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Post by gar on Jan 14, 2018 12:03:16 GMT
I think it's always hard to hear something/someone you love being spoken about in (even mildly) derogatory terms even when you actually agree with the sentiment.
I think it's a plain truth that there are a lot of wonderful things about the USA, but Trump isn't one of them.
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Post by monklady123 on Jan 14, 2018 12:08:17 GMT
I think it's always hard to hear something/someone you love being spoken about in (even mildly) derogatory terms even when you actually agree with the sentiment. I suppose that depends on the circumstances. I also love my country but at this very moment in our history we deserve all the derogatory things that any other country wants to say. ESPECIALLY aimed at all those people who didn't even BOTHER to vote!! omg... Please heap whatever you want onto them. I just hope that people in other countries understand that a majority of those of us who voted did not vote for trump.
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Post by Lindarina on Jan 14, 2018 12:25:54 GMT
I think you might be misunderstanding what ”reap the benefits” means. It doesn’t mean something was taken without being earned or deserved or that something wasn’t mutually beneficial. There would be no reason to go to another country to live and/or work if it wasn’t somehow advantageous to do so. This doesn’t mean that I necessarily agree exactly with frenchie, but I, too, understand her sentiment. I understand what reap the benefits mean. It was put like this by frenchie: Don't come here to reap the benefits. and then bad mouth it in the process. Which sounds a little like "be grateful, and don't bite the hand that feeds you" 😉
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Post by gillyp on Jan 14, 2018 12:29:31 GMT
I think it's always hard to hear something/someone you love being spoken about in (even mildly) derogatory terms even when you actually agree with the sentiment. I suppose that depends on the circumstances. I also love my country but at this very moment in our history we deserve all the derogatory things that any other country wants to say. ESPECIALLY aimed at all those people who didn't even BOTHER to vote!! omg... Please heap whatever you want onto them. I just hope that people in other countries understand that a majority of those of us who voted did not vote for trump. I think it's clear from most of the posts here. Also, I imagine I speak for other non-US Peas here, we know the vast majority of you love your country and are devasted at how things are panning out. We support you and feel for you and look forward to a time when things are settled and we all know where we stand.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 12:34:23 GMT
I think you might be misunderstanding what ”reap the benefits” means. It doesn’t mean something was taken without being earned or deserved or that something wasn’t mutually beneficial. There would be no reason to go to another country to live and/or work if it wasn’t somehow advantageous to do so. This doesn’t mean that I necessarily agree exactly with frenchie, but I, too, understand her sentiment. I understand what reap the benefits mean. It was put like this by frenchie: Don't come here to reap the benefits. and then bad mouth it in the process. Which sounds a little like "be grateful, and don't bite the hand that feeds you" 😉 That’s not how you responded initially, but I’m glad to have it cleared up.
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Post by gar on Jan 14, 2018 12:36:08 GMT
Also, I imagine I speak for other non-US Peas here, we know the vast majority of you love your country and are devasted at how things are panning out. We support you and feel for you and look forward to a time when things are settled and we all know where we stand. That's true. I wonder though if you asked a cross section of the public in the UK (or any other country I guess) if they thought the majority of Americans were devastated by current events, what the feedback would be. My opinion of and knowledge about all things American are hugely influenced by being a member here but I'm not sure what I would think if I didn't hear it from the horse's mouth, so to speak.
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Post by gillyp on Jan 14, 2018 12:39:21 GMT
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Olan
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by Olan on Jan 14, 2018 12:49:38 GMT
First, I want to say I voted for Clinton. I despise Trump and cannot believe he actually became president. I was born and raised in the US. Trump has been an embarrassment to this country. I'd like to see him impeached. That said, I love this country and despite Trump being president, there is a lot of good here. There are wonderful, caring people. Lots of great opportunities. But to be honest, to read the posts by sassyangel and missfrenchjessica , it really bothers me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and thoughts, I know. But there's something about non citizens being here in this country and reaping benefits ( I assume there is some benefit to them being here, or they wouldn't stay) all the while saying how they wouldn't seek citizenship right now. Sassy angel said it's her way of protesting. I say, if you want to protest, why would you stay? I'd never say the US is the best country. We certainly have our flaws. But there is a lot of good in this country. Don't come here to reap the benefits. and then bad mouth it in the process. I don't agree with you, but I can see where you're coming from. BUT we're having a discussion here. People are expressing their opinions. I don't think it's right to expect that some people will just shut up and keep their opinions to themselves, because someone else might be offended by it. I think we need honesty here more than a veneer of polite gratitude.
