40 years ago today I was sworn in as a US Citizen

[gopiscrap]

My mom met my dad in Germany, he wound up being sent to Vietnam and was shot and died returning home. It took my mom and I a few years to get everything together to come to Tacoma where my dad owned a house. Then as a teenager after taking the citizenship class in the evening at our local high school, I was confident enough to take the test.

I was sworn in 40 years ago today and I remember my mom telling me I had an obligation to always know what was going on in this country and I also remember the Federal Judge who swore us in told us, that we had a responsibility to serve our community in any way could.

It seems to me so many times when I listen to Republicans campaigning and pontificating, that those ideals are lost upon them. What a tragedy for them and for our nation!

[hollysmom]

1. happy anniversary, thank you for joining us born here.

thank you for being an informed citizen, so few people value that.

[gopiscrap]

5. Thank you, it surprises me many times

when I talk to folks here and then talk with folks in Europe how much less we are informed not only about other nations, but our own country as well. I made it point to have most dinners at our home (when our kids were being raised) scheduled so that they would span both the local and national news and we would often have discussions about what was going on. BTW I enjoy your posts! Enclosed is a heart!

[hollysmom]

10. thank you for the heart

I am still struggling with a paypal problem that no one else in the world seems to have and that paypal seems helpless in fixing or I would return the favor. It better be fixed by star buying time.
So many of my friends born elsewhere are so insistent on being informed voters, it is a joy knowing them, as opposed to a born in the US person who called my interest in politics my "hobby"

[gopiscrap]

22. Thanks Hollysmom

I have had problems at times with paypal also...eventually they get it fixed...have a great day!!!

[oldandhappy]

2. Happy anniversary.

Glad for you. Glad for us. Congratulations.

[auntAgonist]

3. Congratulations! It is tragic isn't it? I became a citizen

in November of 2014 perhaps in 40 years we will have evolved. I won't be around of course but we can hope and work towards that.


aA

[gopiscrap]

6. Congratulations to you also!!!

I read some of your posts...I am sorry you have been ill and I am sorry that you have had to endure broken relationships and condemnation. No one needs that...you have my best wishes and healing thoughts. Enclosed is a heart, hope it brightens your day in a small way! Mike C

[auntAgonist]

8. I'm humbled by your kindness! Thank you so much for your words and encouragement.

Thanks for the heart!!!

aA
kesha

[gopiscrap]

9. My honor

I have struggled with health issues also and also with the loss or relationships (mine were through death)

[ND-Dem]

4. glad you're here. like the quote, too. i just read up on the person who said it. very interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9lder_C%C3%A2mara

[gopiscrap]

7. Thank you. I love that quote. My other two

favorite are: :Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country" JFK on Jan 20, 1961 and other quote is:

"Preach the Gospel always, when necessary, use words" St. Francis Assisi

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. Happy Anniversary...

What resilience you and your mother had. I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Speaking for myself, I think you have done your mother and your father's sacrifice proud. It is always a pleasure to see posts from you.

[gopiscrap]

12. Thank you so much, I am honored that you would

say that, I tend to rant sometimes!

[ScreamingMeemie]

13. Me too!

We all have our moments.

[gopiscrap]

17. LOL but I have had a few of mine juried out!

[calimary]

14. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary, gopiscrap!

Your mom was wise, indeed, and a pillar of strength.

I have the same feelings when I listen to the opposing tribe campaigning and pontificating. Those ideals you learned about and embraced - are indeed lost on them. Never mind how they talk. It's what they DO that proves it. And we're all the poorer for it.

All the more reason why we need YOU and many others like you! VERY glad you're here!

[gopiscrap]

18. Thank you, you're very kind!

[bigwillq]

15. Happy Sworn In Day!

[gopiscrap]

19. Thank you!

[spanone]

16. !!!!!!!!

[gopiscrap]

20. Thank you!!!

[KamaAina]

21. So you actually know stuff about 'Murka

unlike an astonishingly large proportion of those of us who were born here.

[Nye Bevan]

23. Good for you, and you have lived up to your mom's wishes (nt)

[yuiyoshida]

24. omedetou gozaimasu!

Congratulations to you!

[gopiscrap]

25. Thank you!!!

[yuiyoshida]

26. most welcome

dou itashimashite!

[janlyn]

27. Congratulations! !

I moved here when I was six years old. My Mum was appalled at how uninformed most americans were about the world outside their borders. And how little was taught in schools. Like your Mom, my Mum said almost the same words.

[gopiscrap]

28. Thank you, I can so relate!

BTW: I will be in England this summer. Enclosed is a heart from one immigrant to another! Mike

[840high]

29. Congratulations. It's been

over 50 years for me - judge told us voting was a priveldge. I never forgot.

[gopiscrap]

30. Alright good for you!

where do you emigrate from?