Follow the Flag
There is an old debate in constitutional law about whether or not constitutional protections “follow the flag,” that is, if they apply only in the territorial United States, or any place the American flag flies (for example, the Philippines after the Spanish-American war). I don’t want to go into the specific legal framework of the debate. But I’ve always said that “American” does not refer to who was born here and who wasn’t, or who can navigate the bureaucratic labyrinth to get the proper visa or who can’t, or who’s rich or who’s poor, or who’s Black or who’s White or who’s Brown. Anyone who buys into the ideals of equal justice under law, who is willing to march so they can participate in a real democratic vote, who will risk life and limb to provide their families with a better life, who see this land as a beacon of opportunity and prosperity–and then come here and prove it–these people are Americans regardless of who they are or where they’re from. Status under the law notwithstanding, they’re already Americans in my eyes.
6 Responses to “Follow the Flag”
Welcome to the United States of MexiColoPanaNicaHondVeneCostaBeliElSal-America.
I guess this is the end of the United States, if this kind of chant is ok amongst our own citizens.
Pyst, you already live there, and have for as long as you’ve been a citizen.
My great grandparents were considered the scum of the earth when they arrived in this country, if written and oral history is to be believed. What with that nasty Irish brogue, and loud fighting and drinking that the Irish were always at.
It seems your particular brand of dislike extends only to brown people from south of the border (MexiColoPanaNicaHondVeneCostaBeliElSal-America.) – so I’m sure my ancestors would’ve been just fine with you had you lived back then.
Not.
Thanks for letting us know how you feel Dave. It’s interesting how you bring up the issue of constitutional protections following the flag only to disregard the history of SCOTUS opinion on the issue and how it’s not even close to relevant here. It might be if we annexed Mexico or went to war with them and occupied territory, but that’s about it.
Mike P. the 1/4 of me that is Cherokee says you can kiss that brown part of my ass for assuming that which you don’t know. Btw your relatives probably took part in some of the genocide that was attempted against some of my relatives. But I’m sure your current one world outlook makes up for that.
Not……see how that holier than thou crap works?
Hispanic isn’t a friggen race btw, but American Indian is. And if you want to get picky about it anyone that isn’t atleast part native american should get the boot of the continent, then ask for legal immigration, but all we got are countries here, not spheres so plenty of room for all….unless they got something better to run to nextdoor eh?
Thing is we got these things called natinal borders that all these different countries take to heart see?
Maybe you should get angry with Mexico for how they treat illegal aliens there before you whine about me expecting some simple laws be respected by foreign nationals here then get back to how awful we are in this mean towards illegal aliens country.
Now go investigate how Mexico treats their illegal aliens.
Pyst, I think our words speak for themselves. Thanks for the additional thoughts cementing that.
No prob Mike, your sentiment is the height of arrogance, and mine is the height of stubborness, glad we got that out of the way.
Insinuate I’m racist when the term doesn’t qualify and you damage it for when it is truely needed.