And I'm sure that both of them are contributing members of society in this country, not just receivers of the benefits of living here. America benefits from immigration, just as the immigrants (hopefully) benefit, too.
What a change of heart here. This is exciting to see.
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Post by Merge on Jan 14, 2018 12:50:43 GMT
I hope the lesson the rest of the world takes from this is that something like this can happen anywhere. When we who are privileged to live in stable, wealthy democracies start to take that for granted - when we don't inform ourselves about candidates, and when we don't exercise our right to vote and make a thoughtful choice - a disgruntled and/or uninformed minority can vote in someone who is not fit for the office. Someone who represents a clear and present danger to our country and, indeed, the rest of the world.
If it can happen in the US, it can happen in the UK, Australia or anywhere else.
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Post by gar on Jan 14, 2018 12:54:53 GMT
If it can happen in the US, it can happen in the UK, I think there's a huge similarity with our Brexit vote. I think a lot of people voted based on one hot topic and others didn't do their research and what we assumed would never happen, did.
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Post by missfrenchjessica on Jan 14, 2018 13:06:47 GMT
First, I want to say I voted for Clinton. I despise Trump and cannot believe he actually became president. I was born and raised in the US. Trump has been an embarrassment to this country. I'd like to see him impeached. That said, I love this country and despite Trump being president, there is a lot of good here. There are wonderful, caring people. Lots of great opportunities. But to be honest, to read the posts by sassyangel and missfrenchjessica , it really bothers me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and thoughts, I know. But there's something about non citizens being here in this country and reaping benefits ( I assume there is some benefit to them being here, or they wouldn't stay) all the while saying how they wouldn't seek citizenship right now. Sassy angel said it's her way of protesting. I say, if you want to protest, why would you stay? I'd never say the US is the best country. We certainly have our flaws. But there is a lot of good in this country. Don't come here to reap the benefits. and then bad mouth it in the process. I can't and won't speak for sassyangel but for me, living in the US isn't tons different than living in Canada. Yes, there are certainly differences, but I didn't come here for economic opportunities or to escape poor living conditions, crime, etc. I came here because I fell in love with my husband 19 years ago. At the time, he had custody of his 4 children after his divorce and immigrating to the US was easier than trying to have him and 4 kids immigrate to Canada. I lost A LOT moving to the US: my family, my job with seniority and having already paid into a pension for several year, my friends, the comfort in knowing my surrounding, my healthcare (free!). Since moving the the US I have contributed for sure. I'm a teacher. I immigrated to the US in August 2000 and had my Work Permit by December 2000. I've been teaching with the same district since January 2001. I give back and contribute. My husband is retired AF. He contributes. We have 3 wonderful children. They contribute. For all the US has given me, I have definitely contributed back. Before that idiot became president, I had considered becoming a citizen. I have to also admit, I'm so proud to be a Canadian. I feel a sense of loyalty to my home country and since this administration has been in power, I just can't. There's something I can't put a word to that stops me from getting my US citizenship. Please do not assume that I come here and only reap benefits from the US. I AM a contributing member of this country and I deserve to express my opinion even if it isn't one that is well-received. I love my American family and friends. I love my community. I love my students and co-workers. I do not love what this administration is doing to my adopted country and I cannot bear to have that man's signature on my citizenship papers. I just can't.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 13:29:14 GMT
No one said reaping the benefits of living in the U.S. meant that you weren’t contributing. That is exactly what I addressed in my first post to Lindarina. People seem to think that “reaping the benefits” means taking without giving, and that’s not what it means at all.
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Post by Merge on Jan 14, 2018 13:31:51 GMT
If it can happen in the US, it can happen in the UK, I think there's a huge similarity with our Brexit vote. I think a lot of people voted based on one hot topic and others didn't do their research and what we assumed would never happen, did. I agree; there's a strong similarity, and I'm sorry for the troubles the UK will face as a result of that vote. France managed to avoid a scary outcome by voting down Marine LePen last year.
