Everybody's heard the saying, "Don't forget where you came from."

Does this only apply to not forgetting that you were poorer?

Roots? Your country? Should this be remembered or just kept 'in the shadows?'

Well, I guess some of the 55+ retirement communities that fly about ten different flags (representing occupants from different countries) should take them down except for the one American flag.

When I drive by and see all the flags it conveys to me a welcoming feeling about what the community represents. A diverse group of people living in harmony representing each country. Obviously nobody's complaining because the flags are still flying.

Maybe it says something about being 55+. You become more tolerant.

I was always wondering why so many flags on the retirement communities. I never took a closer look but I thought maybe these were drug companies flags or funeral home flags advertising that way...???

Hey Hudson, I read what you wrote and I'm confused, whats the argument? Anyhow, I think it is important we are all able to understand each other. In Los Angeles for example they tried ESL for years. It failed since the students were English deficient. In those countries where they have multiple languages the people are economically cut off from areas where the language is different. That isn't good for capitolism. Out of curiosity, a bit off the subject. Do you work in law inforcement and are African American? Just a guess.

The reason Thanksgiving dinner standardized the way it did was due to marketing efforts of supermarket chains. When did this assimilation occur, round about the time TV became the norm in every household.

Explora you are probably right about the tourism comment. If you go to a foreign country and venture outside the tourist traps your likely to find very few English speakers. English is commonly refered to as the money language in many countries.

I liked the comments about hard working illegals. They worked hard at bankrupting the Los Angeles hospital system. Burdening the California welfare system to the disaster it is today. Being paid under the table and not paying any fed or state income tax, FICA, disability, etc that would normally be deducted out of your paycheck. For others who use someone else's ssn to get by. The real holder of the ssn gets a call from the IRS asking about unreported income on their tax return.

That was harsh, but true. I don't have a problem with someone who comes here and wants to stay and work above the table. Try to do the right thing and become one of us. Pay their bills and not hide from their responsibilities. If you screw up own up to it and try to correct yourself. Not ask for special favours because of self imposed limitations. I like to see someone come here and become a success. It gives hope and substantiates the claim that this is the land of opportunity.

This was posted in response to someone's comments. That person pulled it so this may seem out of place.


I think you have me confused with someone else. I never was an immigrant. 15 Years ago. Where was I. Odd question, but, I was recently layed off from a defense contractor position. Probably one of the worst years ever for me. I was so poor, how poor. Didn't have a car almost no place to live. No help from any source. One thing I didn't do was go to welfare or any other agency asking for help.
Not the first brush with poverty. Grew up dirt poor too. Military was no picnic either. NAVY, stands for Never Again Volunteer Yourself. Surprising what you think you volunteer for and what you end up being exposed to. Ugly stuff.


I quickly discovered the only way to get ahead is to help yourself. No one else is going to do it for you. Funny thing is, it can be done. No miracles or luck required. Just hard work and determination is all. You may not make it the first time around but if you keep trying it will eventually pan out. That is what I tell my employees. I'll forgive honest mistakes over and over again. That being ones where the person tried but failed. But laziness or trying to 'get over', that gets the boot. I often use immigrant business owners as examples. If they can do it with their limitations, whats your excuse?

Moccasins, can't say Ive worn them. I used to wear sandals a lot. Just kidding. I know what you mean. Been there done that.

Arrogance, I try to avoid it since I have been on the receiving end of it too many times in my younger years. I admit I can be over zealous. Only because I see something so wrong I have to jump up and say something. Quite often it involves pandering to self imposed weakness. Sometimes a person may need some help due to God knows what. Many times I have helped people. Im not a greedy ***. I give 20's to homeless people on a regular basis. Ive paid off medical bills for people to keep them from losing their home. More often than not it has gotten met with demands for more. How would you like to hear something like, "5000 thats all, you can afford more than that. I need it" Hence the expression "No good deed goes unpunished". I must be stupid cause I keep doing it.

I absolutely do not subscribe to the 'Im better than you crowd' More like I can be better and so can you.

We are all guilty of passing judgement. You just did.

Last question, hmmmmm JC. That is the reason I try not to get too full of myself and allow the authority I do have to corrupt me. As a reminder of how fragil things are I will take a drive through downtown and make it a point to observe the homeless. None of us are too far from complete humiliation.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: davdah,

Thank you davdah for your honest posts. That's what I like about people. Saying like it is, and not pretending you're better than someone else. They say don't judge me until you walk a mile in my shoes.
You asked me if I believe in one world under one government.
Yes I do. But not by force and war, but by the simple laws of demand and supply. The natural laws of economy that ruled humanity since forever.
Believe it or not those laws are still driving the world and they don't listen to government imposed trade regulations, and other restrictions. See globalization that is taking place this very moment.
Look at ebay. People are transacting with each other internationally. Internet is the biggest enemy of any government because it takes control out of their hands.
Immigration happens despite immigration laws artificially imposed by the government and it is winning, as you see.
The US has no choice but yield to some sort of amnesty.

In the future we will have to form a global united community to preserve our kind from extinction.

Basically you're saying that no law can operate in conflict with reality... That's a long standing fact.

Yes that's what I'm saying Houston, and I think you and I both agree with it.
It's unreasonable not to.