Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that all Americans at some point are immigrants, some more recent then others.
During this election, several candidates for Tracy City Council are positive examples of several generations of immigrants who became active citizens with a desire not only to represent their own community, but the community as a whole. A model candidate is one who honors our diversity and becomes a representative for all the people of Tracy.
It is therefore sad to see that a vocal minority has singled out one candidate for Tracy City Council for having been born in another country, and her qualifications have been challenged simply for that reason.
That should be a cause of alarm to all of us. We should commend, not criticize, any person who chooses to step forward to be an active citizen and use her or his education, knowledge, talent and energy to improve the city of Tracy.
The very spirit of America is that we should all help solve our common problems and enrich the lives of all our citizens. We hope that all of us will remember this important point.
Frum th aspect of viewin foreigners though, I'd like ta point out that some of us livin here are "less foreign" than th vast majority. Similarly, throughout th history of th US, those of us who are "less foreign" than others have been systematically marginalized an even exterminated ta some degree even though many of them hold or might have held th necessary qualifications ta represent our society.
Just somethang ta thank about when ya start talkin about who's foreign an who ain't.
I don't know the answers, but doubt this letter did much to answer any of the questions.
No. I am not nor have ever been an immigrant. I suppose if you were an immigrant also, this would be less of an issue for you?