FROM THE ARCHIVES--THE WOGS START AT 1624:

We immigrants (San Diego Union-Tribune, July 4, 2008)

Today, on the 232nd anniversary of Jefferson's masterpiece – the Declaration of Independence – we're reminded that patriots come in many shapes and sizes and that not everyone who loves this country was born here. In fact, those who vote with their feet and come here from someplace else to escape economic destitution or political oppression are often in the best position to appreciate the blessings of life in this magnificent nation.

This is, after all, the land of second chances. It's a place that welcomes people from all over the world – as long as they come legally and become productive members of society once they arrive. It was true with the Germans, Italians, Irish, Jews, Greeks and Chinese and now it's true with people from Eastern Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Those who come here are often out of options, forced to flee home, family and friends for the promise of a better tomorrow for themselves and their children.

And once they arrive – often uneducated and unskilled but willing to work hard and sacrifice – they will sculpt new lives in this, their new home. In the process, they will begin a lifelong love affair with America. They'll hang Old Glory on the front porch on days such as today and, when called upon, they'll surrender their children to the armed forces. And when they leave us, it'll be with the pride and satisfaction of knowing that they – through their industry, hope and optimism – contributed to the greatest country on Earth.

[originally posted: 7/04/08]