"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." -- Theodore Roosevelt (1907)
2 comments:
Amen TR! There is no middle ground to being an American. You either an American or not.
Mr. Franks I agree with you that The United States is indeed the land of opportunity, but where I have some problem with your statement is when you claim that if you are not an American you are an African Amercican or etc...
That implies that there is a difference in the two. I was hoping you would shed some light on what you see that difference to be.
Me personally, I thought an American was an American, thats it-no subdivisions.
If we hold to be true what you stated, does that mean White people are European American? Logically that would follow but to be honest I dont remember the last time I heard a white person being called Eropean American.
I hope this doesnt come off as some verbal assault Mr. Franks, but in order for me to agree or disagree with your statement I must first know what the implied difference is.
Post a Comment