Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Ernie · Nov-19-15 10:36PM

On October 26, 1960, my dad brought our family to the US as political refugees. We were wanting to get away from the Castro's tyrannical rule (they are still at it, 55 years later).

My parents did not ask anything from the US government but for the privilege to be able to live here and eventually have the opportunity to become citizens of this great nation.

Family and friends helped us out for a few weeks and then my dad got 2-3 jobs and did so until he was able to get his law degree (again) in 1964 by going to school in the daytime and working at night.

That is all....

Bruce · Nov-20-15 10:07AM

Thanks for sharing your personal focus on this issue. Sometimes we forget that we (or our families in generations past) were all immigrants to this country simply seeking a better life. Thanks for the reminder...

Ernie · Nov-20-15 3:40PM

But let me be perfectly clear....we did not seek any financial aid. Mom and dad worked hard and were just happy to be able to thrive here. We blended into American society....seamless. But I did have to learn to speak English.

And....Castro sent a bunch of refugees to the US under the Carter administration. Many were good, hard working, freedom wanting folks. But many were bad people and a lot of them are still in our jails.

Paul Naj · Nov-21-15 3:03AM

Ernie wrote:
We blended into American society....seamless.

And that is one of the major differences today. We as a society have to "fundamentally transform" our way of life in order to not be uncaring or racist.

Obviously this country became great because of great stories like yours Ernie. And I I don't think that great story should end. I do feel, however, that in this very different world that we need to put a halt on it until we start winning this war on terror and become better at vetting out evil. Many heads of our intelligence community have said we are not equipped to handle it today. I believe them, not the politicians and media.

Ernie · Nov-21-15 3:17AM

Yep....that is what prompted me to post. What you write is very accurate.

GregF · Nov-21-15 11:24PM

Ernie, it is stories like yours that are the goal of US Immigration. People coming to the US openly and willing to do work their butts off and assimilate to make it in this country. It is people like you that bring out the best of this country and we welcome with open arms. But, Paul definitely nails it with his comments. Many of today's politicians seem to have blinders on. I would never suggest shutting down all immigration and refugees, but we really need to err on the side of safety. And that means finding a way to effectively vett everyone. Unfortunately, I don't think our Govt will ever find an effective way. Especially when I don't see the desire by the top leadership (President Obama) to even consider extra caution.

I know I just said exactly what you and Paul said.....basically, I agree!

Ernie · Nov-22-15 1:46AM

The world we lived in back in 1960 was way different than today.

We need a real leader.....

Pacemaker Fishing Forum

#1 Nov-19-15 10:36PM

Refugees

#2 Nov-20-15 10:07AM

Re: Refugees

#3 Nov-20-15 3:40PM

Re: Refugees

#4 Nov-21-15 3:03AM

Re: Refugees

Ernie wrote:

#5 Nov-21-15 3:17AM

Re: Refugees

#6 Nov-21-15 11:24PM

Re: Refugees

#7 Nov-22-15 1:46AM

Re: Refugees

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