Spot on. America has never welcomed immigrants (even European ones). Ohio was so unwelcoming to my Irish Great Great Grandfather and his Ohio bride of English decent that they went further west to Iowa in the 1800s. My German ancestors lived in a German-speaking town (somewhat isolated from surrounding English-speaking towns). My Grandpa was child laborer in the sandstone quarry at age 11 in 1891. My Grandma became a maid for "rich English" at 13. My English Grandfather (whose family was among the earliest immigrants in 1637) was on his way to college when the other grandparents were slaving away. It's never been a fair system. Thank you.
Americans too often seem to have hate and anger driving them to act against other races and religions. In Tucson I belonged to an Irish group, and they were conscious of the Anti-Irish views when their ancestors immigrated from Ireland. When Kennedy was campaigning for the Presidency, I was shocked that my own father was certain his election would put the Pope in the White House.
Thank you, Fitz. Important mass psychology and dark side of politics brought into the light where it has a little less power. Every effort makes a difference.
I wish that more people had empathy and understanding of the challenges and hardships that faced and are facing migrants, refugees and asylum seekers as you do, David Fitzsimmons.
However, and I am sure that you didn't intend to, the bigotry and nastyness dealt on us descendants of Irish immigrants should never be equated to the terror and subjectgation Black human beings faced starting in 1619 when hauled against their will from Africa to America. Again, I don't think you meant to compare, but I just had to say it.
Ending with some Irish cheer, I wish everyone would google Neil Diamond: Coming to America and give it a listen, again: the video with the beautiful pictures. And thanks to all the commenters who shared their families migration story.
Tragically, you are Right on! We are all immigrants to this land except the Native Americans. Trump’s family came from Scotland and Germany. Melania is a newer emigre from Eastern Europe. Oh, but she’s “white skinned.”
It’s so sad and maddening that such discrimination continues instead of appreciating the diversity of who we all are as humans.
Thank you again for voicing these thoughts on immigration. I hate that many are blaming the current "crisis" on President Biden's so-called open borders policy, when this issue has been on-going through numerous administrations. The Republicans don't realy want a solution; they only want to milk the situation for votes, and yet they will hire the undocumented and exploit their vulnerablity for labor. What's the solution? Will we ever be able to develop a humane and fair policy? Will our leaders put aside their egos and mining for votes long enough to be productive? I don't have much hope, sadly.
Great article! For years good US history teachers have taught this material only to have it blocked by sheet stuffed ears. The issue is not that we are the lifeboat for the world…the world is the lifrboat for us.
And they call themselves Christians…
Spot on. America has never welcomed immigrants (even European ones). Ohio was so unwelcoming to my Irish Great Great Grandfather and his Ohio bride of English decent that they went further west to Iowa in the 1800s. My German ancestors lived in a German-speaking town (somewhat isolated from surrounding English-speaking towns). My Grandpa was child laborer in the sandstone quarry at age 11 in 1891. My Grandma became a maid for "rich English" at 13. My English Grandfather (whose family was among the earliest immigrants in 1637) was on his way to college when the other grandparents were slaving away. It's never been a fair system. Thank you.
Excellent, really perceptive presentation, with very good, hard hitting, right-on cartoons. Thank you!
Tom
Americans too often seem to have hate and anger driving them to act against other races and religions. In Tucson I belonged to an Irish group, and they were conscious of the Anti-Irish views when their ancestors immigrated from Ireland. When Kennedy was campaigning for the Presidency, I was shocked that my own father was certain his election would put the Pope in the White House.
Well said… The Republicans don’t want a solution, they just need a ‘cause’…
Thank you, Fitz. Important mass psychology and dark side of politics brought into the light where it has a little less power. Every effort makes a difference.
I wish that more people had empathy and understanding of the challenges and hardships that faced and are facing migrants, refugees and asylum seekers as you do, David Fitzsimmons.
However, and I am sure that you didn't intend to, the bigotry and nastyness dealt on us descendants of Irish immigrants should never be equated to the terror and subjectgation Black human beings faced starting in 1619 when hauled against their will from Africa to America. Again, I don't think you meant to compare, but I just had to say it.
Ending with some Irish cheer, I wish everyone would google Neil Diamond: Coming to America and give it a listen, again: the video with the beautiful pictures. And thanks to all the commenters who shared their families migration story.
Tragically, you are Right on! We are all immigrants to this land except the Native Americans. Trump’s family came from Scotland and Germany. Melania is a newer emigre from Eastern Europe. Oh, but she’s “white skinned.”
It’s so sad and maddening that such discrimination continues instead of appreciating the diversity of who we all are as humans.
Thank you again for voicing these thoughts on immigration. I hate that many are blaming the current "crisis" on President Biden's so-called open borders policy, when this issue has been on-going through numerous administrations. The Republicans don't realy want a solution; they only want to milk the situation for votes, and yet they will hire the undocumented and exploit their vulnerablity for labor. What's the solution? Will we ever be able to develop a humane and fair policy? Will our leaders put aside their egos and mining for votes long enough to be productive? I don't have much hope, sadly.
Great article! For years good US history teachers have taught this material only to have it blocked by sheet stuffed ears. The issue is not that we are the lifeboat for the world…the world is the lifrboat for us.
One of your best David!
Thank you for saying what has to be said!
This is a great summary of how immigrants have never truly been "welcomed" to this country. Lady Liberty's message rings shallow.