I have lived on this earth as a United States citizen for 42 years come
Tuesday.  In that time I have met precious few cognitively advanced citizens
by birthright who understand the Oath of Allegiance, or who are boldly
willing to uphold the United States Constitution and its amendments.

How few are those who know that our form of government is a republic rather
than a democracy?  How many can discuss the functions of our three branches
of government, or are aware of the legal process by which war is waged?

Yet they proudly wave the flag of the United States on Independence Day.
They wear the red, the white, and the blue...and they are loath to attend to
their responsibilities as United States citizens.  For them, Independence Day
is little more than an opportunity to imbibe by day and watch fireworks by
night.

To those who would bemoan the woeful state of our nation's affairs, even as
they contribute to it by lack of action; to those who cower in hiding when
their presence is required for civic matters; to those who have no appreciate
for the words "To secure the blessings of liberty;" I say "gather your
belongings and leave.  Find a form of government that is more suited to your
inattentiveness.  This Nation, this Constitution, this form of government, is
too good for lazy burdens."

There is ample room to allow this young woman, who has lived here all of her
life, to be the United States citizen she has every moral right to be.

Betty "I'm just getting warmed up" Alfred
Conservative Republican who knows when right is right
_______________________________________________________________
In a message dated 06/24/2000 6:22:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> IMMIGRATION AGENCY OPPOSES CITIZENSHIP FOR VIJAI RAJAN
>  By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
>  June 23, 2000
>
>  ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA--The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service is
>  formally opposing moves to grant citizenship for a young woman because of
>  her developmental disabilities.
>
>  In a legal brief filed June 16 the INS said Vijai Rajan should not be made
a
>  citizen because she "has failed to meet the statutory requirements of the
>  oath of allegiance ... essential to naturalization."
>
>  Vijai, 24, has cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, seizures and Crohn's
>  disease, uses a wheelchair and receives 24-hour care. She cannot recite or
>  raise her hand to take the oath that the INS requires. Officials also
>  believe she cannot understand the oath.