island, looking for their immigrant ancestors. We know they came here because they registered as they arrived. Once they arrived, they went to families and/or communities ready to help and employ them. There was no federal government assistance; they relied on their work ethic and the willingness of family to support them. While they kept some of their homeland traditions, these early immigrants eagerly learned the English language as they knew it was a significant milestone on the road to success.
People are free to maintain their family values and traditions at home and their place of worship. All I ask is that when immigrants step out onto the streets of America, they be willing to adapt to the American culture and the American way of life that enticed them to come here.
English as the National Language of the United States
I have grown tired of pressing “one” for English. It is time we adopt English as the official national language of the United States. We need to do this for many reasons, including economic prosperity and national unity. As I investigated how to run for Congress, I was stunned to find that the filing form required to place your name on the ballot is provided in English and Spanish. In the private sector, having duality (or plurality, in some cases) of languages forces many companies to devote time and money that could be better spent on research and development or expansion of the company – both of which can lead to job growth. Today, we are investing billions of dollars teaching English to others, while most of our own citizens are only taught English. Then our citizens are left at a disadvantage as more and more jobs require bilingual skills - not because those jobs require dealing with other nations, but because they require them to interact with neighbors in our own local communities.
Immigration Reform and Other Related Issues
Comprehensive immigration reform is long overdue and we need to get started on it now! We also need to revisit the birthright citizenship issue. Click here to read my framework of ideas on immigration reform.
