It looks like we are heading down a path with no known end in sight. With all of the debate about immigration and reform in AZ this story pops up in California. If we don't resolve our immigration issues we are going to create yet another divide in this country that we don't need. This country was founded on immigrants yet today we are now debating how to handle those who want to live the American dream but can't get here legally.
Here is the link to the story...I haven't yet figured out how to inbed the story.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/...
With that being said have we come so far that we can't even celebrate our own flag because it might upset another nationality on one of their holidays? This isn't even Mexican Independence Day. It's a celebration of a battle victory that has turned into a party holiday in the US. I don't mean to disrespect the holiday just wanted to point out that it is one of many Mexican holidays but one that is celebrated widely in the US by non-Mexicans as a justifiable reason to have parties. We do the same with St. Patrick's Day. So please don't start calling me insensitive...this is solely about the story and not about other country's holidays!
What's next? No political affiliations during election season because the other side might be offended? Don't wear your teams uniform at home games because the visiting fans might be offended? I don't mind it when citizens from other nationalities wear their heritage in whatever form they desire. For them to come to America and then be offended that someone wants to wear an American flag borders on hypocritical. If they are so proud of their heritage then why did they come to America? I think they should be proud of both and understand that those who choose to display the American flag are no less proud of their country than those celebrating other holidays.
We will eventually implement immigration reform but that alone won't change the social impact of how we view each other in our country. I am proud of my American heritage and I hope that every individual that comes here seeking the American dream is proud of their heritage. But don't come to my country and tell me you are offended if I wear my country's colors...on any day that I choose! I'm not going into another country and wearing the American flag and expecting them to understand. If I moved to Canada tomorrow and became a Canadian citizen I would celebrate the Canadian holidays just like everyone else. But I definitely would not be offended if on July 4 some Canadian friends wore their flag. It's their country and why wouldn't I expect them to want to wear their flag...even if it's to display alternative patriotic indifference to their country on America's independence day?
We have radicals that are taking this issue too far. Principals, politicians, etc. are inflaming this issue to create divide. They're trying desperately to make this a national issue to create division and force people to make a decision at the polls. I personally never vote on a single issue but we all know there are plenty that do. I don't know which side benefits more from immigration reform but that's not what will determine my vote.
The Principal in this story reacted with total disregard for common sense. I applaud the students and their parents for their actions. I also encourage those that were offended to simply remember where they are. We are celebrating with you on this day but some who choose to wear the American flag should never under any circumstances in this country be seen as disrespectful to anyone or any culture...it's our patriotic right and duty to display as often as we like.