Posted by Realist on December 10, 2003 at 20:34:39:
In Reply to: Re: Ukrainians for Howard Dean posted by A true realist on December 09, 2003 at 23:24:02:
: What are you talking about?
: All US presidents are American and all deal primarily with US issues. Maybe you don't know that only American-born people may run for US president. Maybe you might take the time to actually become familiar with the requirements before spouting nonsense.
Nonsense? What exactly did I write that doesn't make sense. You sound like a "rodak" living in Canada. You obviously missed the subtle sarcasm I attempted to convey in that openning statement of mine.
: Along a good part of the border between the US and Mexico there is a concrete barrier, with barbed-wire on either side. That's hardly a "non-existent" border.
Excuse me, but when was the last time you lived/worked in So. California, Arizona, Texas? DO you have any idea how long this wall actually is?
I actually lived and worked in McAllen, Texas in the mid-90's. I had family in Tuscon, Arizona also. When was the last time you actually spoke w/ranchers and residents along the border? I did on a fairly regular basis.
I think I'll rely on my real life experiences dealing w/illegals (as recently as 2001, for your information) to back up my admittedly broad statements.
: I don't know about your grandparents, but under current immigration laws, most of the people who came in the past would not be able to enter legally now.
Yes, you may be correct on this point. But don't neglect to include the unpopular but true racial element. I'd be curious to see the stats on the race of immigration since the 90's. It was my impression that under the "new" Clinton Immigration department, Whites weren't the "preferred."
: Who is rebuffing the English language?
Again, when was the last time you've been in So. California? Have you actually seen the multi-lingual ballots there? How about prominent groups like La Raza? Have you even heard of these? I doubt it. My example of California is but one.
Things might be changing now, but the attitude of the mid 90's was very much "We'll accomidate you," which of course lead to contempt.
DOn't confuse this with speaking the "mother toungue" at home. No one cares about that.
:Statistics show that immigrants actually acculturate just as quickly now as before.
Hmmm...without something to look at, this sounds merely like your wishful thinking. YES, I will agree that the ABILITY to assimilate is there. The desire isn't always there, though. And I'll also add that I've seen less of a desire in alot of cases today.
:The people who have the most difficulty learning English are those who are older when they enter this country. Those who enter as children often learn English better than the language of the country they're from. The second generation always speaks English; in fact, many of them lose the langauge of their parents.
: Who is mocking "our way of life?" The people who come in work the hardest to emulate it.
I never meant ALL immigrants do this. But no one can deny that there is far less incentive to emmulate when the national "glue," the English language, seems more the option rather than the rule.
: As far as social services are concerned, very few people who entered after 1996 are eligible for any income based benefits until they become US citizens.
You are wrong. Going back to my Texas experiences, I have actually witnessed (with my own eyes and ears) illeagals getting across the border and DEMANDING gold plated medical services from American hospitals. And in states like California, there are many many illeagals on the dole. It's possible, I'll admit, that maybe thisgs are changing today, but as recently as 5 years ago, they were just as I've stated.
I also know of an old Ukrainian immigrant who came here in 1999 w/his wife. He now lives in the Seattle, Washington area. I don't know who sponsored him, but he has no family here in the US. There is also two families I personnaly know living in the same area. Guess what? Sraight to SSI & medicare.
This is a total of 3 seperate, unrelated families which I personnaly know who aren't special (from an immigration point of view)in any way.
Granted, they are LEAGAL aliens, but you are incorrect in your statement that "very few people who entered after 1996 are eligible for any income based benefits until they become US citizens."
: And ... what are their "stances?"
It's correct English. But maybe that's different from the "Pollack" English you learned in Toronto from the other "rodaky" an Bloor Street.
:What kind of English is that? It looks like you could use a good high school English class.
Look up the word "stances" in the dictionary, dick-weed, b4 you sanctimoniously judge my knowledge of English. How dare you? I'll put my education and knowledge of the English language up against yours anytime and anyplace.
Hey, I wonder how much US taxpayer money it cost to bring your foreign butt into this country ;)
(Just kidding on that last ine)
: : Now here's a novel concept: How about looking at a cantidate's stand on AMERICAN (U.S.)issues. Wow!
: : What is his stance on our border, which is practically non-existant w/Mexico. Tons of people get into this country, and you know what? THEY DON'T ALL COME TO "WORK." Sorry, but the days of immigrants like our grandparents is long gone.
: : How about their stances on our U.S. culture, which is being assaulted by foreigners who rebuff our English language and mock our way of life while greedily lapping up any and every social service program available?
: : As for Ukraine, what would Dean do? Support more foreign aid? Like we need to give out any more to anyone.
: : Bottom line: American President for America.
: :
: : : I'm interested in talking with other Ukrainian-Americans who support Howard Dean for President. Let me know by e-mail and maybe we can get something organized.