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Post by missfrenchjessica on Jan 14, 2018 13:39:12 GMT
No one said reaping the benefits of living in the U.S. meant that you weren’t contributing. That is exactly what I addressed in my first post to Lindarina. People seem to think that “reaping the benefits” means taking without giving, and that’s not what it means at all. Yes, I saw that you explained that. Unfortunately, the way it read in frenchie's post, it sounded like I and others who immigrated and not taken US citizenship were reaping benefits and not necessarily 'giving back'. My parents immigrated from Italy to Canada in the late 60's/early 70's. They worked blue collar jobs and contributed to their adopted country. They eventually became citizens. I will, too. Just not now.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 13:56:49 GMT
I can see how her words would be interpreted as “sit down and be quiet” (a sentiment with which I disagree) but there is nothing about not contributing. That is, I believe, a personal misinterpretation of “reaping the benefits” caused by the perceived slight.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 14:09:08 GMT
No one said reaping the benefits of living in the U.S. meant that you weren’t contributing. That is exactly what I addressed in my first post to Lindarina. People seem to think that “reaping the benefits” means taking without giving, and that’s not what it means at all. Not being snarky but a genuine question....what is your definition of " benefit" in the context of this discussion? Benefit, to me,means gaining something to someone's advantage.
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Post by peatlejuice on Jan 14, 2018 14:31:42 GMT
First, I want to say I voted for Clinton. I despise Trump and cannot believe he actually became president. I was born and raised in the US. Trump has been an embarrassment to this country. I'd like to see him impeached. That said, I love this country and despite Trump being president, there is a lot of good here. There are wonderful, caring people. Lots of great opportunities. But to be honest, to read the posts by sassyangel and missfrenchjessica, it really bothers me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and thoughts, I know. But there's something about non citizens being here in this country and reaping benefits ( I assume there is some benefit to them being here, or they wouldn't stay) all the while saying how they wouldn't seek citizenship right now. Sassy angel said it's her way of protesting. I say, if you want to protest, why would you stay? I'd never say the US is the best country. We certainly have our flaws. But there is a lot of good in this country. Don't come here to reap the benefits. and then bad mouth it in the process. I'm a native born American, married to a naturalized citizen. I know how deeply important his citizenship papers are to him, and I can totally understand why SassyAngel and MissFrenchJessica want to wait. Why would you want your citizenship signed by someone who has clearly expressed an opposition to immigration? And since I'm native born, is it okay for me to express that concern, but not them? One of America's main "reaped benefits", part of what has made us a good country, is the freedom of speech and expression. Please don't try to deny our permanent non-citizen residents that benefit and cheapen our country's value in the process.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 14:38:26 GMT
No one said reaping the benefits of living in the U.S. meant that you weren’t contributing. That is exactly what I addressed in my first post to Lindarina. People seem to think that “reaping the benefits” means taking without giving, and that’s not what it means at all. Not being snarky but a genuine question....what is your definition of " benefit" in the context of this discussion? Benefit, to me,means gaining something to someone's advantage. It means the same thing to me as to you. Benefits are advantageous. In the context of this discussion, contributing (work, taxes) begets benefits which are advantageous to the contributor.
