A nation of (illegal) immigrants

Even though it shouldn't, this just boggles my mind.

Cutting through the emotionalism:
1) Yes, we have historically been a nation of immigrants...mostly from the rest of what used to be known as Christendom. Ethnicities and prefered flavor of Christianity varied, but there were common threads to build on as the newcomers integrated into American society.
2) And integrate they did. After getting off the boat, you processed through Ellis Island (where it was quite possible even your surname would be 'Americanized'). If you refused to learn English, you did so with the knowledge you were forever handicapping yourself in your new land. It didn't occur to those earlier 'huddled masses' that yearning to breathe free could include the inalienable right to demand everyone cater to your original language and customs.

I have no problem with people seeking a better life, so long as the process involves playing by the rules and contributing more than you demand from your adopted land. Far too many newcomers today fail on both counts. Those who play by the rules often get shafted -- like the Spanish exchange student I knew in High School who desperately tried to obtain a green card so he could enlist in the US Army and pursue his dream of becoming a Green Beret. The recruiter wanted to put him in, and everyone in the community thought he'd be a great addition to the team. So naturally, Uncle Sam told him "no," repeatedly, despite Congressional intervention.

In the end, he shocked us all by killing himself rather than leave. So no, I have no sympathy whatsoever for those who coddle the millions living in our land illegally. Play by the system, or stay home. Period. This should be a no-brainer after 9/11, but instead is one more proof our nation will not survive this generation in a historically recognizable form.

Aztlan beckons...