Happy 4th of July from a naturalized citizen

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gopiscrap (23,156 posts)


Happy 4th of July from a naturalized citizen

Last edited Wed Jul 5, 2023, 01:36 AM - Edit history (1)

I first came to the US as a 5 year old. My biological father was killed in a car crash in Germany and my mom met the American solidier who was to adopt me when I was 2 and a half. My mom and I first emigrated to the US when I was 6 after my father had been wounded in Vietnam which later killed him when I was 7 years old . My first memories of ceremony in the US was at his military funeral. The playing of taps, the guns shooting their salute and the folding of the flag.

My mom and I went back and forth to live during various periods in both Germany and the US. I learned to love US History and politics. I knew from a very early age that national decisions could have both catostophic and personal impact on the individual. I knew at 7 that political decisions can mean actual life or death for yourself or a loved one.

My father's death and the social justice teaching gave me a passion and a heart for being an advocate for the very far progressive ideals of life. I am so grateful for that. I was fortunate and blest to be able to make a credible run for US Congress when I was 33 and also led a city wide successful municipal initiatve for a 200,000 plus sized city.

My citizenship in the US has allowed me benefits and blessings beyond imagination. It has alo given me the grace to be able to express myself for the struggle of those around us with out a voice, with out resources. There are many things wrong with this nation, but obviously also many great gifts of which we all partake.

On this 4th, I view my patriotism not in the flag waving, not in jingoism of military slogan, not in the rah rah of being number one, but in the grace and beauty of living in the history of the noble struggle of which we discuss and aspire and of which we as citizens should all take part in.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100218065680

Social justice teaching? 

[Old n Grumpy]

A nice way to say socialist, he came here accepted our kindness and wants to change our country