Our Border Options

Assimilation is not good. Assimilation involves losing all previous cultural identity. Rather we should focus on creating a society absorbs some social and cultural norms while adding their own to the mix to create a more layered and meaningful culture for all to enjoy.

Yes Aaron, If we close the borders we are taking away partial building blocks of America. We need to monitor illegal aliens so outsiders enter through the correct paths. Closing borders would just hurt the United States.

Aaron: Assimilation unchecked definitely holds that possibility and I'm all for appreciating the different cultures people come from that have made this nation what it is; but too many go to "multi-cultural" extremes, which takes away what it means to be an American. Ron: As to "closing the borders" I don't know of whom is calling for an outright closure as though closing a door. Oftentimes I hear/read of people saying stronger border enforcement is "closing the borders," but it is as you say; we need to know who and if anyone is coming through the door. Many are driving toward anarchy and that isn't too hot a route to take. Len (via PG?): So many love to bitch and complain that we don't learn the lessons of history, yet those same people ignore lessons that are right before their eyes. I agree, why can't or shouldn't we learn from what isn't working for other countries? Our pols always look to reinvent the wheel exactly like the previous one; starting from scratch, doing it exactly the same way while expecting different results. I think with some of these initiatives it really is more about government having the power and the final say. Why would we want to go down the same road to universal healthcare when it is pushing nations toward bankruptcy. These people can't even go a year without BS-ing their stance on this, that or the other thing, yet we should expect them to make the call for us on what is good health coverage?

Assimilation isn't necessarily losing ALL previous cultural identity. I agree that some cultural norms can remain but immigrants should also attempt to assimilate somewhat.

"I don't know of whom is calling for an outright closure as though closing a door." Tom Tancredo, the loony

Oops…my bad! : D

We don't seem to learn from what others have happen or even ourselves very well. The mentality of it won't happen to us is way past dangerous. I'm a pretty simple-minded person, and just using a little good ole' common sense would be nice from our leaders!

Give us your poor, your tired, your… just kidding!

Good point Blandly. I work in the restaurant industry and we have a weekly checklist. Everytime it isn't being done the managers make a new checklist. They never realize that enforcement is the key. Like you said, it is all the same wheel. Even when you invent a new one you have to make sure it is spinning right

Assimilation is integral to any society that takes in a diverse array of immigrants - legal or illegal. America is a society that supports its immigrants that want to hold on to their cultures and languages in many ways: ballots in various languages, multiculturalism taught in our schools, countless media outlets that reflect the communities they serve and businesses that cater to the customers that frequent them. America has followed the 'melting pot' model for generations, recognizing the slow cook method dilutes tensions and enriches our culture. It has worked. What is changing is the political approach to culture. What is popular today in education and sociology is the "salad bowl" perspective - where cultures are not expected to assimilate, but instead retain their culture. Liberals believe that this protects the self esteem of immigrants and their children, and paired with teaching cultural relativism to Americans, creates a community of distinct groups that are taught that no cultural values are better than any other, then inculcating a sense of antagonism against the larger culture that now represents endemic racism and historic colonialism now reflected in their insistence on assimilation. This alienation also serves political activists that profit from group based political manipulation, pitting groups against each other for political gain. But it is possible to teach respect for individuals and culture without demeaning the majority culture. The values we hold that make America a land of tolerance, religious liberty, individual freedom and equality are often absent in the poor countries these immigrants come from. If we don't make our immigrants believers in the traditionally liberal values America stands for, then they will change our culture into one our children will not recognize. Immigrants often reflect the best America has to offer - our citizens take our freedoms for granted and forget how lucky we are. For all the complaining we do, all of us ought to spend a day with a new immigrant and let them tell you why they came to America, and what America means to them. Many newcomers scoff when they are told they need not assimilate, they understand that means remaining trapped at the bottom of the economic ladder. They came here for a better life. America represents that. Let's throw out the salad bowl and welcome our new Americans.

Evrvigint put it perfectly. Nothing I could add would improve it.

If closing the borders means not letting more illegal immigrants into this country, I'm all for it. I love this typical liberal spin from Ron: "Yes Aaron, If we close the borders we are taking away partial building blocks of America." Legal immigrants, who followed the process to enter our country, have historically been building blocks of America - and helped make this country great. There is a huge difference between legal and ILLEGAL immigrants, but the left likes to loop them all together.

AAron, Closing the border and maintaining the rich and Cultural heritage of various countries has nothing to do with one another. Ask yourself this, What has made America the greatest current civilization ( except for the curent hate spewing by Liberals) , richest economy, best health care suystem, best Universities, and the most varied cuisine, literature and such??? Well it has been the LEGAL Immifrants who came here to Work, and with the number ONE wish to became legalized American by working hard, making a better future for their children in a SAFE Country while maintaining their heritage BUT assimilating into their newly adopted country and obeying its laws while leaning English and pledging loyalty to its Flag. Illegals by Definition are not willing to pledge alligiance to the Country that they INVADE, fly their MeXican Guatemalan, Columbian, flags, and learning English, nor obeying our laws ( Sharia being wanted)… and many unfortunately break our Laws and are Jailed. Have you seen any Polish, German, Italian, Japanese, Taiwanese, flags being flown other than when there are Heritage based Festivals like OKTOBERFEST, or such?? GET IT?? I hope so!