I find little to be proud of in the way our current president is conducting himself and the government in our name. No issue brings more daily sense of shame and outrage than the way immigrants are treated. Some of the treatment, especially of asylum-seeking refugees, is actually breaking international law.
But here is a success story, from another time in our history, when we were willing to share our good fortune in our own adopted land.
A family fled religious persecution in Russia in 1893 after roving marauders burned their house to the ground. This refugee family, which included 5 year old Israel and his brother and sisters, had traveled thousands of miles to arrive here because they knew the United States to be the land of hope for people like them.
The boy, Israel Berlin, grew up to be Irving Berlin who became a songwriter who gave us what has become our second, unofficial -- and easily singable -- national anthem, "God Bless America," an expression of Berlin's love and appreciation for the country that accepted him and his family and respected their religious beliefs. The song has its 100th birthday this year.
Somewhere amidst all the fireworks and hot dogs and flag-waving this 4th, I hope people will give some thought to the role of immigrants in this country and rethink our attitude and policies and treatment of those seeking refuge from persecution and worse. That starts with you, Mr. Trump.
Ralph
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