This is my first dairy on Daily Kos. While I've had things I wanted to say before, it would not have been right to say them. Hopefully the reasons for this will become clear.
Lest I waste your time, I want to say this isn't another dairy of Republican stupidity and duplicity. It won't confirm the choices you've made by coming here. The government isn't out to get me.
In fact, if you feel comfortable after reading this then I've probably wasted your time.
Driving back from one of California's wonderful parks I realized that, as things stand, I can't become a citizen of the United States. It was one of those thoughts that comes out of the blue without any obvious trigger but, having had it, can't be walked away from.
I came to the United States from Australia early in 2000 on a H1-B visa. While these visas (somewhat accurately) have become known for taking job opportunities from current residents you need to cast your mind back. In 2000 there really were far more jobs than could be filled by current residents.
I like to look at things as deals - something offered for something given. I see a H1-B as a deal - the United Stated government feels that I can contribute something valuable, and I feel I could gain something valuable from the experience - but no commitment is offered from either side. I could be asked to leave at the end of the visa period and I haven't promised to not just take what I get and leave.
To me it seemed like a fair deal and I haven't regretted it for a second - even though it required me to rip up my entire life and move it half way across the world.
Early this year I was fortunate enough to be granted a Green Card. To me this is a different deal - the United States government accepts that through my skills and work that I have something unique to offer and, in return, is willing to allow me to stay for an indefinite period. Again, I believe, a fair deal.
However it isn't a deal that gives me the right to interfere with the way people here govern themselves - I haven't made the commitment citizens do to earn the right to participate. I can observe but can't participate. That's why this is a first diary.
A Green Card is normally seen as the first step on the path to Citizenship. Several of my work colleages have (or are about) to gain their United States citizenship. I expected that one day I might too.
The Founding Fathers of the United States did an admirable job with the Constitution and Bill of Rights to powerfully and succinctly record their intent. With all due respect to their efforts I see it more simply.
They accepted the rights and responsibility of self determination - without the sop of Kings or Gods to fall back on. Their successes and failures would be their own. They wanted to be good people - knowing the result may be complete failure, but that it could be something great!
To me this is a very powerful and attractive philosophy - certainly one I'd like to be part of. Australia, for all its great things, really doesn't offer that.
I think becoming a citizen of a country as an adult is very different than being born into it. Children don't necessarily understand the deal being offered. As an adult you go into it with your eyes open.
The problem is that this deal seems to be being offered in bad faith. Everybody seems to want the benefits but without the sacrifices - the deal offered by the Founding Fathers becomes a hollow sham.
During the World Wars people made those sacrifices - even at the cost of their own lives. True courage.
However I think this generation is being asked for something harder - will they save the United States? Will they reclaim it from autocratic leaders and pervasive religion? Will the will of the Citizens be reflected by their government – which, after all, only exists on their behalf?
Where are the leaders who accept the consequences involved in saving the country? The Republicans have already showed their hand here, but Democratic triangulation is just another way to claim the benefits without the sacrifices. More importantly, how can such a leader arise from either party, with the process favoring only those who promise the citizens everything they want without asking for anything in return?
In Starship Troopers Jonny Rico says:
Someone asked me once if I knew the difference between a civilian and a citizen. I know now. A citizen has the courage to make the safety of the human race their personal responsibility. Dizzy was my friend. She was a soldier. But most important, she was a citizen of the Federation.
Noble thoughts - but how could I become a citizen without knowing the real answer?