This was written by one of my peer's customers. I have met several Cuban refugees, and like most people who have tasted tyranny up close and personal, they all had a unique understanding and love of how great this country of ours - that we often take for granted (present company excluded) - truly is compared to most other places in the world.
AMERICAN OF CUBAN DESCENT, AND darned PROUD OF IT!
While I detest the terms "Latino" and "Hispanic", I hadn't covered this subject before for fear of opening up a great big can of worms. However, I now feel I have to clarify a few things regarding the recent protests by "Latinos" or "Hispanics" throughout the US.
First, there is no such thing as a "Latino" race. There is no such thing as a "Hispanic" race. Both terms are contrived and used solely for census purposes. There is no such country as "latinolandia" and Hispaniola is technically half of an island in the Caribbean.
Second, I am not, nor will I ever be, part of "La Raza." Nor do I agree Or support their current protests. Some of you may, and that is fine, but I do not.
Third, and most importantly: I have never and will never, despite having many issues with the government of the United States throughout the years, burn a flag of the United States of America. I am Cuban by birth, American by the grace of God, and a darned proud, dignified, thankful and respectful American.
Fourth, while I certainly sympathize with the Mexican people for their country's economic and social troubles, I refuse to be lumped together as a class or a race simply because we speak a similar language. If Mexicans and Mexican-Americans had wanted my support, then they should have supported the cause of a free and democratic Cuba, instead of the majority and at times the Mexican government having sided with and legitimizing the government of Fidel Castro.
Fifth, there is a difference between a Cuban living in the United States and a Mexican living in the United States. One is a political refugee and the other is an immigrant, respectively. When Mexicans are being oppressed and have their basic human rights trampled on by their government as Cubans do, then perhaps my opinion will change; until then, the aforementioned difference stands.
Mexicans and Mexican-Americans may very well have legitimate gripes with the government of the US, but as La Raza, the flags they are burning and flying up side down below the Mexican flag do not speak for me.
I am not Mexican; I am not Latino; I am not Hispanic.
I am an American of Cuban descent, and darned proud of it.
GOD BLESS AMERICA !!
Political - Proud of his country
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Ysabel Kid
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Jeff Quinn
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Glad to read his words. Working in South Dade County, Florida in the 1980s, what I saw of the Cuban refugees was a hard working people who were glad to be here.
On the Hispanic and Latino thing, I had no idea that those terms were offensive. That is what we have been taught. Much like in the 1960s as a kid, our mother tried her best to teach us to say "negro" and "colored" in reference to black folks, instead of "******". The older folks around here that used the term "******" didn't mean any offense, as we who now use the term "black" do not, but it seems that that is also now regarded as offensive to some. Times change, along with the common vernacular, and people's perception of certain terms.
What I am attempting to illustrate here is that hopefully your friend will understand that referring to him and his people as Hispanic or Latino carries no ill will. I like Cubans and Mexicans both, and welcome all of them to enter our country legally.
EDITED:
It appears that the old term for those with brown skin has become so vile that it is not even allowed to exist in an intellectual discussion here, as the whole word was deleted in my post, and replaced with the kinder, gentler ****** to represent that word. I wasn't calling anyone a bad name, just trying to explain that the words that we have for our Spanish-speaking brethren are not meant to offend. When I was a kid in Tennessee, the black folks did not get mad or offended at the word at all, and referred to themselves the same. The word did not become offensive until the meddling government and yankees got involved and told folks that they should be offended, and that us white folks hated them. We didn't hate anybody. We all lived, worked, and went to school together. Those who lived the segregated life up north were the ones who chose to instill hatred into a simple word, and make it the vilest word in our English language, short of the word commonly used to describe Hillary Clinton and as a slang term for a woman's privates. When adults cannot even discuss a word that is in our dictionary, that runs right over the word "stupidity".
On the Hispanic and Latino thing, I had no idea that those terms were offensive. That is what we have been taught. Much like in the 1960s as a kid, our mother tried her best to teach us to say "negro" and "colored" in reference to black folks, instead of "******". The older folks around here that used the term "******" didn't mean any offense, as we who now use the term "black" do not, but it seems that that is also now regarded as offensive to some. Times change, along with the common vernacular, and people's perception of certain terms.
What I am attempting to illustrate here is that hopefully your friend will understand that referring to him and his people as Hispanic or Latino carries no ill will. I like Cubans and Mexicans both, and welcome all of them to enter our country legally.
