WRITE OF CENTER
As a first generation American, I was continuously taught by my family to love and revere America. To them it was a land of opportunity in which they could prosper through hard work and determination.
Compulsory education during the early part of the 20th century in Italy ended after the fourth grade. Ending their education at that point, my grandparents worked the family farm plot.
Despite having little formal education, by no means were they stupid people. Upon arriving in America both of my grandfathers started businesses; one was a gardener and the other a shoemaker. By the end of their lives, they had moved into the middle class.
My grandparents also stressed the importance of getting a good education. Both my parents excelled in school and went on to graduate from college. Later in life, they became civic leaders.
They always stressed the need to give back to the community and nation that gave them so much opportunity.
In honor of my late parents each year I award several scholarships to graduating Boerne ISD students who started their education here as English language learners. Upon meeting those students, I have learned that they express the same level of love for our country as my parents and grandparents. It is heartwarming to hear them express such gratitude.
All that begs the question of the recent controversy around the actions of ICE. I think it is an appropriate time to compare the attitudes and actions of both my family and the previously mentioned scholarship winners with what we have seen from many of the people protesting ICE, including members of Congress.
We see street protestors carrying the flags of other nations while burning the American flag. We see them disrespecting and attacking law enforcement. We see politicians like Ilhan Omar and Zohran Mamdani, as well as many elected Minnesota officials, do nothing but criticize our nation.
Patriotic Americans have never claimed that our nation is perfect. We are and remain a nation that continues to work toward a more perfect union.
Throughout our nation’s history we have worked to correct things that had previously afflicted us.
The recent deaths of two protestors in Minnesota are unfortunate. As I was not there to witness firsthand, I cannot definitively say whether the actions of ICE officials were warranted.
This of course has not stopped the mainstream and leftist media from trying and convicting these ICE officials. In this they are supported by both Minnesota’s incompetent governor and the radical mayor of Minneapolis.
What do these politicians really want? It would appear they seek a return to the open border policies of the Biden administration, when millions crossed the border illegally. That travesty showed complete disregard for the rule of law, not to mention the financial stress it has placed on many cities and states.
Based on past declarations, it appears these same politicians want to give amnesty to those who illegally entered the U.S. Many Americans believe this is simply a vehicle to then register these folks to vote a certain way.
We have already learned of the corruption and theft of taxpayer dollars in Minnesota, whether it be for “childcare” facilities that have no children or “food pantries” that never existed.
This gross corruption was under the not so watchful eyes of the same Minnesota leaders who now complain about ICE.
Let’s remember that Governor Walz and Mayor Frey were in office during the 2020 riots that caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to Minneapolis, destroying many small businesses that were started by legal immigrants and people of color. They did nothing to stop this destruction. What an absolute disgrace.
Legal immigration has contributed greatly to our nation; witness my parents. Immigrants bring their energy in to improve their lives. In so doing they strengthen our communities.
While we have always been a nation of immigrants, it must be done the right way. Immigrants should be expected to assimilate to become Americans, thus avoiding the tribalism that afflicts many European and African nations.
This assimilation should include respect for our laws and Constitution. Loyalty should be to America, not some foreign land. This is what Republicans believe.
How about you?
Rich Sena is a member of the Kendall County Republican Party.
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