Today the subject of immigration is a hot-button issue and debate on the topic rages all across the political spectrum. Yet this is nothing new in American history. In the mid 19th century, a political party sprang up based on prejudice against immigrants and Catholics: The American Party, popularly known as the Know-Nothings.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our nation, we should give serious thought about the forces that could bring about its demise, and what we need to do to keep America strong.
It is not Al Qaeda and other foreign mad men who no doubt are plotting the next act of terror against America that pose the greatest threats. It is not Iran, North Korea, or some other nation that is stockpiling its nuclear arsenal.
Rather, the greatest threats to a safe, free, and healthy America are of our own making. We have seen the signs for some time now.
The Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare policy passed by the Obama administration more than two years ago, has declared a historic piece of legislation constitutional and will finally make it possible for most Americans, whether white, black, brown, or yellow to have access to healthcare.
There is perhaps no more vilified group of people than Irish Travellers, and the closely related Romani Gypsies. In fact, the two are often lumped together and simply called Gypsies. Since the creation of the so-called reality show, "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" and repeated negative reports on cable news- commentary programs, the public is left with an image of those who dress their daughters provocatively to catch a husband as young as possible and don't educate them because they expect them to have children and keep a house. The truth is much more complex, and far less scandalous.
