Memorial Day is the symbolic start of the summer season, but most of us understand that this holiday associated with cookouts and weekend getaways is meant for something other than our enjoyment. On Memorial Day we honor Americans who died in service, and reflect on sacrifices made and lives lost for the sake of people not only in this country, but in countries throughout the world.
During a day when we pay tribute to servicemen and women who gave their lives to preserve what America stands for, we should ask ourselves why we permit politicians to make a mockery of their sacrifices by suggesting we give away one of our most cherished possessions, citizenship, as if it had no value at all.
The U.S. Constitution bestowed upon Congress the right to demand American lives by sending our armed forces into battle. It is cruelly ironic that Congress’ majority party is now intent on granting citizenship to millions of individuals who took up residence unbidden, demanding the rights of citizens while organizing in our streets, angrily denouncing anyone who opposes their belief that they have an absolute entitlement to the benefits of this society while refusing to abide by its laws. We may be a “nation of immigrants,” but it is a perversion of the concept to suggest that illegal immigrants are the bedrock of this country. There is a vast difference between those who passed though Ellis Island, and those who steal over our borders in search of a means of support.
America has always meant more to Americans than a means to a financial end. It would be difficult to make that argument on behalf of illegal immigrants who, rather than reinvesting in our economy, send billions back to their own countries each year so those left behind can also enjoy the fruits of this great country.
American citizenship has great value made priceless by the sacrifices of those who have made, and continue to make the decision that this country is worth dying for. To grant citizenship en masse as a commodity because it is demanded in exchange for votes is a stain on the memory of those who have paid the ultimate price.