"DESTINY RULES" fleetwood mac

Many of you (including me) seem to believe… well… actually know… that much of the Hispanic community seems to be having a problem assimilating our American culture.

Many of you also believe they have no desire to even try.

We should start with making English the official language of the United States. Let’s ask everyone... the President, his opponent, Senators and Congressmen to make that happen at the federal level.

Look at our Canadian neighbors. Did you ever notice how one side of a truck has a description of the contents in English and the other side is in French. This makes little sense (except to the French minority) and probable hurts their economy.

Having discussed the language issue, let’s move on to some other thoughts on assimilation.

Many organizations reach out to Hispanic communities. Church groups, for example. You have to wonder if these organizations take the time to explain why so many Americans seem angry with Hispanics. If they do bother to make any attempt, it probably goes something like this: "The people that are mean to you are just a bunch of racists." That is an easy answer but it is not based entirely on fact.

OK, let’s get down to brass tacks. Those of you out there aiding the Hispanic community ought to implement the following suggestions. To do otherwise is a disservice to them and everyone else.

First, explain to them that English as a second language is a bunch of B.S.

When living in America, English should be your FIRST language and the language of the country of your origin should now be your second language. Want to claim this is racist? Not if you want to get ahead in America. In addition, if you truly want your children to succeed… they must be fluent in English as well. Let’s flip the coin here too… shouldn’t I consider you a racist when I’m sure that a group of two or more Hispanics know English… but for some reason switch to Spanish when an Anglo or a Black enters the room.

These next few suggestions go for any race or nationality, not just Hispanics.

Please do not drive up to Human Services or the Health Department in your brand-new Cadillac Escalade, with the 20" wheels to pick up food stamps. Please do not claim ‘dad’ isn’t around either.

Do not proceed to Redi-Go and purchase foodstuffs that you could purchase elsewhere at a savings. Convenients, Redi-Go's etc. were never meant to be the place where you purchased your weekly groceries. Don’t get a ‘so what… it's free money’ attitude either. You might not want to be standing in line talking on your iPhone and wearing $150.00 sneakers. For the most part, people have no problem helping others in need. But they start to get the feeling that they are being taken for a ride when they watch you get your stuff and then cramming yourself into that Escalade.

To the clerks at these stores… yeah… I'm glad you want to practice your second language on these customers and their children. However…you’re not doing anyone a favor. Neither are you folks at Lowes and Home Depot!

Health care is a big issue in this country. Do not drive your wife, significant other, girlfriend or your child to Tri-Point and pretend that you are not able to pay. Do not sit in the emergency room clogging the system while you chat away on your iPhone. Funny… nice vehicle, expensive clothes, latest high tech phone but zero health care? What and/or who is to pay for this, I ask you.

Don't think people might be prejudiced because they were a victim of identity theft? Someone here illegally may have been responsible for an accident and have no license or auto insurance. Sure they might have uninsured motorists insurance, and their rates will go up. This anger is not racism.

Are you being paid under the table? Well my friend… you’re screwing yourself as well as the rest of us. Working in the township somewhere and been told by a tax preparer that you don’t have to worry about Painesville City Income Tax? Have you heard some version of ‘Don't worry about that, CCA doesn't check’. Just a heads up… start worrying… there is a new collector in town. This RITA won't let you get away with it like the old Rita did.

I’m sure you realize that the city has certain ordinances that cover how many people can reside in a dwelling. This is generally determined by square footage. Now when I see a house that is only a three-bedroom and yet has four Waste Management dumpsters at the street on collection day… please do not think you are fooling anyone.

Please get a clue that in this country we urinate inside our homes. It is unacceptable to go outside and water your foundation. Please learn American bathroom etiquette.

Music? Everyone loves music…the problem is that most like THEIR music as much as you like yours. Music is a personal choice, I love mine and you might hate mine. Do not make me listen to yours and you do not have to listen to mine. Fair enough?

Keep an eye on your children. Some of you seem to believe there are not any bad people out stalking kids or nutty drivers that aren’t paying attention. Please also follow the laws regarding your pets… no… dogs are not allowed to run free-range in Painesville. Also a good rule of thumb; if there is a sidewalk in front of your house… it’s probably not a good idea (as well as against the law) to slaughter farm animals (or for that matter, any animal) in your garage. Cock fighting is also against our laws.

Want to fly a flag from the old country? I can understand your devotion, but also fly the flag of your new country too. Can’t find it in your heart to fly both? Don’t want to fly our stars and stripes? Then just maybe you are in the wrong place and should pack your bags and return to the place where your alliance is. America has one rule whoever you are and wherever you came from… The United States will never be anyone’s "OLD" country.

Expect to contribute. What… you have little to contribute? Those young people, your children will play a big part in this country’s future. Leaders, teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs, protectors… the very future of America is currently growing up in your homes. Nurture this, get involved in their education, show educators and your children how important an education is. Do not assume that once they are of an age to start contributing to the family, that they have now had enough education. Understand and teach them the opportunities an education presents to them.

Use your common sense. Do not believe everything an advocate for your people tells you. There are limits to what they can and cannot do. I can promise you as much as they can. Many advocates are self-serving. Please never tell an American "you need us." We seemed to thrive pretty well before you arrived and will survive if you decide to "self-deport". Love Mitts plan? Do you think it will work?

You bring a lot to the table. Family values, a great work ethic, pride in your property. Get involved in the community meet your neighbors, join civic groups, join the POC, and get to know your community. Follow the rules! Eventually suspicion and preconception might be replaced with trust.