EDITED:
It appears that the old term for those with brown skin has become so vile that it is not even allowed to exist in an intellectual discussion here, as the whole word was deleted in my post, and replaced with the kinder, gentler ****** to represent that word. I wasn't calling anyone a bad name, just trying to explain that the words that we have for our Spanish-speaking brethren are not meant to offend. When I was a kid in Tennessee, the black folks did not get mad or offended at the word at all, and referred to themselves the same. The word did not become offensive until the meddling government and yankees got involved and told folks that they should be offended, and that us white folks hated them. We didn't hate anybody. We all lived, worked, and went to school together. Those who lived the segregated life up north were the ones who chose to instill hatred into a simple word, and make it the vilest word in our English language, short of the word commonly used to describe Hillary Clinton and as a slang term for a woman's privates. When adults cannot even discuss a word that is in our dictionary, that runs right over the word "stupidity".
Jeff Quinn
gunblast.com
gunblast.com
My take...
I don't read any redeeming theme in this fellow's words.
This guy is just harping about proud he is to be a Cuban who hates Mexicans. He's, for lack of a better term, a "racist".
He's proud to be from somewhere else and lucky to have landed/sought refuge in America.
He may be proud, but he's not proud to be an American.
I don't read any redeeming theme in this fellow's words.
This guy is just harping about proud he is to be a Cuban who hates Mexicans. He's, for lack of a better term, a "racist".
He's proud to be from somewhere else and lucky to have landed/sought refuge in America.
He may be proud, but he's not proud to be an American.
Government office attracts the power-mad, yet it's people who just want to be left alone to live life on their own terms who are considered dangerous.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
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Andrew
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I agree with Jeff very much but this guy brings up a good argument. He doesn't want to be lumped in with others he doesn't agree with, and I can't blame him for that.
To be honest, I STILL get my feathers ruffled every time I hear someone use the term "city boy". Around here it's not exactly used as a compliment.
To be honest, I STILL get my feathers ruffled every time I hear someone use the term "city boy". Around here it's not exactly used as a compliment.
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Ysabel Kid
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Fortunately, my peer knows the man well, and he is extremely patriotic. He doesn't like getting lumped into a group, especially when that group seems to be making the news by constantly either breaking the law to get here, or demonstrating in support of those breaking the law. He is proud of his Cuban heritage, and wishes his family members freedom - but loves his country - the USA.
What is wrong with that?
I am proud of my heritage - quite a bit removed, as my ancestors have been here for almost 200 years (and one line about 10,000 years!
). Nothing wrong with honoring one's past, traditions, and wishing well for one's extended kinsman - as long as their interests do not conflict with ours. Don't give me the hyphenated-Americans TR speech; I know it well. There is a difference between honoring one's past and clinging to "the old country" in loyalty.
Jeff, I agree with you 110%. In my mind, anyone of any color, race, creed or religion is welcome here - if they come legally, and their intent is to add to our cultural richness via the "melting pot", not this mult-cultural garbage. Come legally, work hard, become an American, assimilate and share the best of where you came from, chucking the rest. This is what has made us great and the beacon of freedom for many years.
BTW, I don't think our moderators edited your reply. The system does that automatically on some words that 99.9% of the time would be offensive. We are adults here and most of us old enough to understand the changing language. I don't use the word ever myself, as it had already become derogatory by the time I came of age. Still, when I see black people calling one another the term, then become offended when they hear it elsewhere, I have to scratch my head in wonder...
What is wrong with that?
I am proud of my heritage - quite a bit removed, as my ancestors have been here for almost 200 years (and one line about 10,000 years!
). Nothing wrong with honoring one's past, traditions, and wishing well for one's extended kinsman - as long as their interests do not conflict with ours. Don't give me the hyphenated-Americans TR speech; I know it well. There is a difference between honoring one's past and clinging to "the old country" in loyalty. Jeff, I agree with you 110%. In my mind, anyone of any color, race, creed or religion is welcome here - if they come legally, and their intent is to add to our cultural richness via the "melting pot", not this mult-cultural garbage. Come legally, work hard, become an American, assimilate and share the best of where you came from, chucking the rest. This is what has made us great and the beacon of freedom for many years.
BTW, I don't think our moderators edited your reply. The system does that automatically on some words that 99.9% of the time would be offensive. We are adults here and most of us old enough to understand the changing language. I don't use the word ever myself, as it had already become derogatory by the time I came of age. Still, when I see black people calling one another the term, then become offended when they hear it elsewhere, I have to scratch my head in wonder...
It's possible that that I've misinterpreted the intent of his discussion.
I can understand about not wanting to get lumped into a group.
Just seemed hypocritical for what sounds like one potentially illegal alien criticizing another illegal alien because his entry had a greater political justification.
But I might have read it wrong.
I can understand about not wanting to get lumped into a group.
Just seemed hypocritical for what sounds like one potentially illegal alien criticizing another illegal alien because his entry had a greater political justification.
But I might have read it wrong.
