Robin SmithToday’s political landscape is characterized by partisans who address folks not as Americans but as voting blocs of groups that share self-interests.
Yet we know there are occasions that dissolve political differences and unite us as the great nation we truly are, namely the days following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. American flags flew from front porches, and our national leaders committed to a shared goal.
The executive amnesty of up to 5 million illegal immigrants announced last week by President Barack Obama can create such a time, if leaders will make the commitment.
America was founded as a nation of immigrants seeking a better life, seeking equal opportunities, wanting to provide for their families now and in the future. These immigrants left their nations of origin, assimilated in our culture by learning English and committed to the rule of law of their new home and sovereign nation, America.
While immigration continues and the same pursuit of “better” and “best” continues, the commitment to assimilate in a great nation through language, traditions and allegiance has waned dramatically over recent years.