In response to the callers on 2/13/03 ‘s show

First, let me reiterate my comments regarding all people. At times of trouble, economic, social, war, etc. there is a propensity for people to want a bad guy, a target for their anger and frustration.

The first caller implied two things:

1. That all convenience store owners were Muslim and Middle Eastern
2. That in the event of another significant Muslim Extremist based terror event in the USA they should be placed in camps.

The first implication is a typical generalization. I am not sure that the caller was racist as the second caller claimed. The second caller was justified in his anger. He identified himself as Pakistani in heritage. I do not blame him for being upset, no one likes being stereotyped. Educated people know some facts regarding the subject. First, convenience stores in the USA are owned by people from all races and creeds. In the NY NJ region many of the gas and convenience stores are owned and operated by persons of Middle Eastern heritage. Unfortunately, most people not from that area of the world see them as “all the same”. This is like saying every car is the same or every snowflake is the same. We should strive to better educated, more aware of the world and more perceptive than that. Having had the pleasure of being in many of the countries around to world I have learned to see the subtle detail and difference in everyone. As the second caller said, they are not just convenience store operators but, doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.

Immigration into the United States of America is what has made us great. Controlled, metered, cautious immigration. The addition of peoples from countries where they were oppressed, abused, etc. into our society, when properly directed, strengthen our nation. I have never known anyone who loved this country more, cherished its freedoms more or was more thankful for and proud of being a citizen of the USA than those who had to earn it.

It has been my lament, which I have voiced on the air regularly, that 3rd generation and longer citizens of this great country regularly trash the nation, disrespect its wonders and simply have no affinity for what they have. A solid immigrant population helps to renew that love and respect.

It is important to understand that one of the issues that fuel such broad generalizations and disdain. Healthy immigration requires assimilation. Religious convictions and language are critical components that must be handled up front. If not the differences will force a separation of the people weakening them and society as a whole. This nation was created on the idea of united we stand, divided we fall.

Whether we discuss clothing, tattoos, piercings or national acceptance there are some simple rules to follow. If you are different than the social norm, majority, is it something that can be altered to fit in better? Skin color? no, Dress? yes, maybe, outward appearance? Probably, Language? Definitely. Immigrating into a new country is like joining a club or fraternity. If you wish to be allowed in and to reap the benefits of membership, then you must put forth effort to meet the clubs rules, requirements and standards. As a reward you are able to participate in the club, be accepted amongst the group and enjoy all of the rights and benefits of the organization. If you fail to assimilate into the group you will be ostrisized and exiled.

Immigration and the complex problems surrounding it are the same. Upon entering the country if you wish to be allowed entry, accepted, treated with respect and dignity and experience all of the benefits of citizenship you must assimilate. I am not talking about forsaking your heritage. I am saying that in order to fit in you must understand the culture that you are entering, You should do your best to learn the native language. (see my piece on English USA). You should dress and act accordingly. It is imperative that you work to be a productive member of the society. Immigration from many parts of the world to the USA presents many challenges in meeting the aforementioned goals.

When the USA was created it was the only nation in the world to be governed by a government that was not either directly or tacitly connected to and controlled by the church, whichever one that was at the time. Henry Fielding formed the Bow Street Runners in London, England in 1750 AD. They were the first law enforcement group to have the people’s interest in mind. They were first public law enforcement group. Previous to that the only law enforcement was the miilitary and they only cared about the interest of the Crown. Similarly, Many immigrants arrive in the USA only knowing that type of government. They are used to be directed by the church / religion in every act of their life. They are used to every portion of their life being dictated by a religious leader or elder. When faced with the freedoms of the USA they are uncomfortable and overrun. Not being used to the freedom, and the demands that such freedom make on a person, they tend to cleave to each other creating small communities that foster safety and comfort in numbers. Unfortunately, that is counter productive. By isolating themselves they diminish the urgency of learning the native tongue and otherwise assimilating into the main society.

Segregation occurs naturally in instances where no such thing is intended, circles of like people come together. But this self inflicted segregation severs the fabric of society. For immigration to work we must first make sure that the entrant is worthy. Are they sponsored and will they be gainfully employed?  Is the person free of criminal and significant illness or disease? We must teach them upon entry that they are welcome to maintain their heritage, customs and language. But, that they must assimilate.

(More in a bit)

In the case of Islamic fundamentalist spawned terror that bad guy for many is the Middle Eastern male. Anyone who misses what on face value is a clear pattern is kidding themselves. (Click here to see the list of events in recent history.) That being said, it does not stop there. Over the years I have been graced with the opportunity to have made friends and acquaintances of many people from all over the world. One thing that becomes abundantly clear is that the people in the various groups and organizations that love this country should be speaking out for their cause enlightening all about their love and affinity for the nation and their disdain of the those attacking it. For some reason, either fear or misunderstanding of the society they have remained mute. If I were them from day one after September 11th I would have been on every channel there was singing the praises of the USA and condemning the terrorists. Silence leaves an opportunity for misinterpretation.