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Post by monklady123 on Jan 14, 2018 14:47:46 GMT
Also, I imagine I speak for other non-US Peas here, we know the vast majority of you love your country and are devasted at how things are panning out. We support you and feel for you and look forward to a time when things are settled and we all know where we stand. That's true. I wonder though if you asked a cross section of the public in the UK (or any other country I guess) if they thought the majority of Americans were devastated by current events, what the feedback would be. My opinion of and knowledge about all things American are hugely influenced by being a member here but I'm not sure what I would think if I didn't hear it from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Then please be our ambassadors in your countries!! ("your" meaning all you non-US Peas) Please tell everyone what you know, and how so many of us are so horrified.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 15:09:47 GMT
Not being snarky but a genuine question....what is your definition of " benefit" in the context of this discussion? Benefit, to me,means gaining something to someone's advantage. It means the same thing to me as to you. Benefits are advantageous. In the context of this discussion, contributing (work, taxes) begets benefits which are advantageous to the contributor. So we're back to exactly what benefits are we talking about then. I can see, having read missfrenchjessica earlier post that she has actually not benifitted anything in moving to the US from Canada except for the advantage of having a happy marriage for 19 years. Something that she could have possibly have had in her own country if circumstances hadn't made in necessary to move.In fact, reading her post it seems that she has sacrificed a lot more in moving IMO.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 15:26:03 GMT
It means the same thing to me as to you. Benefits are advantageous. In the context of this discussion, contributing (work, taxes) begets benefits which are advantageous to the contributor. So we're back to exactly what benefits are we talking about then. I can see, having read missfrenchjessica earlier post that she has actually not benifitted anything in moving to the US from Canada except for the advantage of having a happy marriage for 19 years. Something that she could have possibly have had in her own country if circumstances hadn't made in necessary to move.In fact, reading her post it seems that she has sacrificed a lot more in moving IMO. We’re talking about the same benefits we were always talking about. You work and get the benefit of pay and/or health insurance, etc. You pay taxes and get the benefit of infrastructure, schools, etc. Your business gets the benefit of your skill and labor, and your country gets the benefit of your taxes. She has perhaps not benifitted more than she was in her native country, but she certainly enjoys the benefits of the U.S. by living and working here — benefits she herself described as not that much different than those in Canada. The level of her sacrifice doesn’t negate those benefits. (And my use of the word “enjoys” should not be equated to feelings about any sort of benefits.)
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 15:31:17 GMT
“But there's something about non citizens being here in this country and reaping benefits ( I assume there is some benefit to them being here, or they wouldn't stay) all the while saying how they wouldn't seek citizenship right now.”
My dad met my mom in Wales during WWII. They got married there and my mom joined my dad in this country after the war. She never became a citizen. Years later when us kids asked her why she said that if anything had happened to my dad she was going to take us back to Wales to live and that is why she never became a US citizen. It seems early in the marriage my dad had some serious health issues. So I could see why my mom made the decision that she did.
There are a lot of folks in this country who once retired choose to live outside the US and still retain their US citizenship. So should they give up their US citizenship and become a citizen of the country they have retired to?
So my question is if someone comes to this country legally, they are gainfully employed or a stay at home mom like my mom was, pay taxes, abid by our laws why is it a bad thing if they choose to delay becoming a citizen of not becoming a citizen at all?
I don’t see any problem if someone comes here legally and decides to become or not to become a citizen. So am I missing something here?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 15:49:33 GMT
So we're back to exactly what benefits are we talking about then. I can see, having read missfrenchjessica earlier post that she has actually not benifitted anything in moving to the US from Canada except for the advantage of having a happy marriage for 19 years. Something that she could have possibly have had in her own country if circumstances hadn't made in necessary to move.In fact, reading her post it seems that she has sacrificed a lot more in moving IMO. We’re talking about the same benefits we were always talking about. You work and get the benefit of pay and/or health insurance, etc. You pay taxes and get the benefit of infrastructure, schools, etc. Your business gets the benefit of your skill and labor, and your country gets the benefit of your taxes. She has perhaps not benifitted more than she was in her native country, but she certainly enjoys the benefits of the U.S. by living and working here — benefits she herself described as not that much different than those in Canada. The level of her sacrifice doesn’t negate those benefits. (And my use of the word “enjoys” should not be equated to feelings about any sort of benefits.) Exactly but by being a non citizens ( on paper) frenchie is suggesting that they shouldn't have a voice to express their opinion but yet they contribute in the same manner and "benefit" from the same lifestyle as any other naturally born American.By asking the question of " why do they stay here" can also be translated to ......if you don't like it go home!
