“Day without Immigrants?" What's going on?

Nothing pisses me off more, than to see immigrants trying to preserve their cultural identity at the expense of their host country. If you choose to immigrate to another country you have made a decision to blend your cultural identity with the new country. No one expects anyone to abandon their home land and culture however I believe that at minimum you should accept the laws, customs and learn the language. The immigration problems that are now reaching a boiling point in this country and around the world would not be happening if we respected each others cultural differences and rather than tear them down to build enclaves within the borders of other countries. America is often guilty of stomping on cultures where ever it goes but the intention has been largely kind hearted and generous. For the most part Americans have gone to great lengths to respect all cultures, and generously opened their doors to all who wanted to immigrate so long as they could be self sufficient and would not become a ward of the state. On the contrary, Islamic and communist states generally have little tolerance for western culture and some make no bones about killing all of us.

The idea of “America” is a brand that has been advertised around the globe for decades as a land of plenty and it promises a great life for its residents and the freedom to accumulate great wealth. This ‘advertising’ campaign has to be the most successful of all time. No wonder so many people want to come here. Especially from neighboring third world countries! There is no other place on earth like it and no other with such freedoms to offer.

The doors have been open from the beginning as the nation was built by immigrants searching for “The American dream” which continues to produce more and more millionaires as the fruits of capitalism flourish. The great majority of immigrants only want to work hard to help make a better life for their families. Extremists can’t be tolerated in any society on either side of the political, religious or social equation. Tolerance and the rule of law matter however understanding how America became what it is today and what makes it run is important for people to know so that they will not take the privilege for granted.

As we watch the demonstrations around the country tomorrow that are supposedly designed to remind us how legal and illegal immigrants are fully woven into the fabric of this economy, take note of those who would tear the culture down or make political gain. They are the ones to keep your eye on and fear. Every immigrant who has worked hard to assimilate will be watching closely. I know since I am one of them.

In the article that follows, an anonymous Australian provides a perspective that Americans should take note of on the eve of a “Day without Immigrants.”

Three Cheers for Australia!

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on
Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted
radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown.

Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you," he said on national television. "I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia, one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option," Costello said.

Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should "clear off." "Basically, people who don't want to be Australians and don't want to live by Australian value s and understand them, well, then, they can basically clear off," he said. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.

AMERICA and Canada..... ARE YOU LISTENING?

After hearing that the State of South Australia changed its opinion and let! a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's license with her face covered, prompted this editorial written by an Australian and published in an Australian newspaper.

Quote: " IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of Australia
being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our
sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our
own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!

Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian,
rightwing, political push but a fact because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. We will accept your beliefs and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us. If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like "A Fair Go," then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.
We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture but do not force it on others. This is OUR country, OUR land and OUR lifestyle, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, "THE RIGHT TO LEAVE!" If you aren't happy here, then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here So, accept the country that accepted YOU!

Pretty easy, really, when you think about it. I figure if we all keep passing this on to our friends (and enemies), it will sooner or later get back to the complainers. Let's all try, please.