Be an American first

At the base of the Statue of Liberty a poem by Emma Lazarus is engraved that reads as follows:

“Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. ‘Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!’ cries she With silent lips. ‘Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’”

No matter how many times I read it do I get even the slightest idea that all U.S. citizens should be bound by law to make concessions to the select few because of their creed, ethnicity or gender. Our Constitution guarantees “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” to all who abide by this nation’s laws. Consider yourself an American first, you just might amaze yourself at how easily all else will balance out. This message is brought to you by an immigrant who learned the language, became a citizen and served in Vietnam. All this without the benefit of any special treatment or assistance from local, state or federal agencies.