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sueg
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Post by sueg on Jan 14, 2018 16:06:04 GMT
“ But there's something about non citizens being here in this country and reaping benefits ( I assume there is some benefit to them being here, or they wouldn't stay) all the while saying how they wouldn't seek citizenship right now.”My dad met my mom in Wales during WWII. They got married there and my mom joined my dad in this country after the war. She never became a citizen. Years later when us kids asked her why she said that if anything had happened to my dad she was going to take us back to Wales to live and that is why she never became a US citizen. It seems early in the marriage my dad had some serious health issues. So I could see why my mom made the decision that she did. There are a lot of folks in this country who once retired choose to live outside the US and still retain their US citizenship. So should they give up their US citizenship and become a citizen of the country they have retired to? So my question is if someone comes to this country legally, they are gainfully employed or a stay at home mom like my mom was, pay taxes, abid by our laws why is it a bad thing if they choose to delay becoming a citizen of not becoming a citizen at all? I don’t see any problem if someone comes here legally and decides to become or not to become a citizen. So am I missing something here? You have pretty much described why I am not going to become a German citizen, despite becoming eligible next month. I am Australian, and when my DH retires (or if anything happens to him before then), I fully intend to return to Australia. Germany doesn't permit me to be a dual citizen, and I have no intention of giving up a citizenship I want and will need later in life. I love both countries but that does not factor into my decision at all. And yes, after 8 years here, I do feel I can have a say in how I see this country and the problems it faces. Probably more so than my homeland, as I am pretty out of touch with politics and life there after so long away. Do I 'benefit' from living here - well, I have good health care and we get to travel in Europe more than I would have previously thought possible. On the other hand, Germany benefits from my DH's work and my volunteer work. And then there is what we left behind - family, friends, language. I'm not sure that you can say which way the balance tips.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2018 16:11:20 GMT
We’re talking about the same benefits we were always talking about. You work and get the benefit of pay and/or health insurance, etc. You pay taxes and get the benefit of infrastructure, schools, etc. Your business gets the benefit of your skill and labor, and your country gets the benefit of your taxes. She has perhaps not benifitted more than she was in her native country, but she certainly enjoys the benefits of the U.S. by living and working here — benefits she herself described as not that much different than those in Canada. The level of her sacrifice doesn’t negate those benefits. (And my use of the word “enjoys” should not be equated to feelings about any sort of benefits.) Exactly but by being a non citizens ( on paper) frenchie is suggesting that they shouldn't have a voice to express their opinion but yet they contribute in the same manner and "benefit" from the same lifestyle as any other naturally born American.By asking the question of " why do they stay here" can also be translated to ......if you don't like it go home! I disagreed with the “sit down and be quiet or leave” part. I don’t believe in that. I was (am) addressing the offense that seems to have been taken with the misconstruing (IMO) of “reaping the benefits” as getting something while not contributing anything.
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Post by ScrapsontheRocks on Jan 14, 2018 18:45:55 GMT
That's true. I wonder though if you asked a cross section of the public in the UK (or any other country I guess) if they thought the majority of Americans were devastated by current events, what the feedback would be. My opinion of and knowledge about all things American are hugely influenced by being a member here but I'm not sure what I would think if I didn't hear it from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Then please be our ambassadors in your countries!! ("your" meaning all you non-US Peas) Please tell everyone what you know, and how so many of us are so horrified. You bet. Having spent a lot of time on this board, I am qualified to speak on the horror. Unfortunately as we have travelled I have also met some voters who are from DT's base, so I will have to represent both sides. My DH and I people watch more often than we engage and it has been an education, for sure! About the the discussion on "benefiting" from a host country- back at my old home the "worst offenders" tend to be the Brits (sorry, Brit peas) of long residence who love their jobs, the weather and so on but never have a good word to say about the country (and there is plenty of justification in what they say, that is not deniable) and are always planning to go "home". In the late 80's when huge swathes of Saffers went over to Oz they did the same thing- go figure. Some of them came home (not all of them voluntarily) and some are still mixed up.
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Post by gar on Jan 14, 2018 18:49:24 GMT
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Post by lucyg on Jan 14, 2018 19:58:40 GMT
I don't agree with you, but I can see where you're coming from. BUT we're having a discussion here. People are expressing their opinions. I don't think it's right to expect that some people will just shut up and keep their opinions to themselves, because someone else might be offended by it. I think we need honesty here more than a veneer of polite gratitude.
And I'm sure that both of them are contributing members of society in this country, not just receivers of the benefits of living here. America benefits from immigration, just as the immigrants (hopefully) benefit, too.
What a change of heart here. This is exciting to see. On the first paragraph you bolded: I'm sure you understand there's a difference between disagreeing with someone's opinion, and disagreeing with their right to express it. On the second paragraph: I have no idea why you included that one. I support immigration. My ancestors were immigrants. I welcome newcomers and think they are good for our country. I support DACA and avenues for legalization for those who are here illegally. Were you trying to imply otherwise? Sorry to disappoint you, but I've had no change of heart.