Government office attracts the power-mad, yet it's people who just want to be left alone to live life on their own terms who are considered dangerous.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
I find the Cuban's tirade offencive. I am of Mexican decent and I am darn poud that I am AMERICAN. This is the country of my birth and all the way to my great grandfather this is our country. Mexican, German, Jew, Italian or whatever. We are the people of the United States. Political Asylum be darned. At some time my people immigrated or more likely were here in this New Mexico region before it was a State. I hate racist stuff. 
You bet....American first. In addition to patriotic Americans of Cuban decent, there's tons of people who are of "Latino/Hispanic" or of Mexican American descent who are very patriotic as well. I had the priviledge of serving with many of the latterfolks in the US Army....men willing to give all for their country. Some of the most hardworking and honorable folks that I have met and to this day I feel closer to them than most of "my kind" that I'm currently surrounded by. It's the left wing US haters that give all these folks a bad name. Edit: I think that is who he is really ranting against here and not Mexican Americans in general.
Last edited by C. Cash on Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:40 am, edited 2 times in total.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
I'm not sure of his point either.
He says he's proud to be an American & thats nice but I dont see much difference between a guy rowing a boat in from Cuba & a guy running thru the desert from Mexico.
It too strikes me as odd that they would be proud of a heritage they arent even willing to fix. Unless theyre proud of the corruption they escaped.
He's a refugee from Cuba & the rest could be called refugees from Mexico, or wherever.
The patriotic thing for any of them to do is stay in the country their proud of & institute change.
He might not want to be lumped in with the rest but thats not his decision.
Is it easier for a Cuban refugee to attain legal status than it is for a Mexican?
He says he's proud to be an American & thats nice but I dont see much difference between a guy rowing a boat in from Cuba & a guy running thru the desert from Mexico.
It too strikes me as odd that they would be proud of a heritage they arent even willing to fix. Unless theyre proud of the corruption they escaped.
He's a refugee from Cuba & the rest could be called refugees from Mexico, or wherever.
The patriotic thing for any of them to do is stay in the country their proud of & institute change.
He might not want to be lumped in with the rest but thats not his decision.
Is it easier for a Cuban refugee to attain legal status than it is for a Mexican?
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Jeff Quinn
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I believe the rule is that if a Cuban reaches American soil, he is home-free, but if intercepted before reaching land, he is sent back. Makes no sense to me at all.
I am somewhat torn on this immigration issue myself. I think that we should absolutely have a secure border, north and south. However, I don't hate a man who comes here trying to make an honest living. Many folks come to the USA flat broke with all their possessions in a garbage bag, and go to work and support their families. At the same time we have thousands and thousands of able-bodied US citizens, of all colors, who do nothing except lay around, complain, and have babies so that they will get a bigger government check each month. They whine that they are oppressed and can't find a job, when they never seek work at all. They are parasites upon our nation.
I don't have an answer to the problem. I don't like people breaking our laws, but I also ain't going to turn in the Mexicans that I know who are here and working hard to make a living. I believe that most of those whom we see waving the Mexican flag on TV and protesting are second-generation, born here folks who have become accustomed to our government welfare programs. The worst thing our government does to people is to pay them for not working.
I am somewhat torn on this immigration issue myself. I think that we should absolutely have a secure border, north and south. However, I don't hate a man who comes here trying to make an honest living. Many folks come to the USA flat broke with all their possessions in a garbage bag, and go to work and support their families. At the same time we have thousands and thousands of able-bodied US citizens, of all colors, who do nothing except lay around, complain, and have babies so that they will get a bigger government check each month. They whine that they are oppressed and can't find a job, when they never seek work at all. They are parasites upon our nation.
I don't have an answer to the problem. I don't like people breaking our laws, but I also ain't going to turn in the Mexicans that I know who are here and working hard to make a living. I believe that most of those whom we see waving the Mexican flag on TV and protesting are second-generation, born here folks who have become accustomed to our government welfare programs. The worst thing our government does to people is to pay them for not working.
Jeff Quinn
gunblast.com
gunblast.com
Boy, that's a can of worms waiting to burst open...Jeff Quinn wrote:The worst thing our government does to people is to pay them for not working.
Government office attracts the power-mad, yet it's people who just want to be left alone to live life on their own terms who are considered dangerous.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
Agreed!I don't have an answer to the problem. I don't like people breaking our laws, but I also ain't going to turn in the Mexicans that I know who are here and working hard to make a living. I believe that most of those whom we see waving the Mexican flag on TV and protesting are second-generation, born here folks who have become accustomed to our government welfare programs. The worst thing our government does to people is to pay them for not working.
