I wasn't thinking of any specific group when I wrote my earlier comment.
My own heritage, since you asked, is German-Scottish-Irish-Jewish-Welsh (with maybe a few others thrown in there too -- who knows?).
As I said, I LOVE that my country is comprised of immigrants, and that's one of the things that I think makes America as strong and rich a country and culture as it is.
That said, I have an issue with US passport holders who have and will never reside there, don't identify culturally as Americans or contribute to our society in any way.
I have no problem with genuine immigrants getting the perks of being an American. But to me, being and becoming a citizen is a commitment to one's country -- to protect it, help improve it, represent it, honor it. And if they're not going to GIVE anything to their newly-adopted country -- not work there or live there or pay taxes or vote or anything -- then why should they get the privilege of calling themselves "American"?
So yes, I take issue with these folks.
Personally, I would love to the see the US institute some form of national service. 18 year olds could choose to serve 2 years in the military or doing 2 years of community service/volunteer work -- teaching in poorer neighborhoods, etc. This would both create a sense of civic responsibility among the younger generation AND weed out all the yahoos who just grab our passport and run.
I think most countries' citizenry would benefit from such a program...Qatar included.
"Most plain girls are virtuous because of the scarcity of opportunity to be otherwise."
-- Maya Angelou
I wasn't thinking of any specific group when I wrote my earlier comment.
My own heritage, since you asked, is German-Scottish-Irish-Jewish-Welsh (with maybe a few others thrown in there too -- who knows?).
As I said, I LOVE that my country is comprised of immigrants, and that's one of the things that I think makes America as strong and rich a country and culture as it is.
That said, I have an issue with US passport holders who have and will never reside there, don't identify culturally as Americans or contribute to our society in any way.
I have no problem with genuine immigrants getting the perks of being an American. But to me, being and becoming a citizen is a commitment to one's country -- to protect it, help improve it, represent it, honor it. And if they're not going to GIVE anything to their newly-adopted country -- not work there or live there or pay taxes or vote or anything -- then why should they get the privilege of calling themselves "American"?
So yes, I take issue with these folks.
Personally, I would love to the see the US institute some form of national service. 18 year olds could choose to serve 2 years in the military or doing 2 years of community service/volunteer work -- teaching in poorer neighborhoods, etc. This would both create a sense of civic responsibility among the younger generation AND weed out all the yahoos who just grab our passport and run.
I think most countries' citizenry would benefit from such a program...Qatar included.
"Most plain girls are virtuous because of the scarcity of opportunity to be otherwise."
-- Maya Angelou