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sassyangel
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Jun 26, 2014 23:58:32 GMT
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Post by sassyangel on Jan 14, 2018 20:36:39 GMT
First, I want to say I voted for Clinton. I despise Trump and cannot believe he actually became president. I was born and raised in the US. Trump has been an embarrassment to this country. I'd like to see him impeached. That said, I love this country and despite Trump being president, there is a lot of good here. There are wonderful, caring people. Lots of great opportunities. But to be honest, to read the posts by sassyangel and missfrenchjessica , it really bothers me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and thoughts, I know. But there's something about non citizens being here in this country and reaping benefits ( I assume there is some benefit to them being here, or they wouldn't stay) all the while saying how they wouldn't seek citizenship right now. Sassy angel said it's her way of protesting. I say, if you want to protest, why would you stay? I'd never say the US is the best country. We certainly have our flaws. But there is a lot of good in this country. Don't come here to reap the benefits. and then bad mouth it in the process. What "benefits" do I reap? Besides the benefit of being able to live with my US citizen husband, I guess. I come from a country that has more than its share of benefits for its citizens. Ironically, if Trump had his way, even I wouldn't be allowed in here despite not coming from said "shithole country", because i'm certainly not the "best and brightest" my country has to offer the world. My decision to not take up naturalization (at this time) was HARD. It was NOT a decision I took lightly. Because as I said, this country HAS been good to me, and it would have been a honor to be one. But U.S citizenship is a choice I get to make, because I'm not one by birth. And a choice I don't take lightly. I'm not here illegally. I pay taxes. A lot of them. I'm a law-abiding, productive and functioning member of society. How is that the kind of inequitable relationship that benefits only me, that you're inferring? Because that's how your qualification of "reap its benefits" is coming off.
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sassyangel
Drama Llama
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Jun 26, 2014 23:58:32 GMT
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Post by sassyangel on Jan 14, 2018 20:53:02 GMT
First, I want to say I voted for Clinton. I despise Trump and cannot believe he actually became president. I was born and raised in the US. Trump has been an embarrassment to this country. I'd like to see him impeached. That said, I love this country and despite Trump being president, there is a lot of good here. There are wonderful, caring people. Lots of great opportunities. But to be honest, to read the posts by sassyangel and missfrenchjessica , it really bothers me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and thoughts, I know. But there's something about non citizens being here in this country and reaping benefits ( I assume there is some benefit to them being here, or they wouldn't stay) all the while saying how they wouldn't seek citizenship right now. Sassy angel said it's her way of protesting. I say, if you want to protest, why would you stay? I'd never say the US is the best country. We certainly have our flaws. But there is a lot of good in this country. Don't come here to reap the benefits. and then bad mouth it in the process. I can't and won't speak for sassyangel but for me, living in the US isn't tons different than living in Canada. Yes, there are certainly differences, but I didn't come here for economic opportunities or to escape poor living conditions, crime, etc. I came here because I fell in love with my husband 19 years ago. At the time, he had custody of his 4 children after his divorce and immigrating to the US was easier than trying to have him and 4 kids immigrate to Canada. I lost A LOT moving to the US: my family, my job with seniority and having already paid into a pension for several year, my friends, the comfort in knowing my surrounding, my healthcare (free!). Since moving the the US I have contributed for sure. I'm a teacher. I immigrated to the US in August 2000 and had my Work Permit by December 2000. I've been teaching with the same district since January 2001. I give back and contribute. My husband is retired AF. He contributes. We have 3 wonderful children. They contribute. For all the US has given me, I have definitely contributed back. Before that idiot became president, I had considered becoming a citizen. I have to also admit, I'm so proud to be a Canadian. I feel a sense of loyalty to my home country and since this administration has been in power, I just can't. There's something I can't put a word to that stops me from getting my US citizenship. Please do not assume that I come here and only reap benefits from the US. I AM a contributing member of this country and I deserve to express my opinion even if it isn't one that is well-received. I love my American family and friends. I love my community. I love my students and co-workers. I do not love what this administration is doing to my adopted country and I cannot bear to have that man's signature on my citizenship papers. I just can't. You can definitely speak for me. Our situations (and our reasoning AND sacrifices) are so very similar. Except that I've been here 15 years, and prior children were not a factor. Otherwise, I could be writing exactly what you wrote.
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