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deerwhacker444
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I don't understand it all but I thought Cubans were free to try to land on our shores because they are ruled by a Communist regime. The Mexicans fall under a Democratic/Free society and are therefore subject to different rules.
Doesn't make much sense.
Doesn't make much sense.
"If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men
shall possess the highest seats in Government,
our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots
to prevent its ruin." Samuel Adams
shall possess the highest seats in Government,
our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots
to prevent its ruin." Samuel Adams
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Ysabel Kid
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Steve - I agree with you. I can not tolerate racism of any stripe. However, I don't think it is racist to want to protect one's home. I don't want ANY illegal aliens coming here - no matter where they come from or what race, religion, etc. they are. Conversely, if someone wants to come here legally, learn the language, assimilate, and swear their loyalty to our country, I also don't care where they came from, etc. I see many, many military men and women of obvious hispanic origins - and I'm thankful for all of them. When I see any crowd burning our flag, flying it upside down, and/or flying it below another here in OUR country I despise them - again regardless of what they look like or where they come from. I think this gentleman was making the same point - something akin to "judge me for who I am, not what group you think I may belong to".505stevec wrote:I find the Cuban's tirade offencive. I am of Mexican decent and I am darn poud that I am AMERICAN. This is the country of my birth and all the way to my great grandfather this is our country. Mexican, German, Jew, Italian or whatever. We are the people of the United States. Political Asylum be darned. At some time my people immigrated or more likely were here in this New Mexico region before it was a State. I hate racist stuff.
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Boge Quinn
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Ysable, I feel the same way. I think every one here agrees that we have the right to protect one's home. In my oppinion flag burners should be deported asap. The racist overtones were evident though and that is the reason for my responce.Ysabel Kid wrote:Steve - I agree with you. I can not tolerate racism of any stripe. However, I don't think it is racist to want to protect one's home. I don't want ANY illegal aliens coming here - no matter where they come from or what race, religion, etc. they are. Conversely, if someone wants to come here legally, learn the language, assimilate, and swear their loyalty to our country, I also don't care where they came from, etc. I see many, many military men and women of obvious hispanic origins - and I'm thankful for all of them. When I see any crowd burning our flag, flying it upside down, and/or flying it below another here in OUR country I despise them - again regardless of what they look like or where they come from. I think this gentleman was making the same point - something akin to "judge me for who I am, not what group you think I may belong to".505stevec wrote:I find the Cuban's tirade offencive. I am of Mexican decent and I am darn poud that I am AMERICAN. This is the country of my birth and all the way to my great grandfather this is our country. Mexican, German, Jew, Italian or whatever. We are the people of the United States. Political Asylum be darned. At some time my people immigrated or more likely were here in this New Mexico region before it was a State. I hate racist stuff.
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Mike Fletcher
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Jeff, I agree with everything you said. As far as hard working mexicans go, I built a house a few years ago and the mexicans were the best workers of the bunch, in every sense of the word best. next came american indians, then ******* and whites were dead last in every sense of that wod. They felt more entitled, quit sooner, showed up later and had more rework.Jeff Quinn wrote: ...I don't have an answer to the problem. I don't like people breaking our laws, but I also ain't going to turn in the Mexicans that I know who are here and working hard to make a living. ...
I agree, except where I don't...
Man, I support anyone, from anywhere and of any race that comes to this country trying to better himself.
I dont care what country or racial origin.. As long as they work and, more importantly, regard them selves as an American.
Not a Cuban American, not a mexican American, not an Italian American, but an american. Come here and embrace the culture and the country and contribute and reap teh benefits.
come here and try to establish your own culture, your own language, your interpretation of the legal system and we should send you back.
This country was strong because we have taken all that wanted to better themselves but when they came they were focused on being "Americans", not "ethnic" Americans.
If you want to participate, I welcome you with open arms. If you want to come here and bring your culture and your lifestyle.. wel why didn't you stay home!
As long as we focus on differences we will never be a cohesieve force.
It is sad that the generation of entitlement which seems to spas our youth spreads to the youth of countries that emigrate here.
I dont care what country or racial origin.. As long as they work and, more importantly, regard them selves as an American.
Not a Cuban American, not a mexican American, not an Italian American, but an american. Come here and embrace the culture and the country and contribute and reap teh benefits.
come here and try to establish your own culture, your own language, your interpretation of the legal system and we should send you back.
This country was strong because we have taken all that wanted to better themselves but when they came they were focused on being "Americans", not "ethnic" Americans.
If you want to participate, I welcome you with open arms. If you want to come here and bring your culture and your lifestyle.. wel why didn't you stay home!
As long as we focus on differences we will never be a cohesieve force.
It is sad that the generation of entitlement which seems to spas our youth spreads to the youth of countries that emigrate here.