Some of the most patriotic people are immigrants...

[Locut0s]

Today is Canada Day here. Canada turns 150. Just thinking of the tumultuous political climate we find ourselves in in North America these days. Of course thank God we have Trudeau but we had Steven Harper before and there are still plenty of supporters of the ultra right wing here too. I was listening to a discussion on the radio today highlighting immigrants and their stories of love for the country. It was a bit of a self congratulatory circle jerk I will admit. We all have a long way to go and it's not the job of immigrants to love the country like it's some obligation. That being said I have seen numerous examples of the fact that many an immigrant being far more deeply patriotic and truly loving of the country they have adopted. Precisely because they know what it's like to not live with the freedoms and opportunities they have. So it's all the crueler when one confronts the racist hate filled backlash against immigrants from Trump like supporters, no mater what country they are in. Some of the most Canadian / American people I have ever met were not born here.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Immigrants usually come here by choice...

and they often appreciate much of what we have more than those simply born here.

I have heard many immigrants sing the praises of the US because they know what other horrible option are out there.

My stepfather's father (stepgrandfather, grandstepfather?) came from Italy early last century-- I don't remember exactly when, but it was early enough for stepfather to be a US medic in WWII.

Anyway, at family dinners he was known to yell at the younger ones in his very broken English "Whaddya mean the meatballs in Italy were so great! We never got meatballs. We never got meat! That's why we're here!"

[KT2000]

2. Absolutely!

They believe in the dream and work hard to achieve it for their families. They know the country they live in now is the protector of that dream.