RESCUING BEAUTIFUL AMERICA

RESCUING BEAUTIFUL AMERICA

Monday, 23 May 2022

By Andy Weddington

The test of good citizenship is loyalty to country. - Bainbridge Colby

Unnecessary words, like brushstrokes, muddy.

So, to point. 

Last week barely 20% of registered voters turned out in our county primary. 

But that's not the picture.

I will paint it another way - bolder.

80% did not vote. 

Alibi moot, nauseating. 

Not acceptable!

To become a naturalized citizen of the United States one must ...

1. Be at least 18 years of age at time of application;

2. Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on naturalization category applying for);

3. Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;

4. Be able to read, write, and speak basic English;

5. Demonstrate good moral character;

6. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U. S. history and government;

7. Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U. S. Constitution; and 

8. Be will to take the Oath of Allegiance. 

Abe

17 x 14 in.

medium (brains on paper)

Those requirements listed on the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. 

The Oath of Allegiance (includes language renouncing previous lands, rulers, etc.), by the way, includes supporting and defending the U. S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. 

I do not know how many naturalized citizens reside in our county. 

But I want to believe and would bet most voted; holding a deeper respect for (their) freedom.  

A foreign enemy is not America's greatest threat. 

No where near. 

China is laughing at us. So is Russia. And North Korea. And Iran. 

It is domestic enemies, with the commitment of a termite colony, taking us down inside out. 

On watch oath takers?

At best, blind. 

Figure out at worst.

Today's reality.  

Who bears ultimate responsibility?

The citizenry; by Constitution. 

Our broken citizenry. 

Back to the requirements a naturalized citizen must meet. 

Our core problem: Too many born American do not meet 6 and 7 and none required to swear 8. 

That previous sentence is basis for lengthy debate. 

But, in my mind, there's too many void deep appreciation and respect for country and precious freedom. 

Codify the remedy (press your Congressman and Senator): Require all citizens, upon 18th birthday, to demonstrate competency of U. S. history and government; loyalty to the Constitution and able to cite and basically explain the Bill of Rights; and finally swear the Oath of Allegiance - the same oath those who opt to put their life on the line swear upon entering military service.

It's not possible for a country of 350M to have the common experience of military service. 

But it is absolutely possible all citizens, natural or naturalized, to know their country, understand its working, and most importantly share sworn commitment to our Constitution. 

The United States is not for everyone. 

When 18, and unwilling to demonstrate competency of country and swear loyalty to Constitution - America and freedom, welcome to leave. No hard feelings.