When I structure my songs, I stick to the issue, which is, in the case of these songs, a politically and economically driven open border policy between Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. I, along with the majority of Americans, am opposed to this for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it’s an issue of national security. We’re living in the most dangerous period of our history right now. With extremist Muslims and even the president of Iran vowing to destroy Israel and The United States, border security should be our number one concern. It’s already been documented that known terrorists have slipped into our country across our porous northern and southern borders, and our government refuses to do anything about it. This issue has nothing to do with race whatsoever – it’s about our safety as a nation. It’s also about our national sovereignty. We have had a 231-year history as a strong and independent nation, serving our own interests while at the same time promoting democracy throughout the world. Our founding fathers were very wise men with a vision of what they wanted this country to be. In looking hard at our government leaders today and especially at most of the presidential candidates, I do not see anyone with the wisdom and insight that the writers of our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution had. The basic framework laid down by those early visionaries has carried us successfully forward for over two centuries, but I see in our current government the desire to abandon our national sovereignty in favor of open borders and one-world government. On the issue of the proposed North American Alliance, the so-called New World Order and the already enacted NAFTA agreement, let me quote the wisdom of George Washington: “Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent Alliances, with any portion of the foreign world. So likewise, a passionate attachment of one Nation for another produces a variety of evils . . . facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest, . . . unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, . . . it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favourite nation) facility to betray, or sacrifice the interests of their own country. . . . The Great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign Nations is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible.” I and the majority of Americans hold to this principle and I am saddened to see our sovereignty slipping away. The greed of multi-national corporations is taking the reins in this country and I don’t see that as a good thing. Again – there’s nothing to do with race here. It’s just my love for The United States and what we have stood for since our inception. Then there’s the plain and simple issue of law and order. Our government, in the past, enacted laws to control immigration. These are good laws, based on the concept of manageable population growth, public services and infrastructure. The fact that these laws are not being enforced is a major concern of mine and, according to a FOX News poll, 91% of Americans. (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,155413,00.html) Believe me when I say that I am a compassionate human being. I live by my Christian faith and I believe that all humans have the right to live free. I am saddened to see the poverty and squalor in which many people around the world, including some of our own citizens, live. I heartily support legal immigration and I welcome anyone who comes to America through the front door seeking to make a better life for his or herself. My issue with immigration also involves the sincerity of those who immigrate here. When I see foreigners marching in our streets waving the flags of their native lands and demanding rights, even though they’ve broken our laws, I am incensed by their audacity. If you come to The United States to better yourself, whether you come here legally or not, you should respect the fact that you do have a better life here than you did in your native country. You should wave the American flag, learn OUR language and become in your heart an American, thankful for the opportunities afforded you by this great country. On this matter let me quote Teddy Roosevelt from a speech he made in 1907: "In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." Now, I ask you in all sincerity – was Teddy Roosevelt a racist? No – he was an American and a patriot and a darned good president besides. We should be so fortunate as to have that quality of leadership today! You quoted the mantra of One Respe, a movement founded on the idea that each and every person deserves honor and respect: “El racismo mata el amor, divide al pueblo, destruye la democracia. Racism kills love, divides community, destroys democracy.” I couldn’t agree with you more! Our country has made great strides in the area civil rights and more should be done to promote acceptance of all races, religions, etc. And I grant you, there are racists still lurking in this country, although I certainly don’t condone their thinking or actions. I am not that. The fact that you, Scott Murphy and others of your ilk use this accusation against me and other secure border advocates just shows your narrow-mindedness on the subject. Please see Part 3.
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